Home Inspections
Discovery Inspection Services is considered more than a home inspection company; we are a trusted member of your home team. We work for you and always keep your best interest as our number one priority. Buying a home is a big deal; it’s one of the biggest emotional and financial decisions we make in our lives and we want to help you make a confident and well informed decision about the purchase of your new home. No home is perfect, put your trust in us and we will provide you with a professional and objective assessment of the property which you are planning to invest your hard earned money. Much of your inspection will include home maintenance recommendations, life expectancies of major appliances like the furnace and air conditioner, and minor home imperfections. We’ll explain the differences between the minor defects, deferred maintenance, and major deficiencies or safety hazards, as well as inform you of items that could hinder your ability to finance or insure the home. Often our inspections more than pay for their fee by allowing you to potentially renegotiate your contract, obtain repair credit, or have items identified in the inspection report repaired by the seller before the closing.
The major systems evaluated as part of your home inspection will include:
Roofing Inspection:
- Roof Covering
- Stack and Vent Flashings
Exterior Inspection:
- Wall Covering
- Windows
- Soffit and Fascia
- Gutters and Downspouts
- Decks and Patios
- Drainage and Grading
Structure Inspection:
- Foundation
- Floor and Roof Structure
- Building Support Systems
Electrical Inspection:
- Service Entry
- Size
- Supply and Distribution
- Grounding and Bonding
- Outlets
- GFCI Testing
Heating and Cooling Inspection:
- Type
- Size
- Fuel Source
- Condition
- Function
- Age
Insulation Inspection:
- Attic Insulation
- Attic Ventilation
Plumbing Inspection:
- Water supply
- Distribution Piping
- Water heaters
- Fuel supply
- Drain/Waste/Vent Piping
- Sinks
- Tubs and Showers
- Fixtures
- Water Flow/Pressure
Interior Inspection:
- Walls
- Ceilings
- Floors
- Windows
- Doors
- Stairways
- Railings
- Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
- Kitchen and Appliances
Chimney and Fireplace Inspection:
- Condition
- Clearances
- Type
Review the ASHI Standards of Practice for complete details or contact Discovery Inspection Services with any specific questions.
Our home inspections typically range from one and half (1 ½) to four (4) hours long and cover between 250 and 500 items depending on the size and complexity of the property. We encourage you to accompany us on as much of the home inspection as you are comfortable. It is a great time to further acquaint yourself with your new home, gain insight into some of the potential maintenance items and to learn more about the true condition of the home. Once the inspection is complete, we will have a comprehensive home inspection report ready for your use within 48 hours, but often within 24 hours. The home inspection report will be emailed to you in an electronic format that is easy to save for your records, print, or navigate online. Our reports contain valuable information including photos from the home inspection, pertinent illustrations that help further explain specific issues, and additional information about home maintenance and ownership.