What’s Included in a Home Inspection

What’s Included in a Home Inspection
We inspect a variety of different kinds of properties, from all types of single family homes, multi-family homes, small and medium-sized commercial properties, condominium complex builder to HOA turnovers, to out-of-state vacation homes. What is inspected will vary to some small degree, but what is outlined below pretty much remains the same. There are literally thousands of individual things that are looked at.

SITE and BUILDING EXTERIOR
Our inspection of the site includes slope, proper drainage, walkways, patios, fences, gates, vegetation, curbs, gutters, and retaining walls. Inspection of the exterior includes the siding and trim, windows, doors, foundation, soffits and eaves, flashing, decks, porches and railings. These items are visually inspected for deficiencies and proper function, abnormal wear and overall condition.

ROOFING
A roof system consists of the deck or sheathing, the shingles or covering, numerous penetrations, such as plumbing vents, furnace exhaust vents, attic vents, skylights, and chimneys. Each penetration should have approved flashing and be sealed to prevent water penetration. Most roofs also have a drainage system consisting of valleys and gutters. The rafters and/or trusses will be covered in the attic section of the report. We will inspect these items for damage, deterioration and improper installation by walking the roof, when the slope, material, and weather permit. If we are unable to walk the roof, it will be checked from the edge with a ladder, and/or from the ground with binoculars. If the weather is the reason the roof cannot be walked, we will come back to the property when the roof can be walked, at no additional charge. Opinions stated herein concerning the roof are based on the general condition of the roof system as evidenced by our visual inspection. These do not constitute a warranty that the roof is, or will remain, free of leaks.

INTERIOR
Our inspection of the interior is done on a room-by-room basis and includes the present condition of the walls, floors ceiling, trim, steps, stairways, fireplace, smoke detectors, balconies and railings. In addition, we check the condition and operation of electrical outlets, switches and fixtures, doors, windows, exposed plumbing components and fixtures, appliances and hardware. These features are visually examined for proper function, excessive wear and general state of repair. Unless a noteworthy condition is found, each individual room will not be noted in the report. Some of these components may not be visible because of furnishings and/or storage. In such cases these items cannot be inspected.

ATTIC
The attic contains the roof framing and ceiling insulation. It may serve as a raceway for components of the mechanical and electrical systems. There are often heating ducts, electrical wiring and appliance vents in the attic. We visually examine the attic components for proper function, excessive or unusual wear, general state of repair, leakage, venting and misguided improvements. Where walking in an unfinished attic can result in damage to the ceiling, or when there were no indicators of a noteworthy condition, inspection may be performed from the access opening only.

HEATING
A heating system consists of the heating plant, operation and safety controls, venting and the means of distribution. These items are visually examined for proper function, excessive or unusual wear and general state of repair. Regular servicing and inspection of fuel-burning heating systems by qualified technicians is strongly encouraged.

PLUMBING SYSTEM
A plumbing system consists of the domestic water supply lines, waste and vent lines, and gas lines. Inspection of the plumbing system is limited to visible faucets, fixtures, valves, drains, traps, exposed pipes and fittings. These items are examined for proper function, excessive or unusual wear, leakage and general state of repair. The hidden nature of piping prevents inspection of every pipe and joint. A sewer lateral test, necessary to determine the condition of the underground sewer lines, is beyond the scope of this home inspection. If desired, a qualified individual could be retained for such a test. Our review of the plumbing system does not include on-site and/or private water supply and waste disposal systems. Review of these systems requires a specialist.

DOMESTIC HOT WATER
Our review of water heaters includes the tank, water and gas connections, electrical connections, venting and safety valves. These items are examined for proper function, leakage and general state of repair. The hidden nature of piping and venting prevents inspection of every pipe, joint, vent and connection. Since hot water demand is strictly a function of lifestyle, we cannot render opinions as to the adequacy of any domestic hot water supply as it might relate to your particular needs.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
An electrical system consists of the service, distribution wiring and convenience outlets comprised of switches, lights and receptacles. Our inspection of the electrical system includes the exposed and accessible conductors, branch circuitry, panels, overcurrent protection devices, and a random sampling of convenience outlets. Capacity, grounding and circuit protection are focal points. We look for adverse conditions such as improper installation of aluminum wiring, lack of grounding, overfusing, exposed wiring, running splices, reversed polarity and fused neutrals. The hidden nature of the electrical wiring prevents inspection of every length of wire.

