Forensic Home Inspections

Posted by Studioaengineering on February 19th, 2020

By selecting this type of inspection you will usually receive a professional standards based inspection that is completed in accordance with the standards of practice for the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors. This inspection is a visual only, the report is written in a narrative format but does not include digital photographs Protection for your home after you have made a real estate home purchase wisely.

A property inspection is a visual evaluation of every accessible area of the structure and lot. Components and systems are tested not only to ensure that they function as intended, but to evaluate if they've been installed properly and to assess their condition. Forensic Inspections

Our building experience helps us find issues that even the keenest observer may not identify, inspection thoroughness enables professionals to spot items that are frequently overlooked, and our forensic inspections have taught us a great deal about how and why defects occur.

Our number one concern is the health and safety for clients and those who would occupy the residence. So an inspection is a health and safety inspection first and foremost.

Home Areas That Should Be Inspected

Roof

Roof covering, flashing & counter flashing, plumbing and secondary vents, gutters, downspouts and subterranean transition piping, drip edges, skylights, chimney and flue. wind load calculations

Attics

Rafters, joists, purlins and collar ties, truss systems, under-side of sheathing, primary flashing and underlayment (if applicable), wiring, insulation, ventilation, firewall systems, HVAC. ducting, plumbing, and mechanical items.

Plumbing and Fixtures

Water supply & drainage lines, drain slope and fasteners, connections - clean outs and traps, sanitary systems, sinks, faucets, bathtubs & showers, toilets, wet bars, ice-maker lines, hose bibs etc..Heating and Cooling Systems Furnace, air conditioner, refrigerant lines, service disconnect, supply and cold air return ductwork, air filtration system, and overall system evaluation.

Foundation Structure & Crawlspace

Foundation walls & slabs, bolts & seismic attachments, lower base framing, floor joists, posts and piers, girders, sub-floor, insulation, ventilation, moisture barriers, any plumbing-electrical-mechanical equipment present.

Exterior

Site evaluation, site drainage, slopes & swales, retaining walls, detached structures &/or garages, ground cover and flatwork(concrete slab work), driveway, wall covering, attachments & abutments, windows, screens, doors, decks, patio covers & arbors, fences, electrical and safety inspection. Threshold inspections

Sewer

Lateral Material & size identification, location, rough slope, length, depth, tie-ins, blockages, damaged sections, bellies, leakage, root intrusion and city tie-in condition.

Electrical Systems

Service entrance mast-weather head-cleat, service panel, branch auxiliary panel, breakers or fuses, switches and outlets, visible wiring and junction boxes, grounding and bonding system, GFCI & AFCI conformation. electrical plans

Interior

Walls, floors & floor coverings, ceilings,; trim, doors, windows, stairs-handrails-banisters, lights, plugs, cabinets, shelving, built-in appliances, smoke detectors and any health and safety requirements.