Scope of the inspection
The home inspector will provide a visual inspection by looking at the home's various systems, including interior and exterior components. The inspector will check exterior components including roofing, flashing, chimneys, gutters, downspouts, wall surfaces, the foundation and the grading around it.
- Foundation, Exterior walls, Roof
- Windows, Exterior doors, Interior doors, Kitchen cabinets
- Attic (including insulation), Ceilings Walls
- Plumbing system
- Electrical system
- Heating / Air conditioning system
- Floors and flooring
- Insulation in walls
- Ventilation
- Septic tank or sewer connection
- Well and water pump or water lines
- Other buildings such as detached garage
- Lot : drainage away from building, slopes, natural vegetation
- Driveway
- Common areas (for condominiums/stratas)
- Overall opinion of structural integrity of the building(s)
- Other areas
Note that if the inspection takes place
in the winter, the roof and the
foundation may not be fully visible
for inspection if they are covered with
snow and ice. For safety and insurance
reasons, the home inspector is not
required to climb up on a roof to look
at it but will make all possible efforts
to do so. However, the home inspector
will inspect the roof from the ground.
This also applies to the chimney and
downspouts. If problems or symptoms
beyond the scope of the inspection are
found, the home inspector may
recommend further evaluation.
Interior systems the home inspector
will check include electrical, heating,
air conditioning, ventilation, plumbing,
insulation, flooring, ceiling and wall
finishes, windows and doors.
As with the outside of the home, the
inspection of the interior systems is
visual, meaning that the inspector
will not be able to see behind walls
or under the floor. A home inspection does
not include appraisals, exact
quotes for repairs, or pointing out
noncompliance with building code
requirements. A home inspection is
not intended to provide warranties
or guarantees. A home inspection
is intended to help you make an
informed decision about buying your
home. A home inspection is not to be
mistaken as a warranty on the house.