KITCHEN
The kitchen is visually inspected for proper function of components, active leakage, excessive or unusual wear and general state of repair. We inspect built-in appliances to the extent possible using normal operating controls. Freestanding stoves are operated but portable dishwashers, and portable microwave ovens are not tested.

BATHROOMS
Bathrooms are visually inspected for proper function of components, active leakage, excessive or unusual wear and general state of repair. Fixtures are tested using normal operating features and controls.

SUB-STRUCTURE
The structural elements of a building include the foundation, footings, all lower support framing and components, wall framing and roof framing. These items are examined, where visible, for proper function, unusual conditions and general state of repair. Many structural components are inaccessible because they are buried below grade or behind finishes. Therefore, much of the structural inspection is performed by identifying resultant symptoms of movement, damage and deterioration. Where there are no visible symptoms, conditions requiring further review or repair may go undetected and identification will not be possible. We make no representations as to the internal conditions or stability’s of soils and concrete footings and foundations, except as exhibited by their performance.

Finding an inspector

Home Inspection: What to Expect and What to Inspect

Inspection day is often one of the most exciting moments of home buying because it’s likely the first chance you have to go inside the home since you made your offer. It’s also usually the last chance you’ll have until a final walkthrough. But more importantly, it’s your opportunity to make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into when it comes to the condition of the home.

Home inspections can be reassuring, fun and exhausting all at the same time.

Home inspections don’t just provide you with a list of problems you want to negotiate with the seller to fix or something catastrophic that makes you back out of the deal altogether. It will provide you a detailed report that is something of a “new owner’s manual” for the home. It will include maintenance tips and schedules you should follow.

Finding an inspector

You should hire a certified, professional inspector to conduct a thorough inspection. How do you choose one? Along with agents, lenders and other home pros, Zillow has lists of inspectors with reviews. You can use the Agent Finder tool to find all kinds of real estate pros, including inspectors. Get recommendations, check their online reviews and study their websites. Get a sample report to make sure what they will produce is thorough. Your agent probably has suggestions but you don’t need to use them.
You will want to be clear on exactly what is and isn’t included in the inspection price. Will they test for lead paint? How about asbestos in the ceiling tiles? Is that part of the basic inspection or will it cost more? The price, though you will pay it, is probably the least of your concerns. Most inspectors are in a similar range of $300-$500 anyway and any fluctuation is a small price to pay for what you will get. Early in the home buying process start researching inspectors and have at least a couple in mind, especially if the market is busy. You’ll need to be sure you can get an inspection scheduled within your contract timeline, so if your first choice isn’t available, you need someone waiting in the wings.

Inspection day

You should plan on being there and your agent should be right there with you the entire time. Chances are the seller’s agent will be there, too to help get any quick answers the inspector might need. Block off the entire morning or afternoon. Home inspections take time and you don’t want to rush through it. During this time, follow along as much as you can. You don’t have to follow the inspector into the crawlspace – they bring protective clothing just for that – but anyplace reasonably accessible, you should go too.
You aren’t being a pest. (That’s a different inspection altogether. If you have any reason for concern, hire an additional pest inspection.) You’re being a student. Inspectors will explain your home’s systems and give you maintenance tips. Those should also be in the final report, along with pictures. But hearing and seeing it in person is helpful. The day of inspection will probably feel like a whirlwind of activity. You may be a little nervous about what the home inspector will find. It will help if you make like a Boy Scout: Be Prepared.

