top of page
Vector logo.png
East Tennessee
Building Consultants
Vector logo.png

East Tennessee
Building Consultants

What do we look for on our inspections?

An inspection is an investment: Do you know what yours includes? Please see our comprehensive list of components and systems we may test and inspect on your prospective purchase.

Residential Inspections: 

Our residential inspections typically include 94 systems and components of major interest. 

Before the inspection: View the property on the MLS / and or Tennessee property viewer prior to the inspection to gain insights on the following topics as applicable

  • Year the Home was built

  • Square footage

  • Utility type

  • 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.

 

  • Curb view, take photo from street – Inspect edge of property for general defects

  • Inspect the mailbox

  • Inspect the driveway

  • Inspect the sidewalk(s)

  • Inspect fences and gates

  • Inspect retaining walls

  • Inspect site grading

  • Inspect the siding on all sides of the home

  • Inspect the windows

  • Inspect the doors

  • Inspect porches and decks

  • Inspect garage doors

  • Inspect perimeter foundation

  • Inspect the water meter

  • Inspect overhead power lines, mast, and service panel / meter can

  • Inspect exterior receptacles

  • Inspect hose bibs

  • Inspect foundation venting

  • Inspect the roof coverings

  • Inspect the soffit & fascia

  • Inspect the gutters and drainage

  • Inspect the roof venting

  • Inspect roof penetrations

  • Inspect chimneys / gas appliance venting

  • Inspect any exterior steps/railings /etc.

  • Inspect the HVAC condenser

 

We then move to the inside of the home and inspect the following systems and components

 

  • Inspect the floor finishes

  • Inspect wall finishes

  • Inspect ceiling finishes

  • Inspect interior doors

  • Inspect casework / baseboards / trim

  • Check all windows for operation

  • Inspect the means of egress in all sleeping spaces

  • Test all receptacles

  • Test all GFCI / AFCI devices

  • Operate all faucets

  • Operate and leak test all showers / tubs

  • Inspect sink basins

  • Inspect all cabinetry

  • Inspect drain traps with thermal imager for leaks

  • Inspect countertops

  • Operate all toilets

  • Operate HVAC In heating and cooling mode

  • Inspect registers and temperatures

  • Inspect thermostat(S)

  • Inspect return air system and air filter

  • Inspect air handler

  • Test range

  • Test Dishwasher

  • Test refrigerator

  • Test disposal

  • Test range hood

  • Test all switches

  • Test all light fixtures

  • Test all ceiling fans

  • Inspect electrical load center and branch circuits / breakers

  • Inspect clothes washer connections

  • Inspect dryer vent

  • Inspect dryer electrical connections

  • Inspect water heater

  • Measure Hot water temperature at sinks

  • Inspect garage door openers

  • The presence of signs of pests

  • Inspect and test smoke detectors

  • Test domestic water pressure

  • Whole home thermal imaging scan

 

 

At the end of the inspection we inspect the applicable items in the attic & crawlspace as present.

 

  • Insulation, depth, uniformity, type.

  • Roof framing

  • Roof sheathing

  • Floor joists

  • Piers and footings

  • Floor sheathing

  • Structural connections

  • Any electrical wires routed in the space

  • Plumbing drain lines

  • Plumbing supply lines

  • HVAC line set (if visible)

  • HVAC ductwork

  • The presence of signs of pests

  • Ventilation

  • Access hatches / doors

  • Air sealing

  • Vapor barriers

  • Water intrusion

  • Organic growth

  • Signs of Water damage

  • Excess construction debris

  • Evidence of previous fire damage

Additionally we will inspect Pools, Outbuildings, Septic systems (visual only) as

the home is equipped (fees may apply)

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.

Commercial Inspections: 

Our commercial inspections includes the following 102 points of interest as the building is equipped.

Before the inspection: View the property on the MLS / and or Tennessee property viewer prior to the inspection to gain insights on the following topics as applicable

  • Year the building was completed

  • Square footage

  • Utility type

  • General property layout, and any latent defects

  • Research permitting history (As available)

 

When we arrive we begin with the exterior of the home, which will include inspection of the following applicable systems and components.

