Home Inspection Overview

A home cannot fail an inspection. A professional home inspection gives you an independent, unbiased view of problems and their solutions so that you will have the facts you need to make a sound, informed decision.

A home inspection is a visual examination of the observable structure of a home and all of the associated systems that make up the home. An inspection is essentially a non-invasive “visual snapshot” of a home’s condition as it exists at the time of the inspection. We are limited to what we can visually see.

A home inspection is not intended to identify every little blemish or minute surface imperfection. There are limitations as to what a home inspection will cover. Your report will have a complete list of these exclusions. Depending on the size and condition of the home, a thorough home inspection will usually take between three and four hours.

Ideally, you will accompany your inspector during the inspection so that you will have visual reinforcement of your written report. We take our inspection reports seriously. Every inspection is a complete and thorough analysis of the major systems and components in the home. The report includes a clear description of what We’ve found with any problem areas noted, so you can easily identify them. Our inspectors also provide a free telephone consultation after your inspection at your request. A thorough home inspection will include the following:

Roof - (shingles, flashings, chimneys, vents, trim and gutters, drip edges, skylights, downspouts, and other visible roof-related items)
Attics - (insulation, ventilation, rafters, joists, collar ties, trusses, wiring attachments, and other visible related items)
Plumbing and Fixtures - (water pressure, water distribution system, hose bibs, sinks and faucets, bath/showers and toilets, sanitary system, and other plumbing system components)
Interior - (floors and ceilings, walls, stairs (if applicable) and banisters, finishes, sinks, cabinets, shelving, built-in appliances, smoke detectors, and safety-related items, and other visible interior-related components)
Heating and Cooling Systems - (furnace, air cleaning parts, ductwork, air conditioner and lines, temperature differential, and other visible related HVAC components) can only safely be tested over 65 degrees. We do not test if the temperature falls below 65 degrees.
Electrical Systems - (service entry and clearances, service panel, switches and outlets, visible wiring and junction boxes, grounding system, and other related electrical components)
Basements, Crawl Spaces, and Foundation - (visible areas only, insulation, ventilation, posts, vapor barriers, utility attachment, structural items, floors and walls, and columns)
Exterior - (siding materials, attachments, windows, doors, sashes and lintels, vents, entryways, and other visible exterior-related components)
Decks and Porches
Fireplaces
Overall Structure

*We do not inspect appliances such as, refrigerators, water softeners, washers, and dryers etc.

Pool and Spa

Pools and Spas We evaluate the current condition of all accessible pool components

Pool, Spas Pool/spa placement and protection. This includes fencing, gates, screen enclosure, proximity to electrical wires, location of electrical outlets, and placement to the home.

Pool/spa equipment. This includes inspection of pool/spa lights, the presence of GFCI devices, junction box condition and location, pumps, filters, piping, timers, disconnects, heaters, controls, accessories, skimmers, and the appropriate electrical bonding in place.

Pool/spa equipment operation. This includes the pump operation, inspection for leakage, proper skimming and filtration, heater activation, filter pressure and the operation of the spa blower.

Pool/spa vessel and coping. This includes the pool and deck surface condition (cracks, discoloration, and pitting) and the coping surrounding the pool (open joints, cracking). Drains are inspected for the presence of anti-vortex covers for safety reasons.

A home inspection is not a guarantee or warranty that no defects exist. You may need to live in the home to uncover some items not covered by the home inspection. We cannot see inside walls and under the flooring. Areas to be inspected must be readily accessible, free of personal property and debris, and must be observable and not hidden. We will not inspect areas deemed hazardous or if the inspector believes damage may occur from the inspection. Your inspector will not do destructive testing nor disassemble systems’ components. Areas blocked with personal property and debris will not be inspected. Your inspector cannot speculate what he thinks he might find. He must be able to observe the condition during the inspection. We are limited to what we can visually see. For example, we do not inspect roofing under lament, piping, and drains behind the walls or underground. Please see below the standards and practices tab and our report for a complete list of exclusions. Other exclusions are clearly stated in the State of Arizona Home Inspection Standards.