Home inspection checklist

You should start preparing for a professional inspection when you initially tour the home, before making an offer. This will give you an idea if there are any areas you want the inspector to pay special attention to. A good inspector will address these issues in the report you pay for. Use this checklist to help figure out what to look for ahead of time and in the final report. If any of these items aren’t covered in the inspection report, ask why not.
Foundation: Look at the base of the walls and the ceilings in each room. Are there obvious cracks or apparent shifts in the foundation? Do the same around the outside. Are there any trees encroaching on the foundation?
Lot: Does the drainage appear to be away from the house? Are there any obvious soggy areas?
Roof: What is the overall condition? When was it last replaced?
Exterior: Does the house look like it will need repairs or repainting soon? Are gutters and downspouts firmly attached? Are there loose boards or dangling wires? Is there asbestos in the exterior material, which would require added costs if it needed to be repaired or replaced?
Attic: How does the interior of the roof structure look? Are there any signs of leaks?
Interior evidence of leaks: Check ceilings and around windows in each room.
Basement: Is there dampness? Adequate insulation? (If there’s a crawlspace instead of a basement, you might want to leave this for the professional home inspection.)
Electrical: Do the switches work? Are there any obvious malfunctions? Have the outlets been grounded? Is the panel updated and expandable for additional appliances or a potential remodel?
Plumbing: Any unusual noises or malfunctions? Has the sewer line been scoped to check for potential cracks?
Appliances: If these are included, what is the age and condition of the stove, dishwasher or refrigerator?
Heating/cooling system: Does it seem to do the job? How old is the furnace? If the system has been converted, are the old systems or tanks still in place?
Odor: Does the home smell? Can you detect what it might be and whether it could be fixed? Beware of musty odors which could signal a wet basement.

Full disclosure

In addition to your own eyes, ears and nose, you should get a seller’s disclosure statement before your inspection. Use the statement to help you pinpoint anything you want your inspector to look at. If they disclosed that they had a leaky window replaced or repaired, make sure that gets some extra attention from your inspector.
Disclosure requirements vary by state and sometimes local jurisdictions, so ask your real estate agent if you have any questions about what is included. Disclosure typically comes in the form of boilerplate documents with a series of yes/no questions for the seller to detail their home and their experience there.
One thing to look for is whether any unpermitted work has been done. If so, you could be on the hook for bringing the house up to code should you ever remodel. Even if that’s not even remotely on your radar, unpermitted work needs to be carefully inspected, particularly electrical and plumbing work.

Inspectors aren’t perfect

What happens if your inspection comes back clean but you find problems after you move in? It depends. First, the inspection will only cover things they can see. They aren’t tearing out walls and don’t have x-ray vision so problems that are truly hidden aren’t really their fault. (Unless they missed what should have been obvious signs of a potential hidden problem.)
Look carefully at your contract. Will they pay for repairs of things they should have caught but didn’t? Or will they only refund your inspection fee? The bottom line is that you may end up taking them to court if it’s a big enough deal. So a leaky faucet? That’s just the joy of homeownership. A structural failure that leads to the home being condemned? Probably worth talking with a lawyer. But you should also understand that things happen. This is part of being a homeowner. An inspector can’t forecast the future. Sometimes stuff happens.

Home Inspector Widefield, Security, Colorado Springs

The property buying process doesn't need to be stressful and complicated. Choosing a Certified and experienced Home Inspector will give you the knowledge and confidence you need to make sound decision in the purchase of your new home. At Colorado Springs Home Inspections, our comprehensive inspections and commitment to honesty, accuracy and integrity bring you peace of mind.
We take the time to do the job right. We spend time with you, clearly explaining our findings, giving you real answers that can help you make the right decision. We understand how important a real estate purchase is to you. During the course of our inspection we will check almost 2000 items. When the inspection is complete, we will present a summary of our findings to you in a binder format & you will have all the information you need to make an informed decision about the purchase of the property. It does not end there, we will keep a copy of the report to help us answer your questions at anytime in the future.
The cost of a home inspection is very small compared to the cost of a home and most home repairs. As a home buyer, you have been crunching numbers, negotiating offers, adding up closing costs and trying to get the best deals. Now comes the most important part of the process, the Home Inspection! The home buying experience can be stressful at times, but by finding the right home inspector, many problems can be avoided. You should know exactly what to expect inside and out of your new home. At Colorado Springs Home Inspection, you have found the right home inspector. As a Custom Home Builder with over 25 years of experience, I have the experience it takes to accurately assess the current condition of a home. During my building years, I have had the opportunity to work on every single stage of the construction process, I know how it should all fit together and properly operate. The goal is to identify how the house is operating, how all the systems and components of the home are working together. If you take care of your home (which could be as minor as changing an air filter, or as major as replacing a roof before it leaks), you will save money from preventative maintenance, and more importantly your home will start to pay you back through increased equity and pride of ownership.

