Inspection Scope
The Scope of the Inspection
The scope of this inspection and report is limited to a visual inspection of the systems and components as listed below, in order to identify those, if any, which may need replacement or repair. This report is intended only as a guide to help the client make his/her own evaluation of the overall condition of the property, and is not intended to reflect the value of the premises, nor make any representation as to the advisability of purchase. The report expresses the personal opinions of the inspector, based upon his visual impressions of the conditions that existed at the time and date of the inspection only. The inspection and report are not intended to be technically exhaustive, or to imply that every component was inspected, or that every possible defect was discovered. No disassembly of equipment, opening of walls, moving of furniture, appliances or stored items, or excavation was performed. All components and conditions which by the nature of their location are concealed, camouflaged or difficult to inspect are excluded from the report. See Standards of Practice for a detailed description of the scope of inspection.
Exterior: Landscaping, Retaining Walls, Gutters, Downspouts, Sidewalks and Driveways (both the condition of and as they affect foundation drainage,) Roof, Chimney, Flashing, and Valleys, (for evidence of water penetration and a description of materials,) Siding, Fascia, Soffit, Walls, Widows, Doors, Foundation, Attached Porches/ Decks/ Balconies/ Patios/ Garages (both structural and condition of.)
Interior: Plumbing System: Water Supply/Drains/Vents/Water Heaters/Fixtures, and Locating (But Not Testing) Shut Off Valves; Electrical System: Service Drop, Service Panel, Ground Wire, GFCI Plugs, Switches, Receptacles, Installed Fixtures, and Smoke Detectors; Heating/Cooling System: Permanent Systems, Operating Controls/Filters/Ducts, Insulation, Vapor Barrier, and Ventilation; Bathrooms/Kitchen/Other Rooms: Doors/Windows/Walls/Floors (as to general condition), Cabinets, Counter tops, and Installed Fixtures; Structure: Ceilings/Walls/Floors, Stairs/Basements/Attic/Crawl Spaces (if readily accessible)(as to evidence of water damage and general condition.) – The scope of the inspection is limited to the description and the general condition of the above systems.
Outside the Scope of the Inspection
Any area which is not exposed to view or is inaccessible because of soil, walls, floors, carpets, ceilings, furnishings, lack of access or crawl spaces or any major system (water or electrical systems, heating system, or air conditioner) that is not currently functional is not included in this inspection. -The inspection does not include any destructive testing or dismantling. Client agrees to assume all the risk for all conditions which are concealed from view at the time of the inspection. This is not a home warranty, guarantee, insurance policy, or substitute for real estate disclosures which may be required by law. Whether or not they are concealed, the following are outside the scope of the inspection.
Building code or zoning ordinance violations – Thermostatic or time clock controls or Low Voltage wiring systems – Geological stability or soils conditions – Water softener or water purifier systems or solar heating systems – Structural stability or engineering analysis – Saunas, steam baths, or fixtures and equipment – Building value appraisal or cost estimates – Pools or spa bodies or sprinkler systems and underground piping – Radio-controlled devices, automatic gates, elevators, lifts, and dumbwaiters – Furnace heat exchanger, freestanding appliances, security alarms or personal property – Specific components noted as being excluded on the individual system inspection form – Adequacy or efficiency of any system or component – Prediction of life expectancy of any item. – The Inspector is a home inspection generalist and is not acting as an engineer or expert in any craft or trade. If the Inspector recommends consulting other specialized experts, Clients do so at Client’s expense.
Fireplaces: The inspector is not required to:inspect the flue or vent system.inspect the interior of chimneys or flues, fire doors or screens, seals or gaskets, or mantels. determine the need for a chimney sweep. operate gas fireplace inserts. light pilot flames. determine the appropriateness of any installation. inspect automatic fuel-fed devices. inspect combustion and/or make-up air devices. inspect heat-distribution assists, whether gravity-controlled or fan-assisted. ignite or extinguish fires. determine the adequacy of drafts or draft characteristics. move fireplace inserts, stoves or firebox contents. perform a smoke test.dismantle or remove any component.perform a National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)-style inspection.perform a Phase I fireplace and chimney inspection.
Unless otherwise indicated in writing, this home inspection is not an inspection for mold of radon, a harmful gas, the presence of potential dangers arising from the presence of asbestos, lead paint, soil contamination, or other environmental hazards or violations. Specifically, mold can be present in any home. Mold cannot grow unless there is excess moisture. The key to mold control is moisture control. While this inspection attempts to detect high moisture conditions that can lead to mold growth, be advised that mold can grow in hidden areas which are beyond the scope of this inspection. If mold or any of the above mentioned is a concern to you, you should obtain a further evaluation by a specialist prior to the end of the inspection contingency.
The inspection report should not be construed as a compliance inspection of any governmental or non governmental codes or regulations. The report is not intended to be a warranty or guarantee of the present or future adequacy or performance of the structure, its systems, or their component parts. This report does not constitute any express or implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for use regarding the condition of the property and it should not be relied upon as such. Any opinions expressed regarding adequacy, capacity or expected life of components are general estimates based on information about similar components and occasional wide variations are to be expected between such estimates and actual experience.