Home inspections provide a structured, visual, non-invasive look at a residence. The review covers structure and envelope, roofing and drainage, interior elements, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and life-safety details. Tools such as moisture meters, thermal imaging, outlet testers, borescopes, and gas leak detectors help reveal issues that aren’t obvious at a glance. Findings are organized in an illustrated report with locations, severity, likely causes where evident, and suggested next steps.

Inspection types

• Pre-purchase and pre-listing evaluations
• Pre-remodel planning and scope alignment
• Pre-drywall checks of framing, rough-ins, and penetrations
• One-year warranty reviews for new homes
• Seasonal or annual maintenance surveys
• Re-inspections to verify specific repairs

What’s observed

• Site, grading, and drainage paths; retaining features
• Roof covering, flashings, gutters, and attic ventilation
• Structure: foundations (where visible), framing cues, and movement indicators
• Exterior: siding, trim, windows, doors, and sealants
• Interior: walls, ceilings, floors, stairs, and egress elements
• Electrical: service size, panels, bonding/grounding, devices, GFCI/AFCI function
• Plumbing: supply lines, fixtures, water heater, visible drains and vents
• HVAC: equipment condition, filters, ducting, thermostat function, basic temperature split
• Life safety: smoke/CO alarms, handrails/guards, garage-fire separation notes

Tools and methods

• Thermal imaging for heat loss and potential moisture anomalies
• Moisture meters at suspicious surfaces and transitions
• Outlet and GFCI/AFCI testers; non-contact voltage checks
• Borescope for limited cavity views; mirror and flashlight for tight areas
• Combustible gas detector at appliances and piping
• Drone or camera pole for roofs where safe access isn’t available (where permitted)

Process overview

• Intake: goals, areas of concern, access notes, and occupancy status
• On-site review: exterior to interior, lowest to highest, systems exercised where safe
• Documentation: annotated photos, locations, model/serials where applicable
• Report: findings grouped by priority with suggested next steps or specialists
• Review: walk-through or call to clarify items and plan follow-up

Reporting and deliverables

• Illustrated report with location references and plain-language summaries
• Priority levels (safety, significant, maintenance/monitor)
• Sketches or marked plans for key items when needed
• Lists for repair, further evaluation, or monitoring

Coordination and referrals

• Structural engineering review when primary load paths are in question
• Licensed electricians, plumbers, or HVAC technicians for detailed diagnostics
• Pest inspectors, sewer line scoping, chimney specialists, or roofers as indicated
• Energy assessments or blower-door testing where performance is a focus

Quality benchmarks

• Consistent, methodical coverage with clear photo evidence
• Specific locations and measurements where relevant
• Balanced language that separates observation from speculation
• Transparent limits: areas not accessed and conditions affecting the review

Typical timeline

• Site visit: 2–4 hours for a typical single-family home
• Report delivery: usually within 24–48 hours
• Re-inspection of specific items: 30–90 minutes

Limits and considerations

• Visual, non-invasive scope; concealed areas are not opened without authorization
• Weather and access can affect roof and exterior observations
• Systems may be untestable if shut down or unsafe at the time of visit
• Specialized testing (e.g., lab analysis, destructive probes) is outside standard scope

The aim is clarity: a dependable snapshot of structure and systems, with enough detail to plan repairs, prioritize safety, and line up the right specialists when needed.