Home Inspections Fountain Colorado

Fountain Colorado Home Inspections

Fountain Colorado Home Inspections is here to serve you. We want to provide you with the information you need to make informed, intelligent decisions concerning the purchase of your new home. Buying a new home is an exciting time but can also be very stressful. There are numerous details and deadlines to consider, and being concerned about the condition of your prospective home is where we specialize in bringing you peace of mind. One phone call to schedule your home inspection is all it takes. We adjust to your schedule so you can be present at the inspection, and we notify all parties involved in scheduling the inspection.

Our philosophy is that no one should have to make a real estate purchase without knowing everything possible about the property by way of a complete home inspection. We back this up with real investigative knowledge gathered through the use of our tools and tradecraft.

Along with a thorough Fountain Colorado Home Inspection, we offer clear, professional communication to our clients and the Realtor community. With most real estate transactions being time sensitive, Fountain Colorado Home Inspections delivers your report via email the same day as your inspection. Our Home Inspection report is easy to understand and includes digital photos and detailed condition indicators. We also provide a clear, concise and easy to read summary.

Colorado Springs Premier Home Inspection Services

Colorado's Leading Home Inspection Company

Colorado Springs Premier Inspection Services specializes in residential properties. Our most popular inspections include home buyer's inspections, new construction, existing residential, multi-units, condos, manufactured homes, pre-listing inspections and 11th month inspections where new home warranties are about to expire.
Purchasing a home is one of the biggest investments you will make. For peace of mind, it’s important to understand everything possible regarding the home you are about to purchase. At Colorado Springs Premier Home Inspections, we are committed to providing you with the best home inspection service, so you can be confident in buying or selling a property anywhere in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and the surrounding suburbs.
A property inspection should be ordered immediately after reaching a written purchase agreement with the seller. Most real estate purchase agreements include a clause making the purchase contingent on a home inspection.
Colorado Springs Premier Inspection Services will be there to represent you! We will inspect the entire house including all systems and components both exterior and interior. We encourage our clients to attend the home inspection. Walk with us throughout the process and ask questions so they may be better informed about the property they are buying. At the conclusion of the inspection the customer will receive a computer generated inspection report that describes the condition of everything in the house with an easy-to-read summary. Our Licensed and Certified Home Inspector will spend 3 to 4 hours thoroughly evaluating all aspects of the property you are purchasing, from the roof to the foundation and all areas in between.
We take pride in the services we provide. Our customers will have the confidence in knowing that they are getting the best inspection. Our inspectors are honest and dependable with extensive training and experience. We’ll help ensure that your new home is all you’ve dreamed it would be. We will answer any questions you may have about your home so contact us today.

Colorado Springs, Colorado Home Inspections

Colorado Springs Home Inspector

Colorado Springs, Colorado Home Inspections

Get a Home Inspection in Colorado Springs. Colorado Springs Home Inspections, is a certified and insured, local, family-owned home inspection company based in Colorado Springs, Colorado. We offer many types of home inspection services and additional testing services that provide a great deal of value while keeping our pricing competitive. We have earned hundreds of 5-star reviews over the years and a great reputation in our community, of which we are extremely proud and attribute to our great team of inspectors. In the state of Colorado, no regulations exist for home inspectors. Anyone can decide one day they want to be a home inspector and perform an inspection the very next day with little or no training. This is completely legal! No matter what company you choose to do a home inspection, it is vital that you check to ensure your inspector has elected to become certified, has prior experience, and is properly insured. All of our inspectors are certified through the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI), which has the highest industry standards, to include a continuing education requirement and a code of ethics that must be followed. In addition to certification, our inspectors collectively possess extensive backgrounds in construction, and have thousands of home inspections under their belts. With this experience you can be confident you are receiving the very best possible service, and we will inspect your home as if our own families will be be living there.

