GENERAL HOME INSPECTION

The general home inspection is performed according to the Texas Real Estate Commissions Standard of Practice, and covers the structural and mechanical components of the home. These areas represent the most costly systems to repair or replace within the home.

There are hundreds of points that are inspected during the inspection process; the following information will give you a basic idea of topics that are covered. The information below is only a representation of a Home Inspection and is not all-inclusive. For a detailed list of all topics and limitations, log on to the Texas Real Estate Commission site for the Standard of Practice.

The Structural Components consist of the following: (click on text for more information about each item)

- Foundation
- Site Drainage
- Framing Structure
- Exterior Walls, Doors, Windows, Glazing and Flashing
- Interior Walls, Doors, Ceilings, Floors, Stairways, Balconies and Railings
- Fireplace
- Roof Structure, Attic Ventilation and Insulation
- Roof Covering and Flashings
- Porches & Decks

The Mechanical Components consist of the following: (click on text for more information about each item)

- Appliances
- Air Conditioning, Heating, Ducts and Vents
- Plumbing
- Electrical
- Outdoor Systems and attachments such as pool/spa equipment and lawn sprinkler systems

Foundation / Site Drainage / Framing Structure / Exterior Walls, Doors, Windows, Glazing and Flashing / Interior Walls, Doors, Ceilings, Floors, Stairways, Balconies and Railings / Fireplace / Roof Structure, Attic Ventilation and Insulation / Roof Covering and Flashings / Porches & Decks / TOP OF PAGE

Foundation

Homeowners often assume the hunk of steel and concrete that supports their home is the sole component of the foundation. Actually, a home has two foundations. The first and most important foundation is the soil beneath your home. The second is that hunk of concrete and steel known as the slab. How well the soil and the slab are supporting the framing structure is carefully evaluated.

Vegetation such as trees and shrubbery, lawn irrigation and site drainage all play a major role in preserving the integrity of the soil, slab or pier and beam foundation.

Foundation / Site Drainage / Framing Structure / Exterior Walls, Doors, Windows, Glazing and Flashing / Interior Walls, Doors, Ceilings, Floors, Stairways, Balconies and Railings / Fireplace / Roof Structure, Attic Ventilation and Insulation / Roof Covering and Flashings / Porches & Decks / TOP OF PAGE

Site Drainage

Site drainage at perimeter of dwelling is carefully evaluated. Adequate drainage around the perimeter of the dwelling, directing rainfall or the accumulation of water away from the structure to storm sewer, is critical to maintaining the integrity of the structure.

Guttering and drainage devices directing water away from perimeter of dwelling.

Foundation / Site Drainage / Framing Structure / Exterior Walls, Doors, Windows, Glazing and Flashing / Interior Walls, Doors, Ceilings, Floors, Stairways, Balconies and Railings / Fireplace / Roof Structure, Attic Ventilation and Insulation / Roof Covering and Flashings / Porches & Decks / TOP OF PAGE

Framing Structure

The framing structure is inspected for weakness caused from improper installation or racking due to foundation movement.

Foundation / Site Drainage / Framing Structure / Exterior Walls, Doors, Windows, Glazing and Flashing / Interior Walls, Doors, Ceilings, Floors, Stairways, Balconies and Railings / Fireplace / Roof Structure, Attic Ventilation and Insulation / Roof Covering and Flashings / Porches & Decks / TOP OF PAGE

Exterior Walls, Doors, Windows, Glazing and flashing

Exterior wall covers are inspected for deterioration, flashing, weep holes, condition of paint and the coverings ability to protect the dwelling from the elements.

Exterior doors inspected for condition, operation and weather striping.

Windows are inspected for operation, glazing, caulking, flashing and egress.

Foundation / Site Drainage / Framing Structure / Exterior Walls, Doors, Windows, Glazing and Flashing / Interior Walls, Doors, Ceilings, Floors, Stairways, Balconies and Railings / Fireplace / Roof Structure, Attic Ventilation and Insulation / Roof Covering and Flashings / Porches & Decks / TOP OF PAGE

Interior Walls, Doors, Ceilings, Floors, Stairways, Balconies and Railings

Interior walls, ceilings and floors are inspected for load bearing weaknesses and water penetration.

