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STRUCTURAL SYSTEM:
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Foundations |
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Framing |
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Floors, walls, ceilings |
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Attic/roof structure |
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EXTERIOR:
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Wall coverings (siding), flashing, trim |
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Exterior doors |
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Attached decks, balconies, stoops, steps, porches,
and their associated railings |
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Eaves, soffits and fascias
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Vegetation, grading, surface drainage and retaining
walls |
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Walkways, patios, and driveways leading to dwelling
entrances |
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Roof System:
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Roof coverings |
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Roof drainage systems |
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flashings |
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skylights, chimneys and roof penetrations
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PLUMBING:
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Interior water supply and distributions systems,
fixtures and faucets |
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Drain, waste and vent systems |
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Water heating equipment |
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Vent system, flues and chimneys |
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Fuel storage and distribution systems |
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Drainage sumps, sump pumps and related piping |
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ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS:
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The service drop |
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Service entrance and conductors, cables and
raceways |
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Service equipment and main disconnects |
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Service grounding |
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Interior components of service panels and
sub-panels |
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Conductors |
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Breakers and/or fuses |
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A representative number of installed lighting,
fixtures, switches and outlets |
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Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) |
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Amperage and voltage
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HEATING SYSTEM:
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The installed heating equipment |
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Vent system, flues and chimneys |
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Energy source |
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The heating method by its distinguishing
characteristics |
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AIR CONDITIONING:
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Installed central and through-wall cooling
equipment |
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INTERIOR:
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Walls, ceilings and floors |
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Steps, stairways and railings |
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Countertops and cabinets |
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Doors and windows |
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Garage doors and garage door openers |
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INSULATION AND VENTILATION:
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The insulation and vapor retardants in unfinished
spaces |
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The ventilation of attics and foundation areas |
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Mechanical ventilation systems |
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FIREPLACES AND SOLID FUEL BURNING
APPLIANCES:
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The system components |
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Vent system, flues and chimneys |
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Inspection of all of the
above systems and components and usually more are included in the
general home inspection. There are limitations to the inspection
of these items. The Standards and practices of the State of
Connecticut notes these limitations and additional exclusions.
We encourage you to view these Standards by clicking here. |
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ADDITIONAL INSPECTIONS |
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WOOD DESTROYING INSECTS:
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A wood destroying insect inspection is performed
with every home inspection at no additional charge. |
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The wood destroying insect report will be on a HUD
form with the "S" license qualifying for FHA, VA, and CFHA mortgages.
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WELL WATER ANALYSIS AND
FLOW TEST:
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We provide a range of testing to suit your needs: chemical and bacteria,
lead, VOC, radon in water, and more. |
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Well system performance flow test: This test
measures the system's flow in gallons per-minute and water pressure at
fifteen minute intervals for approximately 45 minutes. (This is not
a well recovery test which identifies gallons per minute but measures
recovery not flow - see below) |
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RADON:
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We provide several types of testing equipment for testing
radon in air for you to choose from |
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We can test for radon in water |
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Our inspectors are listed with the
state of CT. DPH Radon Program as being qualified to test for
radon. The manager of our radon dept. is nationally
certified with the National Environmental Health Association.
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WHEN TO SPECIALIZE |
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There are additional tests
and evaluations you may want performed. The questions is,
should these tests and evaluations be done by a home inspector or should
you obtain experts in specific fields to do these evaluations?
DON'T BE MISLED! There are home inspection companies
that will tell you that they are a one stop shopping inspection firm; indicating
you need go nowhere else to obtain all inspection services. There
are two things to be careful of: 1. Are these companies offering
services that they actually sub-contract to other companies and then charge a middleman fee? 2. Are
they qualified to perform these inspections adequately if they do them
themselves? Below is a
list of services that typically require someone who specializes in that
field to properly perform those services. Schaefer will schedule
these services if requested but like other companies, we will charge for
that service. What we prefer to do is point you in the right
direction so you can contact these companies yourself and save money. |
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SEPTIC SYSTEMS:
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The pumping and evaluation of a septic system
should only be done by a septic service company. You will save money
if you contact and schedule this service on your own.
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Schaefer can help you find a septic service company
in your area; however, your Realtor may be more familiar with local
companies. |
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WELL:
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Schaefer can collect water samples for analysis. |
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Our report will indicate if the visible well
equipment is functioning and report any deficiencies if we observe
them, even
though this is not required by the State. |
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Schaefer can and will provide a well flow test as
an optional extra. |
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A well recovery test should only be
performed by a qualified plumber or well contractor. |
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EMF - ELECTRIC AND
MAGNETIC FIELDS:
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Some homebuyers feel more comfortable having this
test done if their home is near high power lines. |
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The local power company should perform this
evaluation. |
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MOLD:
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Some home inspectors are offering
this service. Schaefer has chosen not to. The Center
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the CT. Dept. of
Public Health (DPH) does not typically recommend mold sampling.
The DPH put out a press release in 2006 stating that "mold
sampling is often expensive and unnecessary." Their focus
is on identifying the cause (a moister problem), repairing that
and cleaning off the mold if not wide spread or removing the
effected surfaces if wide spread. In most cases, when in
readily accessible areas, identifying moisture problems falls
within the scope of the regular home inspection. |
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ASBESTOS:
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Only a licensed asbestos abatement contractor or
consultant can legally identify any substance as asbestos and advise
you concerning it |
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Schaefer will identify substances as
"possible" asbestos if we observe it and tell you the general
recommendations of the EPA regarding asbestos. Therefore, if
potential asbestos found in your home is a concern to you, you can
contact a licensed abatement contractor. |
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LEAD BASED
PAINT:
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A true lead-based paint test must
be done by a certified lead-based paint inspector (not a home
inspector). To advise you about the findings the inspector
must also be a certified risk assessor. |
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Most environmental issues of
concern for homebuyers can be found on the EPA web site. Click on the
icon to the left and use their search tool to find the topics you want |