You can be confident in the inspection services we provide and the top notch inspectors who perform them. We take great pride in standing behind our work. In the unlikely event our inspector misses something that should have been noted on the report and is within the standards of a non-invasive home inspection, we will send someone out to make repairs at no cost to you. Colorado Springs is local, and our team lives in this community. Our inspectors are your neighbors and will treat you as such with personal service and high integrity. We understand our reputation is on the line and, in a business that thrives by word of mouth, we can assure you we earn our excellent reputation by taking care of our clients who have put their trust in us.

Nervous about your inspection? The process can be stressful. A home inspection should give you peace of mind, although initially it sometimes has the opposite effect. You will be asked to absorb considerable information in a short time, which includes a written report, photographs, environmental reports, and comments by inspector during the inspection. All of this, combined with the seller’s disclosure and what you personally notice, can make the experience even more overwhelming. What should you do?

Relax. Most of your inspection will involve your Colorado Springs, Colorado home inspector making maintenance recommendations, giving life expectancy for various systems and components, and noting minor imperfections. This information is useful.

An example of this would be a structural failure. Issues that lead to major defects, such as a small roof flashing leak. Items that may hinder your ability to finance, legally occupy, or insure the home. Safety hazards, such as an exposed, live bus bar at the electrical panel. Anything in these categories that was noted during your home inspection in should be addressed. Often, a serious problem can be corrected inexpensively to protect both life and property.

Most sellers are honest and often surprised to learn of defects found during a home inspection. Sellers are under no obligation to repair everything mentioned in the report. No home is perfect so keep things in perspective and know that, more often than not, defects can be repaired fairly easily. Your inspector is available to answer any questions or concerns you have and will help in whatever way possible to assist you through this process.

We are the Leaders in Home Inspection

Welcome to Pueblo Home Inspection

For more than a decade, Pueblo Inspection Services has specialized in professional home inspection, commercial building inspections and mold inspection and testing services throughout Southern Colorado. We have conducted more than 9,000 home inspections collectively and are extremely proud of our reputation for providing extraordinary service on every job. Each of our inspectors are highly trained, extremely knowledgeable and have over "12" years of experience within the industry. We are constantly building on our expertise through the pursuit of education, certifications and training. We take our job very seriously and know our performance can help you avoid getting stuck with thousands of dollars in unexpected repairs.

Why should I have a home inspection?

To gain the knowledge needed to make the right purchasing decision. So that you are not stuck with “Money Pit.”​

How long does an inspection take to complete?

Typically 2-3 hours on a standard size home. Of course, the larger the home, the more extended the inspection. We create a report as we go on a hand-held computer, which is typically ready the very next day.

Does the buyer need to be on site during the home inspection?

No; however, it is strongly recommended.

Does the seller have to repair all items listed on the inspection report?

This always depends on the contract, and your agent is the best person to guide you through the contract.

"Let our trained professionals help you find the right home with a pre-purchase home inspection. We inspect everything in the home to ensure the quality of essentials like Roofs, Electrical Systems, A/Cs, Heating Systems, and Plumbing. Our home inspection professionals will provide you with a full report."

Fountain Colorado Home Inspector

Why should you choose Fountain Colorado Home Inspector?

Fountain Colorado Home Inspector provides a 200% guarantee on every inspection we perform. If you are not completely satisfied and believe our inspection service is the absolute best, we not only will refund your full inspection fee but also pay another ASHI-certified inspector of your choice to re-inspect the property. Click here for further details.

We are independent.

We work for you. We will give you the straight facts about the condition of the home you are about to purchase. We are also a locally-owned company with one inspector, not part of a nationwide franchise or a multi-inspector firm. Companies with multiple inspectors may be able to get your inspection done faster, but you will likely end up with an inspector who has less experience or training.

We are thorough and detailed.

We usually do only 2 inspections per day. This allows us the time needed to do a thorough inspection of your home, explain the findings to you and answer any questions that you may have. If you are able to attend the inspection, we will show you the location of all of your main disconnects, explain any issues that were found, and walk you through all of the pictures that were taken during the inspection. The pictures will also be included in the narrative-style report that will be emailed to you the same day as the inspection.

We are qualified.