Interior doors are inspected for condition and function, stairways, balconies and railings for proper installation and safety.

Foundation / Site Drainage / Framing Structure / Exterior Walls, Doors, Windows, Glazing and Flashing / Interior Walls, Doors, Ceilings, Floors, Stairways, Balconies and Railings / Fireplace / Roof Structure, Attic Ventilation and Insulation / Roof Covering and Flashings / Porches & Decks / TOP OF PAGE

Fireplace

Fireplace components such as firebox, hearth, flue, and gas log lighters are inspected for condition and safe installation.

Foundation / Site Drainage / Framing Structure / Exterior Walls, Doors, Windows, Glazing and Flashing / Interior Walls, Doors, Ceilings, Floors, Stairways, Balconies and Railings / Fireplace / Roof Structure, Attic Ventilation and Insulation / Roof Covering and Flashings / Porches & Decks / TOP OF PAGE

Roof Structure, Attic Ventilation and Insulation

Roof structure is inspected for water penetration, condition and proper construction such as span, spacing and bracing of rafters.

Attic ventilation and insulation are critical components contributing to the homes efficiency and durability that are evaluated.

Foundation / Site Drainage / Framing Structure / Exterior Walls, Doors, Windows, Glazing and Flashing / Interior Walls, Doors, Ceilings, Floors, Stairways, Balconies and Railings / Fireplace / Roof Structure, Attic Ventilation and Insulation / Roof Covering and Flashings / Porches & Decks / TOP OF PAGE

Roof Covering, Flashings

Roof coverings and flashings are inspected from roof level when possible and examined for condition, damage and proper installation to prevent water penetration.

Foundation / Site Drainage / Framing Structure / Exterior Walls, Doors, Windows, Glazing and Flashing / Interior Walls, Doors, Ceilings, Floors, Stairways, Balconies and Railings / Fireplace / Roof Structure, Attic Ventilation and Insulation / Roof Covering and Flashings / Porches & Decks / TOP OF PAGE

Porches and decks

Porch and deck components are inspected for condition and proper attachment points to the dwelling.

Appliances / Air Conditioning, Heating, Ducts and Vents / Plumbing / Electrical / Outdoor Systems and Attachments/ TOP OF PAGE

Appliances

Appliances such as dishwasher, food waste disposer, oven, range, range exhaust vent, microwave, trash compactor, bathroom exhaust vents, bathroom heaters, vacuum systems, doorbells and garage door openers are inspected for performance, damage, proper installation and safety.

Appliances / Air Conditioning, Heating, Ducts and Vents / Plumbing / Electrical / Outdoor Systems and Attachments/ TOP OF PAGE

Air Conditioning, Heating, Ducts and Vents

Air conditioning systems are inspected for proper performance by observing the humidity levels and temperature difference between the supply air and the return air.

Heating systems are inspected for signs of unsafe operation such as flame impingement and excessive scale or rust build up at combustion compartment.

Ducts are inspected for air flow, condition of insulation coverings and proper installation of supply and return plenums.

Vents and flues are inspected for safe and proper installation such as proper termination, clearances and materials.

Appliances / Air Conditioning, Heating, Ducts and Vents / Plumbing / Electrical / Outdoor Systems and Attachments/ TOP OF PAGE

Plumbing

Fixtures, faucets and piping are inspected for operation, functional flow, drainage and deficiencies.

Appliances / Air Conditioning, Heating, Ducts and Vents / Plumbing / Electrical / Outdoor Systems and Attachments/ TOP OF PAGE

Electrical

Service entrance, panels, branch circuits, and fixtures are inspected for operation, deficiencies, grounding and safe installation.

Appliances / Air Conditioning, Heating, Ducts and Vents / Plumbing / Electrical / Outdoor Systems and Attachments/ TOP OF PAGE

Outdoor Systems and Attachments

Outdoor systems and equipment such as pools, spas and lawn sprinkler systems are inspected for operation, deficiencies and safety.