Kevin Goff
Certified Inspector

517-699-7787
Fax: 1-877-805-7619

Inspection Day

What to Expect
I arrive early to set up and begin the inspection on the exterior of the Home. The exterior features inspected include: foundation and structure, decks and porches, roof, chimney, driveways, walkways, A/C condensing unit, electrical and plumbing components, and roof/grade drainage systems. Included is an inspection of the attached or detached parking structure. Storage sheds are not inspected. If the property has a large storage facility (i.e., pole barn) the client can arrange for an inspection of this facility when they schedule the inspection (additional fee).

When you (the Client) arrive, I will provide and review information related to the inspection agreement and the scope of a home inspection. See What I Inspect, NACHI SOP, About Home Inspections, and Inspection Agreement for additional information.

As you read the information provided, I get started on the interior of the home. I typically start in the kitchen and bathrooms where I inspect these areas and get a lot of water running through the plumbing system.

Once the kitchen and bathroom inspections are complete, I generally go the basement and work from the basement to the attic in a logical sequence, one room at a time and one floor at a time. The interior inspection includes the walls, ceilings, floors, doors, windows, plumbing, electrical, heating, cooling, appliances, ceiling fans, fireplaces, sump pump, structure, ventilation, insulation, kitchen, bathrooms and other interior items.

Some of the more prominent cosmetic defects will be mentioned during the verbal review of the inspection (interior and exterior) as a courtesy, but cosmetic defects are not my focus and are not listed in the report. My focus is on the major issues that may have an effect on your decisions regarding the home being inspected. In addition to the home inspection items, I also set or finish the radon test (if ordered). If any additional third party inspections were requested (i.e., pest, well & septic, pool, etc.) these inspections are typically performed by these contractors at the same time as my inspection (whenever possible).

Once the inspection is complete, you and I will walk the entire home, inside and out, top to bottom so I can review my findings and answer your questions. Once my review is complete and all your questions are answered, I will complete an on-site Summary for your convenience and collect payment. The on-site summary is a temporary written record of the major issues you and I discussed. The summary is for your convenience when addressing your inspection contingency and/or negotiation issues with your Realtor. You will receive a permanent summary when you receive your Full Report.

The entire on-site inspection, review, questions and summary should take approximately 2 to 2.5 hours depending on many variables that can affect the inspection time. However, the actual time will be whatever is necessary to provide you with a comprehensive inspection, answer your questions and provide you with important maintenance and safety information related to your home. Your complete satisfaction with my inspection service is my number one goal.

 
I Encourage You to Participate.
Sometimes my clients cannot be present during the inspection. However, your attendance is a great opportunity for you to learn about your new home and its features. At a minimum I encourage my clients to be present at the house once my inspection is complete. Your presence provides an opportunity for you and I to walk the entire home as I point out the strengths and issues of concern related to the home, allows me to verbally discuss and clarify any of the inspection issues and allows for discussion on which items you want included in your summary report. You will be surprised at what you will learn by participating in the inspection and I can point out and help you visualize (see for yourself) what I will be including in your Full Report (1). This review will bring a lot of questions to mind and I will be able to answer your questions on the spot as we look at and discuss the area in question.

 
Preparing the Property for the Inspection.
If the house is not occupied, the utilities may be off. In order for me to provide you with a comprehensive inspection, all utilities need to be on and all appliances with pilot lights should be lit. In many cases the seller's agent can arrange for utilities to be on during the inspection. It is also important for all access entries to be free of household items (attic access, crawl space access, area in front of the electrical panel cleared, the area surrounding the furnace, and any other items that are included in the home inspection). See Home Owner Inspection Preparation for a list of items your real estate agent or the seller's agent can present to the owner so the home can be properly prepared for the inspection.

(1) Your Full Report is typically Emailed the same day. Allow up to 24 hours if circumstances prevent same-day delivery.