The Scope and Purpose of a Home Inspection

The purpose of a home inspection is to receive a professional opinion about the overall condition of the structure. A home inspection is a limited visual inspection.

CLICK HERE TO FIND A COPY OF THE TN Standards of Practice

 A home inspection is not a home warranty

This report does not substitute for or serve as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Home warranties can be purchased separately from insuring firms that provide this service. A home inspection is representative of the condition of the home at the time of the inspection.

 A home inspection is visual and not invasive

The descriptions and observations in this report are based on a visual inspection of the structure. We inspect the aspects of the structure that can be viewed without dismantling, damaging or disfiguring the structure and without moving furniture and interior furnishings. Areas that are concealed, hidden or inaccessible to view are not covered by this inspection. Some systems cannot be tested during this inspection as testing risks damaging the system. For example, overflow drains on bathtubs are generally not tested because if they were found to be leaking they could damage the finishes below. Our procedures involve non-invasive investigation and non-destructive testing which will limit the scope of the inspection. This home inspection report does not address subterranean systems or system components (operational or nonoperational), including: (i) Sewage disposal; (ii) Water supply; or (iii) Fuel storage or delivery.

 This is not an inspection for code compliance

This inspection and report are not intended for city / local code compliance. During the construction process, when framing is open and conditions can be fully viewed, structures are inspected for code compliance by municipal inspectors in most areas, not all. All houses fall out of code compliance shortly after they are built, as the codes continually change. National codes are augmented at least every three years for all disciplines. Municipalities can choose to adopt and phase in sections of the codes on their own timetables. There are generally no requirements to bring older homes into compliance unless substantial renovation is being done.

 The scope of this inspection

This inspection will include the following systems: exterior, roof, structure, drainage, foundation, attic, interior, plumbing, electrical and heating. The evaluation will be based on limited observations that are primarily visual and non-invasive. This inspection and report are not intended to be technically exhaustive.

 Your expectations

The overall goal of a home inspection is to help ensure that your expectations are appropriate with the house you are proposing to buy/sell. To this end we assist with discovery by documenting observations during the home inspection. This should not be mistaken for a technically exhaustive inspection designed to uncover every defect with a building. Such inspections are available but they are generally cost-prohibitive to most homebuyers.

This Report does not address subterranean systems or system components (operational or nonoperational), including: (i) Sewage disposal; (ii) Water supply; or (iii) Fuel storage or delivery.

Pest problems or concerns

This home inspection report is not a comprehensive pest report, Please see the NPMA-33 form (WDI/Termite Letter), if ordered, for an account of wood destroying insect issues. This home inspection report is not a comprehensive structural pest inspection. This home inspection report does not address any rat, mice or cockroach infestations that may be present.

How to Read This Report

Getting the Information to You

This report is designed to deliver important and technical information in a way that is easy for anyone to access and understand. If you are in a hurry, you can take a quick look at our "Summary Page” and quickly get critical information for important decision making. However, we strongly recommend that you take the time to read the full Report, which includes digital photographs, captions, diagrams, descriptions, videos and hot links to additional information.

The best way to get the layers of information presented in this report is to read your report online (the HTML version), which allows you to expand your learning about your house. You will notice some words or series of words highlighted in blue and underlined – clicking on these will provide you with a link to additional information. The HTML version of this report also contains streaming videos. Short video clips often contain important information and critical context and sounds that can be difficult to capture in words and still pictures.

For the most reliable viewing experience, I recommend viewing the report on as large a screen as practical, as much detail can be lost on small devices like smartphones. For similar reasons, reports should only be printed in color to retain as much detail as possible and minimize misinterpretation of photographs.

This report can also be printed on paper or to a PDF document.

 Chapters and Sections

This report is divided into chapters that parcel the home into logical inspection components. Each chapter is broken into sections that relate to a specific system or component of the home. You can navigate between chapters with the click of a button on the left side margin. Most sections will contain some descriptive information done in black font. Observation narrative, done in colored boxes, will be included if a system or component is found to be significantly deficient in some way or if we wish to provide helpful additional information about the system or the scope of our inspection. If a system or component of the home was deemed to be in satisfactory or serviceable condition, there may be no narrative observation comments in that section and it may simply say “tested,” or “inspected.”

