What's included in Your Houston Home Inspection?

During the inspection, the foundation is evaluated to help determine how it is performing. Brad uses a Zip Level system, along with visual observations of the home and site conditions, to look for signs of movement or settlement. The inspection includes:

- Identifying the type of foundation and evaluating its apparent performance

-Inspecting accessible foundation components and related structural area where visible

-Looking for signs of foundation movementment or settlement, such as doors that do not operate properly, cracks in the interior sheetrock, cracks in the exterior brick, separations around doors and windows and other related indicators

-Measuring elevation differences with a Zip Level to help determine whether movement may be present

-Observing site conditions that may affect foundation performance, including improper grading, pool drainage, plumbing leaks or standing water

Proper grading and drainage are especially important in the Houston area, where expansive clay soils can contribute to foundation movement.

-Ground Slope: Checking whether the surrounding ground directs water away from the foundation.

-Standing water: Looking for low areas, ponding, and other indications of poor drainage.

-Gutter and downspouts: Observing whether these systems direct roof runoff away from the structure.

-Soil conditons: Looking for significant soil cracking, separation, or other visible conditions that may affect foundation performance.

-Foundation clearance: Checking for soil or landscaping materials in contact with exterior siding or covering areas of the foundation where clearance is important.

-Moisture concerns: Looking for visible conditions that may allow water to enter the home.

During a home inspection, Brad evaluates the visible condition of the roof covering and related components. Roofs are inspected from safely accessible locations, using a ladder or drone when appropriate.

Common conditions Brad looks for include:

-Damaged or missing roofing materials: Lifted, cracked, deteriorated, or missing shingles.

-Flashing and roof penetrations: Damaged, loose, or improperly installed flashing that may allow water intrusion.

-Exposed fasteners: Nails or other fasteners that could permit moisture penetration.

-Trees and vegetation: Branches contacting the roof or potentially damaging roofing materials.

-Roof damage: Visible concerns with gutters, drainage, and areas where water may collect.

-Roof surface and structure: Uneven roof areas, sagging, or other visible signs of potential structural concerns.

-Roof Installation: Visible concerns involving roofing layers, roof edges, and installation details.

-Attic observations: When accessible, Brad checks visible roof decking for water stains, deterioration, and indications of previous leaks or repairs.

During a home inspection, Brad evaluates the visible roof framing, structural components, and attic conditions in safely accessible areas.

The inspection includes: 

- Roof framing and sheathing: Looking for damaged, deteriorated, or improperly supported framing and signs of moisture intrusion.

-Structural connections: Checking visible rafters, trusses, bracing, and connections for separation, damage, or other concerns.

-Attic ventilation: Evaluating visible ventilation components and looking for blocked or damaged vents.

-Insulation: Observing the condition and approximate depth of accessible attic insulation.

Fire Separation: Checking visible fire-resistant separation components and fireblocking where applicable, particularly around attached garages and shared walls.

-Roof openings: Looking for visible gaps that may allow water, insects, or animals to enter.

-Attic access: Inspecting accessible attic ladder and openings for visible installation or safety concerns.

-Moisture Damage: Looking for water stains, damaged roof decking, and indications of possible roof leaks.

During the home inspection, Brad evaluates the visible condition of interior and exterior walls, looking for signs of damage, deterioration, moisture intrusion and potential structural concerns.

Interior walls

-Cracks and seperations: Looking for cracks, gaps or other visible conditions that may indicate foundation movementn or structural concerns.

-Moisture damage: Checking for water stains, damaged drywall, and signs of possible leaks around windows, doors, and other accessible areas.

Moisture detection: Using a moisture meter when appropriate to help investigate suspected moisture concerns.

-Pest-related concerns: Looking for visible damage or conditions that may indicate pest activity.

Exterior Walls:

-Brick and stucco: Checking for cracks, loose or damaged materials, and other visible concerns.

-Mortar and expansion joints: Looking for deteriorated mortar, gaps and improperly sealed joints.

-Brick weep holes: Observing whether visible drainage openings are obstructed.

-Siding and Trim: Checking for buckling, damage, deterioration, and evidence of moisture intrusion.

-Exterior sealing: Looking for visible gaps or deteriorated sealant around accessible wall penetrations and openings.

-Paint and finishes: Observing peeling paint, exposed wood, and other signs of weather-related deterioration.