Did you know that in the great state of Colorado, there are no regulations or licensing requirements for home inspectors? That's right; anyone with a flashlight can call themselves a home inspector. This is why it is so important to only hire an ASHI-certified inspector. In order to become ASHI certified, Inspectors have to prove themself by successfully passing the National Home Inspectors Technical and Ethics Exams, They are required to send ASHI a random sampling of the reports to insure that they meet ASHI’s strict standards and had to prove that they have performed more than 250 inspections.

We write better reports.

Our reports are computer-generated, easy to understand and well-organized, not to mention detailed and thorough. They are specific to your house and type of construction, not a generic preprinted checklist. We use color-coded narratives for easy navigation and include pictures and illustrations so you don't need a construction background to understand what we’re talking about. However, if you do have any questions after reviewing your report, we’re always a phone call away and we are happy to further explain items or answer any of your inspection-related questions.

Our business philosophy is simple.

We inspect your home as if our family was going to live in it. You'll learn things about the home you wouldn't find out any other way, such as maintenance tips, safety concerns, areas to monitor and estimated life expectancy of vital components. We will take the time to explain the systems and components of the home, show you where your main disconnects are, and answer any questions you may have. We’re also available for questions even after you move in, We want to be your "building consultant for life."

Full inspections include, but are not limited to the following items:

• Roof, vents, flashings, and trim
• Gutters and downspouts
• Skylight, chimney and other roof penetrations
• Decks, stoops, porches, walkways, and railings
• Eaves and fascia
• Grading and drainage
• Basement, foundation and crawlspace
• Water penetration and foundation movement

• Heating systems
• Cooling systems
• Main water shut off valves
• Water heating system
• Interior plumbing fixtures and faucets
• Drainage sump pumps with accessible floats
• Electrical service line and meter box

• Main disconnect and service amperage
• Electrical panels, breakers and fuses
• Grounding and bonding
• GFCIs and AFCIs
• Fireplace damper door and hearth
• Insulation and ventilation
• Garage doors, safety sensors, and openers

Home or Residential Inspections as Per ASHI Standards
Under 1,000 sq. ft	$249.50
1,000 to 1,500 sq. ft	$297.80
1,500 to 2,000 sq. ft	$323.75
2,000 to 2,500 sq. ft	$351.10
2,500 – 3,000 sq. ft	$377.30
3,000 – 3,500 sq. ft	$401.15
3,500 – 4,000 sq. ft	$426.35
Every 1,000 sq. ft over 4,000	add $99.75
Age of Home
10 to 20 years	+$24.97
20 to 50 years	+ $49.95
50 to 75 years	+ $74.83
75 to 100 years	+ $99.83
Over 100 years	+$124.75

Colorado Springs Home Inspection

Are you planning on buying a home in Colorado Springs? Whether it's a new home construction or house that has been developed for a few years or many years, it's a great idea to have the home inspected by a qualified Colorado Springs home inspector.
Buying a home is not like buying a car and a home purchase is most likely the biggest investment most people will make in their lifetime. At Champion Home Inspections you get a certified home inspector who will look out for the best interest of the Colorado Springs home buyer. As a Colorado Springs home inspector serving the Colorado Springs area our home inspection for each home is done thoroughly as we know where to look and what to look for. You're going to be spending a significant of money for your home, the last thing you need is to move into your new home and have problems a few month later that can cause you to spend even more money and could financially put your family in a setback.
We have seen over the years that some people are trying to sell their homes without a real estate agent. In most cases these transactions have caused the home sellers and buyers even more money because there were things that they weren't familiar with. We believe the home inspection is one of the most important parts of your real estate transaction. Even if you're home is a new construction it's a good idea to have a Colorado Springs home inspection company who is looking out for your best interest to inspect the home. Unfortunately not all builders will do everything to code and you never know when something might slip through the cracks.
Getting your Colorado Springs home inspection done by a certified Colorado home inspector will give you and your family a peace of mind knowing that you can move into your new home and everything is going to be ok. Champion Home Inspections provides a home inspection which is as accurate and professional as possible every step of the way. After the home inspection we will provide you with an electronic report with pictures and will be available to answer any questions or concerns you might have to ensure all our customers are completely satisfied.
Champion Home Inspection serving Colorado Springs for all its Home Inspection Needs!