 Observation Labels All narrative observations are colored, numbered and labeled to help you find, refer to, and understand the severity of the observation. Observation colors and labels used in this report are but not limited to:

Acceptable: Item is Functioning as designed, Items may have some cosmetic issues, minor cracks, nail pops or blemishes. Any item or note listed is for client information

Marginal: Item is not fully functional and requires servicing or repair

Defective/Major Concern: Repair items that may cost significant money to correct now or in the near future, or items that require immediate attention to prevent additional damage or eliminate safety hazards. Item needs immediate repair, replacement or is a safety concern. It is unable to perform its intended function

Safety: This is referencing an item or situation that is unsafe and will require attention

Repair: Repair and maintenance items noted during inspection. Please note that some repair items can be expensive to correct such as re-finishing hardwood floors, but are considered simply repair items due to their cosmetic nature

Maintenance: This is recommendations for ongoing type home maintenance items and should be address promptly

Due Diligence: Observation such as a buried oil tank that may require further investigation to determine the severity and / or urgency of repair

Incomplete: Items that have not been completed. Item was unable to be inspected for safety reasons or due to lack of power, inaccessible, or disconnected at time of inspection.

 Summary Page

The Summary Page is designed as a bulleted overview of observations noted during inspection. This helpful overview is not a substitution for reading the entire inspection report. The entire report must be read to get a complete understanding of this inspection report as the Summary Page does not include all photographs or photo captions.

HOME MAINTENACE IS IMPORTANT

Lots and Grounds Maintaining drainage systems, grade, and landscaping around the structure is important to prevent water intrusion. Grading should slope away from the structure and vegetation should not touch the structure in order to prevent water and pest intrusion. Drainage systems should move water far enough away to ensure it cannot flow back to the structure.

Exterior Recommend inspecting all caulking, stained and painted areas annually for deterioration and maintenance as needed. All windows are inspected as access allows. Most windows will be opened and closed during the inspection. Particular attention is paid to windows, but there are times we can not access windows to inspect. We will note in the report any Moisture inside the layers of glass we can see but this can be limited by window treatments, rainy days, fog, or many other factors. If you see any windows concerns during your final walk through, such as moisture inside the layers of glass or the rubber seals migrating let us know and we can update the report.

Roof Recommend having the roofing system inspected annually for unusual wear or damage. Gutter and drain systems should be cleaned and maintained as needed.

Electrical All electrical repairs and updates should be performed by a licensed electrician.

Attic Recommend a qualified individual inspect the attic periodically for water, pest and rodent intrusion.

Garage All moving parts of garage doors and openers should be periodically inspected for safety and integrity.

Structure Most hairline cracks in foundation walls, poured slabs and finished walls/ceilings are normal settlement, but should be monitored for adverse changes.

AC For system longevity and efficiency, filters should be changed every 30 days or according to manufacturer's recommendations, and the system be inspected and serviced annually by a qualified HVAC technician.

Heating system For system longevity and efficiency, filters should be changed every 30 days or according to manufacturer's recommendations, and the system be inspected and serviced annually by a qualified HVAC technician.

Plumbing Because water can be turned off during real estate sales and transfers, it is recommended that all visible plumbing lines, fixtures and connections be inspected at final walk through, and again periodically for leaks. Follow manufacturers maintenance recommendations for all mechanical devices (water heaters, septic pumps, etc.)

Laundry Room Recommend washer hoses and connections be inspected for leaks at final walk through and again periodically. Dryer lint traps, ducts and exit covers should also be occasionally inspected and cleaned to guard against lint accumulation that can be a fire hazard. This is a visual inspection only of these fixtures

(5) Required Reporting from TN Standards of Practice.

(a) The home inspection report shall include the following:

1. A report on any system or component inspected that, in the opinion of the home inspector, is significantly deficient;

2. A list of any systems or components that were designated for inspection in this rule but that were not inspected;

3. The reason a system or component listed in accordance with part (5)(a)2. was not inspected;

4. A statement that the report does not address environmental hazards, including:

(i) Lead-based paint; (ii) Radon; (iii) Asbestos; (iv) Cockroaches; (v) Rodents; (vi) Pesticides; (vii) Treated lumber; (viii) Fungus; (ix) Mercury; (x) Carbon monoxide; or (xi) Other similar environmental hazards.

5. A statement that the report does not address subterranean systems or system components (operational or nonoperational), including: (i) Sewage disposal; (ii) Water supply; or (iii) Fuel storage or delivery. 

CLICK HERE TO FIND A COPY OF THE TN Standards of Practice