APS HOME INSPECTION

"BE INFORMED WHEN YOU BUY A HOME"

You could hire a specialist in each area for your inspection. The coordination, time and expense would be prohibitive. And the resulting collection of reports would be difficult to navigate in your home buying negotiations.

A home inspection by a licensed, trained and certified iNACHI Inspector is a good solution. I will examine all the areas listed below, looking for issues that are minimal or cosmetic and those that would require further inspection by a specialist in a particular field. Those specialists have specific training, equipment and knowledge and can confirm or expand on my findings in much greater detail.

During a full home inspection here are the areas viewed and reported upon:

"The home inspectors shall observe readily visible and accessible installed systems and components listed as part of a home inspection, unless the system or component is limited and/or excluded under the signed written agreement with the client." - IDFPR Standards

• Structure System/Foundation
  1. Inspect the structural components, including the foundation and framing;
  2. Describe the foundation and report the methods used to inspect the under-floor crawl space or basement area, floor, wall, ceiling, roof and structures and report the methods used to inspect the attic; and
  3. Report visible signs of water and moisture penetration into the building or signs of condensation on building components.
• Exterior
  1. Inspect the exterior wall covering; flashing and trim; all exterior doors; attached decks, balconies, stoops, steps, porches and their associated railings; the eaves, soffits and fascias if accessible from the ground level; the vegetation, grading, surface drainage and retaining walls on the property when any of these are likely to adversely affect the building; walkways; patios; and driveways leading to dwelling entrances; and
  2. Describe the exterior wall covering.
• Roof System
  1. Inspect the roof covering, roof drainage systems, flashings, skylights, chimneys, and roof penetrations; and
  2. Describe the roof covering and report the methods used to inspect the roof.
• Plumbing
  1. Describe in detail the interior water supply and distribution systems, including fixtures and faucets, drains, waste and vent systems; water heating equipment and vent systems; flues and chimneys; fuel storage and fuel distribution systems; drainage sumps, sump pumps and related piping; and location of main water and main fuel shut-off valves.
• Electrical
  1. Inspect the service drop; service entrance conductors, cables and raceways; service equipment and main disconnects; service grounding; interior components of service panels and subpanels; conductors; overcurrent protection devices; a representative number of installed lighting fixtures, switches and receptacles; and ground fault circuit interrupters; and
  2. Describe the amperage and voltage rating of the service, the location of main disconnects and subpanels and the wiring methods; and
  3. Report on the presence of solid conductor aluminum branch circuit wiring and on the absence of carbon monoxide and smoke detectors.
• HVAC (Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning)
  1. Inspect the permanently installed heating equipment, including fans, pumps, ducts and piping; their supports, registers, radiators and convectors; and visible vent systems, flues and chimneys; and
  2. Describe the energy source and the heating method by their distinguishing characteristics; and
  3. Outdoor temperature permitting; inspect the permanently installed central and through-wall cooling equipment; and
  4. Describe the energy source and the cooling method by their distinguishing characteristics.
• Interior
  1. Inspect the walls, ceilings and floors; steps, stairways, balconies and their railings; countertops, installed cabinets, doors and windows; and garage doors and garage door operators; and
  2. Report visible signs of water and moisture penetration into the building or signs of condensation on building components.
• Insulation and Ventilation
  1. Inspect the insulation and vapor retarders in unfinished spaces, the ventilation of attics and foundation areas, and the mechanical ventilation systems in attics, kitchens, bathrooms and laundry; and
  2. Describe the insulation and vapor retarders in unfinished spaces and the absence of insulation in unfinished spaces at conditioned surfaces.
• Fireplaces and Solid Fuel Burning Appliances
  1. Inspect the system components, vent systems, flues and chimneys; and
  2. Describe the fireplaces, solid fuel burning appliances, and chimneys.

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation Standards may be viewed by going to http://www.ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/068/068014100C02000R.html

• Mold
  Screening or Limited Mold samples are taken following the standards set forth by
  Environmental Solutions Association

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Home Inspection Glossary

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