A home inspection is a non-invasive, visual examination of the readily accessible areas of a property to identify observed material defects and other relevant conditions at the time of inspection. 

The inspector shall inspect and report on systems and components in accordance with applicable Standards of Practice (“SOPs”).  The chapters within the report correspond to building systems, including roofing, structure, exterior, interior, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems.

Systems and components that are not readily accessible or are unsafe to access are not inspected. Readily accessible refers to areas that can be safely reached without dismantling components or using specialized tools or equipment.

This report should be read in conjunction with the applicable SOPs, scope, disclaimers, and limitations. The SOPs assist in defining the scope of the inspection, the systems, and the limitations that apply. They provide the framework inspectors follow to evaluate properties and communicate findings consistently.

These SOPs, along with all applicable disclaimers and limitations, are incorporated by reference and form part of this inspection and report.

Roof

The roof was inspected from accessible areas using a visual, non-invasive method. Inspection may include viewing the roof surface, flashings, penetrations, drainage components, and visible structural elements where safely accessible. Portions of the roof may be concealed by height, pitch, weather conditions, snow, debris, roofing materials, or other safety limitations. The inspection does not include destructive testing, removal of roofing materials, or evaluation of concealed components. Roof leaks may not be present at the time of inspection and cannot always be predicted.

Exterior and Garage

The exterior and garage areas were inspected visually from accessible locations. This inspection may include exterior walls, siding, trim, doors, windows, grading, drainage, walkways, decks, balconies, and visible structural elements, as well as the garage structure and vehicle doors. Areas obstructed by vegetation, stored items, finishes, weather conditions, or limited accessibility may not be fully visible. The inspection does not include dismantling materials, moving personal property, or evaluating concealed structural components.

Attic and Insulation

Accessible attic areas were inspected visually where safe access was available. Inspection may include roof framing, insulation, ventilation, and visible signs of moisture or damage. Portions of the attic may be inaccessible due to low clearance, insulation depth, stored belongings, lack of flooring, or other safety concerns. The inspection does not include moving insulation, dismantling finishes, or evaluating concealed areas within wall or ceiling cavities.

Interior

Interior areas were inspected visually within accessible rooms and spaces. This inspection may include walls, ceilings, floors, doors, windows, and general finishes for visible conditions at the time of inspection. Areas concealed by furnishings, storage, finishes, wall coverings, or built-in components may not be visible. The inspection does not include moving personal belongings, opening finished wall cavities, or evaluating concealed structural elements.

Kitchen and Laundry

Kitchen and laundry areas were inspected visually and may include accessible appliances, cabinets, countertops, sinks, and visible plumbing connections. Appliances are operated using normal controls when possible; however, the inspection does not evaluate appliance performance over time or internal components. Areas concealed by cabinetry, finishes, or stored items may limit visibility. The inspection does not include dismantling appliances or testing concealed piping.

Bathroom

Bathrooms were inspected visually and may include fixtures, faucets, sinks, tubs, showers, toilets, and visible plumbing components. The inspection focuses on observable conditions and the operation of fixtures using normal controls. The inspection does not include dismantling fixtures, evaluating concealed plumbing within walls or floors, or testing the full performance of drainage systems beyond normal fixture operation.

Mechanical (Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC, Low Voltage)

Mechanical systems were inspected visually where accessible and may include the electrical panel and visible wiring, plumbing supply and drain components, heating and cooling equipment, and certain low-voltage systems such as doorbells or communication wiring where present. Equipment is operated using normal user controls when safe to do so. The inspection does not include dismantling equipment, evaluating concealed wiring or piping within walls, performing engineering analysis, or testing specialized or auxiliary systems beyond normal operation.

Sewer / Drainage

The sewer system evaluation is limited to visible plumbing drain components and the normal operation of fixtures within the home. Underground sewer lines, buried piping, and municipal connections are not directly visible and are not included unless a specialized sewer scope inspection is performed by a qualified contractor. Drainage conditions may change over time and cannot be fully evaluated through a standard visual home inspection.