

East Tennessee
Building Consultants
East Tennessee
Building Consultants

Home
Inspection Checklist
A home inspection can be a costly service. Do you know what yours will include? Depending on who you select to perform the service, the list could be shockingly short, or rather long. We believe in being upfront - The following list outlines what we will inspect for on your prospective property, we know we're not the cheapest in town: But the value we provide is unmatched, you won't regret investing in a quality Home Inspection.
If you are considering another inspection company, ask them what they include in their inspection.
Before the inspection: We view the property on the MLS / and or Tennessee property viewer prior to the inspection to gain insights on the following topics as applicable
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Year the Home was built
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Square footage
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Utility type
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General property layout, and any latent defects
When we arrive we begin with the exterior of the home, which will include inspection of the following applicable systems and components.
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Curb view, take photo from street – Inspect edge of property for general defects
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Inspect the mailbox
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Inspect the driveway
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Inspect the sidewalk(s)
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Inspect fences and gates
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Inspect retaining walls
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Inspect site grading
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Inspect the siding on all sides of the home
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Inspect the windows
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Inspect the doors
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Inspect porches and decks
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Inspect garage doors
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Inspect perimeter foundation
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Inspect the water meter
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Inspect overhead power lines, mast, and service panel / meter can
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Inspect exterior receptacles
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Inspect hose bibs
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Inspect foundation venting
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Inspect the roof coverings
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Inspect the soffit & fascia
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Inspect the gutters and drainage
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Inspect the roof venting
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Inspect roof penetrations
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Inspect chimneys / gas appliance venting
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Inspect any exterior steps/railings /etc.
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Inspect the HVAC condenser
We then move to the inside of the home and inspect the following systems and components
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Inspect the floor finishes
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Inspect wall finishes
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Inspect ceiling finishes
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Inspect interior doors
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Inspect casework / baseboards / trim
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Check all windows for operation
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Inspect the means of egress in all sleeping spaces
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Test all receptacles
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Test all GFCI / AFCI devices
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Operate all faucets
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Operate and leak test all showers / tubs
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Inspect sink basins
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Inspect all cabinetry
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Inspect drain traps with thermal imager for leaks
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Inspect countertops
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Operate all toilets
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Operate HVAC In heating and cooling mode
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Inspect registers and temperatures
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Inspect thermostat(S)
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Inspect return air system and air filter
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Inspect air handler
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Test range
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Test Dishwasher
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Test refrigerator
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Test disposal
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Test range hood
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Test all switches
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Test all light fixtures
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Test all ceiling fans
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Inspect electrical load center and branch circuits / breakers
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Inspect clothes washer connections
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Inspect dryer vent
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Inspect dryer electrical connections
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Inspect water heater
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Measure Hot water temperature at sinks
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Inspect garage door openers
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The presence of signs of pests
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Inspect and test smoke detectors
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Test domestic water pressure
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Whole home thermal imaging scan
At the end of the inspection we inspect the applicable items in the attic & crawlspace as present.
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Insulation, depth, uniformity, type.
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Roof framing
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Roof sheathing
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Floor joists
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Piers and footings
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Floor sheathing
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Structural connections
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Any electrical wires routed in the space
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Plumbing drain lines
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Plumbing supply lines
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HVAC line set (if visible)
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HVAC ductwork
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The presence of signs of pests
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Ventilation
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Access hatches / doors
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Air sealing
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Vapor barriers
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Water intrusion
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Organic growth
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Signs of Water damage
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Excess construction debris
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Evidence of previous fire damage
When we are finished we vacuum up any debris tracked into the home / wipe down areas of
contact – and return all fixtures to the position we found them in!
94 individual systems and components are inspected
*Every property is unique, some of these items may not be inspected on every home, and some items may be inspected which are not included on this list. This is just intended as a general breakdown of the work that goes into a “typical” inspection.