Many people confuse a home inspection with an appraisal or a code check. A home inspection is a visual inspection of the accessible systems and components of a home to determine if they are performing their intended function at the time of the inspection. The inspection is performed by a licensed home inspector. It is not an appraisal of the home's value, nor is it a code compliance inspection.

Exterior of the Structure:
Visible Foundation, Roof, Flashing, Chimney, Downspouts, Gutters, Siding, Trim, Windows, Doors, Stairs, Decks & Patios, Retaining Walls, Grading, Drainage, Walkways, Trees & Shrubs

Interior of the Structure:
Ceilings, Walls, Floors, Closets, Electrical Outlets, Windows, Kitchen Cabinets, Counters & Exhaust

Attic:
Insulation, Ventilation, Rafters, Ridge Beam, Water Penetration, Accessibility & Storage

Basement and/or Crawl Space:
Foundation Materials, Flooring, Supporting Members, Stairways, Water Penetration & Area Ventilation

Plumbing:
Bath & Kitchen Fixtures, Water Supply, Waste Lines, Vents, Water Flow & Shutoff Valves,

Domestic Water Heater:
Equipment, Capacity, Energy Source & Safety Controls

Heating Equipment:
Equipment, Energy Source, Zones, Safety Controls, Ductwork/Piping, Supplementary Heat & Heat Source in Each Room

Air Conditioning:
Equipment, Zones, Ductwork & Presence of Central Cooling in Each Room

Electrical System:
Service Entry Cable, Capacity, Type, Rating of Overload Protection, Grounding, Bonding, Distribution Panel, Circuits, Outlets, Fixtures, Conductor Materials & Branch Systems

Driveway and Garage:
Garage or Carport, Driveway Surface, Overhead Doors, Safety Controls & Fire Protection Materials

A home inspection provides important information about a home, and recommendations for further evaluation and/or repair when needed. An inspector is an unbiased professional without a vested interest in the transaction or the property. In simple terms, the inspector will do his or her best to describe the condition of a system or component to determine whether it is performing to an acceptable standard. Professional inspectors in the State of Washington are required to complete both classroom and field training, receive extensive continuing education, and must be licensed by the State of Washington.

When you go to the doctor for an annual physical exam, you get professional feedback on your health. Often, this is when you learn if you have any medical issues that need to be resolved. And just like you can't fail a physical (no matter how poor your health may be), a house can't fail an inspection. A home inspection is simply a visual examination of a house's overall condition. The home inspection report describes a house's physical shape and identifies what might need crucial repair or replacement.

The size and condition of the dwelling determine how long the inspection will take. On average, the inspection lasts two to three hours. At the end of the inspection, the inspector will give a laptop presentation of his findings and discuss them with you.

We recommend that you be present at the site of the inspection, from start to finish. If you can only be there for a short time period, the end of the inspection is the best time frame to be present so you can hear the laptop presentation of any findings and discuss these with your inspector.