Any visible defects or concerns identified during the inspection are documented in Brad's home inspection report.

Some of the common problems found when inspecting Ceilings and Floors are:

-Evidence of water penetration on ceilings and floors will be checked with a moisture meter to determine if the leak is active.
-Evidence of Insect Infestation
-Not level or uneven flooring will be checked with a laser level to determine the severity of this condition.
-The safety and proper operation of the attic access ladder.
-Cracks in any of the sheetrock ceilings that may be indications of more than normal movement in the structure.
-Proper structural support of the ceilings and floors
-Cracks in tiled floors from possible movement in the structure

During the inspection all doors, interior and exterior, are inspected.

Common problems often found during the inspection are:

-Doors that do not shut or latch properly. This can be a sign of structural movement of the home.
-Garage doors that are not fire rated.
-Reversed sliding glass doors
-Exterior veneer and condition of wood
-Deteriorated weather stripping
-No spring on garage door
-Screen door not installed on sliding glass doors

-Water damage to the doors, frames or trim

During the home inspection all window will be inspected for the following:

-Broken glass panes.
-Evidence of water penetration at the window or windowsill.
-Windows that do not operate.
-Degraded or missing weather stripping.
-Broken window springs and latches.
-Inspect insulated double pane glass windows for fogging or other evidence of broken seals.
-Inspect burglar bars for functional egress in appropriate areas.
-Window screens that are missing or torn. 

The following are common problems found in the fireplace and chimney area:

-Gaps, cracks or loose in the firebox
-No fire stopping in the attic
-Chimney cap missing or ineffective
-Damper not operating properly
-Gas leaks
-"C" clamp missing
-Full of soot, needs to be cleaned. 

Attached porches, decks, carports, steps, and balconies are included in the home inspection, the inspector will observe for the following:

-The general structural integrity of the is inspected. Items include; visible footings, joists, decking, railings and attachments points.
-Metal carports are inspected for excessive rust or deterioration of the building materials.
-The roofs and roof coverings are inspected also for any signs of water penetration or damage.
-The inspector will also look for any signs of insect infestation or wood decay

-The inspector will observe for the presence of any earth to wood contact which can promote wood rot and insect infestation.

During the inspection of the electrical service entrance and panel box items inspected are:

-Observe service entrance cables for integrity of insulation, drip loop, separation of conductors at weatherheads and the proper clearance of overhead power lines.
-Inspect that the drop, weather head and mast are securely fastened.
-Inspect for the presence of a grounding electrode conductor in the service where visible, secure connection to the grounding electrode or grounding system.
-Inspect all accessible main and subpanels to ensure that they are secured to the structure, appropriate for their location, weather-tight if exposed to the weather.
-Inspect that inside cover (dead front) is secured properly and panel knock outs are filled in with the appropriate plugs.
-Insure that all breakers are identified on the dead front panel.
-Inspect the condition of the wiring in the panels, determine its type (copper or aluminum).

-Note the presence or absence of appropriate connections, such as copper/aluminum approved devices, pig-tailed connections or crimp connections.

-Inspect and ensure the presence of main disconnects.
-Report the usage of recalled Stablock breakers.
-Report rust or other deterioration of the exterior electrical service panel. 

These are common problems found during the inspection of Branch Circuits and connected fixtures and devices:

-Improperly spliced or terminated wires
-Aluminum wiring and improper terminations.

-The presence of G.F.C.I. breakers where necessary
-Electrical outlet faceplates missing
-Polarity problems
-Fixtures that do not operate
-Loose outlets 

During the home inspection the heating equipment will be inspected for performance and for any defective equipment.

-Temperature readings will be taken with thermal imaging equipment and a performance test of the system will be conducted.
-The overall general condition and installation of the furnace unit will be evalu
-Inspect for rust on the burners and burner box area where visible.
-If the system is gas, I will also check for gas leaks and the general safety of the unit. The furnace exhaust flue pipe will also be inspected for proper venting and installation.
-If electric, I will also inspect the power supply to and from the furnace.

The cooling system will be tested and inspected for at least all of the following:

-Differential drop in temperature from the air return to the air supply to determine if the system is operating correctly. This temperature is determined with thermal imaging equipment
-Set up and performance of the exterior compressor unit.
-Check the coil box for water and conditioned air leaks.
-Inspect the refrigerant lines for necessary insulation and proper installation.
-Inspect the installation, insulation and the termination of the coil box main drain lines.
-Check the condition of the safety pan for debris, water, rust and the termination of the safety line.