OUTSIDE SCOPE OF INSPECTION;

We Do Not Cover-Read our contract and report for a full list. Some examples are any area that is not exposed to view, is concealed, or is inaccessible because of soil, walls, floors, carpets, ceilings, furnishings, Roof/floor tiles, or anything that is not included in this inspection. We do not inspect roofing under lament. We do not inspect septic systems. The inspection does not include any destructive testing or dismantling. The client agrees to assume all the risk for all conditions concealed from view at the time of the inspection. This is not a home warranty, guarantee, insurance policy, or substitute for real estate transfer disclosures that law may require. A home inspection is not a guarantee or warranty that no defects exist.

We Do Not Cover- Any area that is not exposed to view, is concealed or is inaccessible because of soil, walls, floors, carpets, ceilings, furnishings, roof/floor tiles, or other such things are not included in this inspection.

The client agrees to assume all the risk for all conditions concealed from view at the time of the inspection.

Whether or not they are concealed, the following ARE OUTSIDE THE SCOPE OF THIS INSPECTION:

Specific components noted as being excluded on the individual systems inspection forms

Appliances, Refrigerators, Water Softeners, Washers and Dryers, RO Systems, fireplace inserts. (considered personal property)
We do not move items or furniture as a part of the inspection and cannot inspect items concealed from our view when inspecting occupied homes.
Certain items are considered personal property and are not inspected, like blinds, water softeners, RO systems, refrigerators, washers and dryers, security systems, etc

We always recommend a more in-depth inspection from a licensed professional on air conditioners since we cannot dismantle them and see inside to uncover freon leaks, oil leaks, proper size ductwork, and measure airflow.

Water testing for quality
Roofing under lament
Blinds/window coverings (considered personal property)
Mold
Lead Paint
Private water or private sewage systems
Washer, dryers, plumbing lines, and drains
Saunas, steam baths, or fixtures and equipment
Fire pits or gas fire pits or BBQs
We do not inspect landscaping or plants
Radio-controlled devices, automatic gates, elevators, lifts, dumbwaiters, and thermostatic or time clock controls
Water softener/purifier systems or solar heating systems
Furnace heat exchangers, freestanding appliances, security alarms, or personal property
Adequacy or efficiency of any system or component
Prediction of life expectancy of any item
Building code or zoning ordinance violations
Geological stability or soils condition
Structural stability or engineering analysis
Termites, pests, or other wood-destroying organisms
Asbestos, radon, formaldehyde, lead, water or air quality, electromagnetic radiation or any environmental hazards
Mold or other Microbial Analysis
Building value appraisal or cost estimates
Condition of detached buildings
Pool or spas bodies and underground piping

Some of the above items may be included in this inspection for additional fees – check with your inspector.

Please see our report for a complete list.

Your inspector is a home inspection generalist and is not acting as a licensed engineer or expert in any craft or trade.

If your inspector recommends consulting other specialized experts, the client must do so at the client’s expense.

OUTSIDE SCOPE OF INSPECTION

A home inspection has its limitations. It is a visual-only inspection according to industry standards. You need to know what these limitations are so you can plan accordingly on your home. You need to be informed of this issue.

The client agrees to assume all the risk for all conditions concealed from view at the time of the inspection.

This is not a home warranty, guarantee, insurance policy, or substitute for real estate transfer disclosures that the law may require. A home inspection is not a guarantee or warranty that no defects exist. Please read the entire report for findings; not all information will be in summary. The summary is saved for critical/safety hazards only. The main body of the report will hold the majority of our findings. Please read the home inspection overview and standards and practice tab to review the home inspection process and limitations fully.

Please see the report we provide to you, as there will be a complete list of limitations.

Your Trusted Home Inspection Experts Serving Scottsdale, Phoenix, and the Surrounding Areas

Schedule Your Home Inspections In Chandler, AZ

Or Call Us At (602) 757-1162

jacob zimmerman 2 weeks ago

He conducted a thorough inspection. Kyla was always available for me to discuss anything, even at 11 p.m.! He even offered to arrange for someone...Read More »

Jan Patterson a month ago

Very thorough. Readily answered questions. Does a nice job covering all aspects.

Jennifer Tennison 2 months ago

James Tennison 2 months ago

Kyle was knowledgeable, quite personable and joyful. You'd be hard pressed to find a better inspector for your home. JimT

Samantha Deacon 2 months ago

Great service!