It’s essential to understand what a home inspection is and what it’s not. We hope this post clears up any lingering questions you may have about what a North Carolina home inspection checklist includes. “According to North Carolina state law, home inspectors must visually examine structural components, such as the foundation, floors, walls, ceilings, and roofing, as well as the electrical equipment, plumbing, heating, and air conditioning units and built-in kitchen appliances,” says Nerd Wallet.
Doherty Home Inspections inspects chimneys and flues and heat distribution systems. A thorough home inspector checks the insulation and ventilation, including insulation and vapor retarders, attics and foundation areas, and a home’s internal venting systems (kitchen, bath, laundry). Our inspections and reports go above and beyond NC standards of practice because you deserve to have more than just the minimum information required. No corner is left unturned!
1. Inside the home, items inspected include electrical outlets, water flow and temperature, built-in kitchen appliances, including dishwashers, ranges, cooktops, garbage disposals, above-range microwaves, and smoke/carbon monoxide detectors.
2. Heating and cooling systems (seasonally dependent) and all the plumbing fixtures are tested to see if they function correctly. A thorough inspector will also check the visible plumbing water supply lines and distribution, draining systems, hot water, doors, and windows.
3. Walls, ceilings, floors, and stairs are examined for stability and safety and any signs of previous water damage.
4. It’s no wonder experienced Home Inspectors have a wide range of knowledge about home structures and their internal systems! We keep our eyes peeled for anything that could become potentially unsafe, costly, etc.
5. Electrical, including the service line and meter box, amperage and voltage, electric panels, fuses, breakers, grounding, smoke, and carbon monoxide detectors, are also carefully inspected.
For those who would like a quick refresher, here is a partial list of the items that we check during a home inspection:
1. THE ROOF
2. ROOFING MATERIALS
3. GUTTER SYSTEM
4. SOFFITS
5. FASCIA
6. SIDING
7. FOUNDATION
8. GRADING
9. STAIRS AND STEPS
10. DECKS
11. GARAGES AND GARAGE DOORS
12. EAVES
13. BALCONIES
14. PORCHES
15. DRIVEWAYS
16. WALKWAYS
17. RETAINING WALLS
18. VEGETATION NEAR HOUSE
19. DRAINAGE
20. PATIO
After the examination process, the home inspectors will further clarify their findings. They may suggest following up with a plumber or possibly further testing given results such as mold intrusion or suspicion of radon. We hope this clarifies the home inspection process and why it’s crucial to trust experienced home inspectors to go above and beyond!
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Doherty Home Inspections currently serves Chapel Hill, Pittsboro, Durham, Cary, Wake Forest, Raleigh, and the entire Triangle area. We’ve performed over 1,000 home inspections and counting. If we can assist you or you have any general questions, reach out to Lori by email to get started. —> lori@dohertyhomeinspections.com or (919) 914-0606