During the inspection of the HVAC system of the home, the Ductwork and Vents will be inspected for the following

-Check the condition of the insulation on the duct work.
-Insure that the duct work is properly strapped and supported.
-Identify any leaks in the duct work in areas that are accesible.
-Inspect the condition of the filtration system at the air return locations.

-Check that the ducts are not in contact with each other

-Identify any unnecessary turns and bend in the ductwork

During the home inspection the plumbing system will be inspected for the following items:

-Inspect for the type and condition of all accessible and visible water supply and waste-water and vent pipes.
-Inspect and operate all fixtures and faucets for proper operation.

-Observe for the presence of back-flow devices, anti-siphon devices or air gaps.
-Observe water supply by viewing functional flow in two fixtures operating simultaneously, to check water pressure levels.
-Observe functional drainage at accessible plumbing fixtures.
-Inspect installation of hot and cold faucets.
-Inspect mechanical drain stops if installed on sinks and bathtubs.
-Inspect commodes for cracks in the ceramic material, proper and secure mounting on the floor, evidence of leaks and operation of the tank components.
-Inspect all supply and drain pipes for evidence of leaks.
-Observe existence of visible vent pipe system to the exterior of the structure and for proper routing and termination of the vent system.
-Inspect the shower pan for leaks.
-Operate and inspect exterior faucets for the presence of back flow prevention and operation.

During the Houston home inspection the followings items will be inspected:

-A performance test of all drains by running all faucets for a period of time to insure that they are functioning correctly and that there are no leaks.
-The home inspector will check all drain connections for leaks where possible and if no access is provided to inspect where necessary, it will be also noted.
-Determine that drain vent stacks are properly sealed at the roof terminations where accesible for inspection. 

During the Home Inspection process the inspector will inspect the electric or gas water heaters in the home. The following items will be noted:

-Inspect the tank and fittings for leaks and corrosion.
-Observe the teperature and pressure relief valve piping for gravity drainage, size of drain pipe (no smaller than the outlet fitting), material, and termination. These conditions are recognized hazards.
-Inspect for broken or missing parts, covers or controls.
-Observe the condition of burner, flame and burner compartment if it is a gas water heater where visable. For an electic water heater inspect the operation of the heating elements and the condition of the electrical wiring.
-Observe and report materials used for the gas branch line and the connection to the appliance, and inspect presence, location and accessibility of gas shut-off valve and for leaks at the valve.
-Inspect the type of vent pipe and its condition , draft, proximity to combustibles and its termination point, observing for adequate combustion and draft air.
-Observe for the presence of a water-tight safety pan and drainline. Ensuring there is no debris or rust in the safety pan that could clog the drain line, which could cause the safety pan to overfill into the surrounding area.
-Ensure that the water heater is in a safe location and has been installed correctly.
-Inspect garage units or units which are located in rooms that open into the garage for protection from physical damage to the unit, and ignition sources are a minimum clearance of 18 inches above the garage floor, the absence of which is a recognized hazard.

During the home inspection the hydrotherapy equipment will be inspected for the following:

-Observe the operation.

-Inspect for the presence and operation of ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).

-Inspect for safe location and operation of the switches.

-Observe under the tub for evidence of leaks if the access cover is available and accessible.

-Verify that there are no electrical outlets within 5' of the tub.

-Check to verify if possible that tub has been set in mortar to limit vibration and provide support.

-All other malfunctions or damage visible are reported in the Houston Home Inspection Report

Appliances are ran through and performance tested, checked for proper installation and observed for damage or missing parts.

​-Dishwasher

-Disposal

​-Range, Cooktop and Ovens

-Microwave

-Built in Refrigerators

​-Mechanical Vents

-Dryer Vents

​

Sprinkler Systems are included at no additional fee in the inspection if they are present. The system is checked in the manual mode and all issues are noted in the report.

All outdoor kitchen, barbeque equipment and appliances included at no additional charge.

Attached Fences are inspected and included at no additional charge. Leaning fences and missing/damaged fence boards are noted as well as inoperable or damaged gates.

Cracked, lifted, damaged exterior concrete flatwork. Settlement issues with driveways and patios are noted in the Houston home inspection report.