 

  • Curb view, take photo from street – Inspect edge of property for general defects

  • Inspect the mailbox(s)

  • Inspect the signage

  • Inspect the sidewalk(s)

  • Inspect the parking lot

  • Identify ADA features outdoors, or lack thereof

  • Inspect fences and gates

  • Inspect retaining walls

  • Inspect site grading

  • Inspect the siding on all sides of the building

  • Inspect the windows

  • Inspect the doors

  • Inspect porches and decks

  • Inspect garage and roll up doors

  • Inspect perimeter foundation

  • Inspect the water meter

  • Inspect the gas meter

  • Inspect overhead power lines, mast, and service panel / meter can / transformer

  • Inspect exterior receptacles

  • Inspect hose bibs

  • Inspect foundation venting

  • Inspect the roof coverings

  • Inspect the soffit & fascia

  • Inspect the gutters and drainage

  • Inspect the roof venting

  • Inspect roof penetrations

  • Inspect chimneys / gas appliance venting

  • Inspect any exterior steps/railings /etc.

  • Inspect exterior HVAC equipment

  • Inspect for posted building address

  • Visibly inspect FDC, Check for monitoring or a lock (as applicable)

 

We then move to the inside of the building and inspect the following systems and components

 

  • Inspect the floor finishes

  • Inspect wall finishes

  • Inspect ceiling finishes

  • Inspect interior doors

  • Inspect casework / baseboards / trim

  • Check all windows for operation

  • Inspect the means of egress

  • Test receptacles

  • Test all GFCI devices

  • Operate all faucets

  • Operate and leak test all showers / tubs

  • Inspect sink basins

  • Inspect all cabinetry

  • Inspect drain traps with thermal imager for leaks

  • Inspect countertops

  • Operate all toilets

  • Inspect bathroom partitions

  • Operate HVAC In heating and cooling mode

  • Inspect registers and temperatures

  • Inspect thermostat(S)

  • Inspect return air system and air filter

  • Inspect air handling equipment, VAVs, PTACS

  • Test range

  • Test refrigerator

  • Test disposal

  • Test range hood

  • Test all switches

  • Test all light fixtures

  • Test all ceiling fans

  • Inspect electrical panel boards and branch circuits / breakers

  • Inspect visible conduit, wiring, etc.

  • Inspect water heating equipment

  • Measure Hot water temperature at sinks

  • Inspect garage door openers

  • For The presence of signs of pests

  • Inspect for presence of fire alarm, describe type, and status of system

  • Visibly inspect fire alarm initiating and notification devices

  • Visibly inspect fire sprinkler equipement, lines,  and heads

  • Test domestic water pressure

  • Whole building thermal imaging scan

  • Inspect for building escape plan

  • Inspect fire extinguishers for presence, and general placement / date / etc.

  • Inspect required wayfinding signage

 

 

 

At the end of the inspection we inspect the applicable items in any accessible spaces including above the ceiling, crawlspaces, attics, etc.

 

  • Insulation, depth, uniformity, type.

  • Roof framing

  • Roof sheathing / decking

  • Floor joists

  • posts

  • Piers and footings

  • Floor sheathing / decking

  • Structural connections

  • Any electrical wires routed in the space

  • Plumbing drain lines

  • Plumbing supply lines

  • HVAC line set (if visible)

  • HVAC ductwork

  • The presence of signs of pests

  • Ventilation

  • Access hatches / doors

  • Air sealing

  • Vapor barriers

  • Water intrusion

  • Organic growth

  • Signs of Water damage

  • Excess construction debris

  • Evidence of previous fire damage

102 individual systems and components are inspected.Every property is unique, some of these items may not be inspected on every building, 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.

What we DO NOT inspect for:

The following require specialized licensing or training. We are happy to refer you to someone for the following items

 

  • WDO, Wood destroying organisms (I.E. termites)

  • Contaminated Drywall

  • ACM (Asbestos containing materials)

  • Lead Paint

  • Mold or Algae

  • Air quality

  • Controlled substances

  • Radon

  • Pests

bottom of page