Buyer Inspections
What exactly is a home inspection?
A home inspection is essentially a visual and non-invasive examination of the condition of a home, often in connection with the sale of that home. This is carried out by a home inspector, who has special equipment and training to carry out such inspections. An inspector will check the items listed below and many other aspects of the home looking for improper building practices, those items that require extensive repairs, items that are general maintenance issues, as well as some fire and safety issues. Any significant defects, safety concerns, or adverse conditions identified by the inspector will require further evaluation by a specialist, such as a roofer, plumber, electrician, etc. The subsequent home inspection report is a comprehensive document covering the following components:
- Exterior
- Structural
- Roof
- Chimney
- Plumbing
- Electrical
- HVAC
- Interior components
Types of inspections
- Buyer's Full House Inspection
- One year warranty Inspection
- WDO (wood destroying organisms) Inspection
- EIFS (Exterior Insulation and Finish System) Inspection
Buyers Full House Inspection
The buyer full house inspection also includes the WDO inspection, which is required by Washington Administrative Code and should be performed by a licensed structural pest inspector. Refer to My Qualifications. The inspection takes approximately three hours, but can vary due to the extent of problems or accessibility to components. At the conclusion of the visual inspection, the inspector reviews any issues with the client and answers any questions that arise. Reports are generated that day or the next morning at the latest, and sent via email and/or uploaded to the internet where the client can view/download the reports.
Limited Home Warranty
Included with the inspection is a buyers 90-day limited home warranty underwritten by American Home Warranty. Coverage begins on the date of the inspection and continues for 90 days or 21 days after the closing date, whichever occurs last
What Mechanical Components In My Home Are Covered?
Water lines, drain lines, faucets, water heaters, gas lines within the house, main service panel, wiring, built in appliances: range, cook top & oven, dishwasher, microwave oven, trash compactor, garbage disposal, and central heating & air conditioning system. All coverage is subject to named exclusions which can be found at www.ahomewarranty.com.
What Structural Components In My Home Are Covered?
Poured concrete & block wall foundations only, floor joists, structural framing, roof structure, roof covering (limited to repair of leaking area only), exterior and/or load bearing walls, interior wall framing, attached garage doors only. All coverage is subject to named exclusions which can be found at www.ahomewarranty.com.
One Year Warranty Inspection
New home construction comes with a one year warranty provided by the builder. In some cases a longer warranty may be provided. At the end of the warranty period, a home inspection should be performed to determine if there are any covered components that should be repaired or replaced by the builder before the expiration of the warranty period.
WDO (Wood Destroying Organisms) Inspection
Any home inspector that reports on WDO's, must be licensed by the Washington Dept of Agriculture, conduct a thorough inspection of accessible areas that are not specifically excluded in the report, shall report on the presence of WDO's, their damage, or conducive conditions leading to their development, and prepare a report detailing the findings of the inspection. I am a licensed structural pest inspector.
EIFS (Exterior Insulation & Finish System) Inspection
What is EIFS
EIFS stands for Exterior Insulated Finish Systems, also known as
synthetic stucco. This
system was introduced into the United States in 1969 by Dryvit
Corporation, and is principally a marriage of two modern materials,
polymers and polystyrene.
What is the difference between EIFS and Stucco?
The typical EIFS installation is comprised
of :
- Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)
- Mesh
- Basecoat
- Finish coat
Stucco is a Portland cement based plaster, which is
usually applied in two steps, the basecoat and hard coat finish.
Both systems have advantages and disadvantages.
EIFS systems cannot be visually inspected alone, it is a specialized inspection requiring specialized equipment such as a TRAMEX wet wall detector. I am a certified EIFS inspector.
