What a Home Inspection Entails
Foundation & Crawlspace/Basement Inspection: Structural evaluation is performed visually and by probing masonry and wood framing members at or above grade to assess general condition, stability, and performance. Any plumbing, electrical, and/or mechanical systems located in the crawlspace or basement also are inspected. If wood-destroying insects or the presence of mildew, fungus, or mold are seen, these are noted on the report.
Interior Inspection: Door and window operation, floor integrity, wood trim and moulding condition, and staircases, railings, and balustrade safety are examined here. Other inspections inclued the electrical testing of all accessible light fixtures and outlets as well as conveying appliances, and accessible electric panels; plumbing fixtures are evaluated and tested for proper installation, operation, and observable water flow/pressure; and heating and air conditioning systems, including ductwork, are evaluated operated for proper assembly, function, and temperature.
Exterior Inspection: The type, condition, and estimated age of the roof, and gutters and downspouts are included in the exterior inspection. Soffits, frieze boards, fasciae, rake boards, siding, casings, sills, windows, and doors all are inspected for proper installation and performance. Concrete, masonry, and wood porches, decks, and stoops all are evaluated for their construction, condition and performance. Note that EIFS (synthetic stucco, e.g., Dryvit, Parex) is not inspected beyond a visual method by Hawkeye. If your prospective home is clad with EIFS, we recommend retaining a specialist for this type of siding inspection.
Attic Inspection: When easily accessible, either by ladder, disappearing stair unit, or staircase, the attic space is evaluated for structural integrity, ventilation, insulation characteristics, and whether any mechanical equipment is located here. This space is the best place to discover roof leaks and/or any daylight areas that need sealing. Any electrical, mechanical, or plumbing components present here are inspected, too.
Components and Appurtenances not Inspected: Generators, swimming pools and equipment, hot tubs, boat lifts, submerged dock components, solar panels and arrays, irrigation and sprinkler systems, fire suppression systems, and central alarms/surveilance equipment (e.g., ADT, Ring, etc,) are not part of the home inspection. We recommend specialists for these components and systems.
Again, building codes are not addressed as part of a home inspection in Virginia. If you believe such violations exist, please speak to your agent and/or to the local jursidiction's building official staff.
Interior Inspection: Door and window operation, floor integrity, wood trim and moulding condition, and staircases, railings, and balustrade safety are examined here. Other inspections inclued the electrical testing of all accessible light fixtures and outlets as well as conveying appliances, and accessible electric panels; plumbing fixtures are evaluated and tested for proper installation, operation, and observable water flow/pressure; and heating and air conditioning systems, including ductwork, are evaluated operated for proper assembly, function, and temperature.
Exterior Inspection: The type, condition, and estimated age of the roof, and gutters and downspouts are included in the exterior inspection. Soffits, frieze boards, fasciae, rake boards, siding, casings, sills, windows, and doors all are inspected for proper installation and performance. Concrete, masonry, and wood porches, decks, and stoops all are evaluated for their construction, condition and performance. Note that EIFS (synthetic stucco, e.g., Dryvit, Parex) is not inspected beyond a visual method by Hawkeye. If your prospective home is clad with EIFS, we recommend retaining a specialist for this type of siding inspection.
Attic Inspection: When easily accessible, either by ladder, disappearing stair unit, or staircase, the attic space is evaluated for structural integrity, ventilation, insulation characteristics, and whether any mechanical equipment is located here. This space is the best place to discover roof leaks and/or any daylight areas that need sealing. Any electrical, mechanical, or plumbing components present here are inspected, too.
Components and Appurtenances not Inspected: Generators, swimming pools and equipment, hot tubs, boat lifts, submerged dock components, solar panels and arrays, irrigation and sprinkler systems, fire suppression systems, and central alarms/surveilance equipment (e.g., ADT, Ring, etc,) are not part of the home inspection. We recommend specialists for these components and systems.
Again, building codes are not addressed as part of a home inspection in Virginia. If you believe such violations exist, please speak to your agent and/or to the local jursidiction's building official staff.