What to expect when we’re inspecting

WHAT TO EXPECT
WHEN WE’RE INSPECTING.

Your local HouseMaster inspector will inspect all the major accessible elements in your home according to industry and local standards. Each inspected element will be rated as defined below and will be accompanied by specific details and digital images of conditions found.

Your inspection will not include engineering, geological, biological, health-related, or code compliance evaluations. Other limitations may apply.

ARE YOU A RESIDENT OF TEXAS?

Click on the home below to see what we’ll be inspecting in each area!

Roof

Here’s what we look for: Visible roof covering materials (shingles), flashings at roof penetrations and valleys, skylights, chimneys, gutters and downspouts. We assess the condition of these elements for proper function; looking for evidence of leakage or worn, damage, or missing components.*

*For information purposes only. Inspections are performed according to local requirements or industry standards.VIEW INSPECTION VIDEO »

FOUNDATION & SUBSTRUCTURE

Here’s what we look for: A visible foundation in general good condition – appears straight, plumb, with no significant cracks. If cracks appear, the size, direction of movement and location will be noted. Also important is no flaking or damaged masonry, water markings and efflorescence (whitish, chalky substance), bowing, bulging or other irregularities, soft mortar, wetness or signs of water intrusion.*

*For information purposes only. Inspections are performed according to local requirements or industry standards.VIEW INSPECTION VIDEO »

EXTERIOR ELEMENTS

All readily accessible siding or wall-cladding systems, windows, doors, porches, decks, and stairways will be inspected for condition.*

*For information purposes only. Inspections are performed according to local requirements or industry standards.VIEW INSPECTION VIDEO »

ELECTRICAL

Here’s what we look for: Visible wiring in good condition, secured and protected with no exposed splices. Adequate capacity of service panel, all wiring attached to panel with proper connections, fuses or breakers are not overheating, lights and switches operate properly, an adequate number of electrical outlets in each room that test properly when spot checked.*

*For information purposes only. Inspections are performed according to local requirements or industry standards. VIEW INSPECTION VIDEO »

BUILT-IN APPLIANCES

As appliances age, they must be checked for efficiency and safety.*

*For information purposes only. Inspections are performed according to local requirements or industry standards.VIEW INSPECTION VIDEO »

CENTRAL HEATING SYSTEM

What we inspect: Visible components of the central AC or heat pump system including heat condensers and air handlers, and the distribution ductwork. We operate the system to assess function and condition of the accessible indoor/outdoor components. The distributions system will also be assessed.*

*For information purposes only. Inspections are performed according to local requirements or industry standards. VIEW INSPECTION VIDEO »

INTERIOR ELEMENTS

Here’s what we inspect: visible areas of all walls, ceilings, stairways, representative windows and doors, and attic areas for signs of leakage and damage, sagging or other structural concerns. Windows will be operated to determine function. In accessible attics, besides assessing structural components, we will note insulation and ventilation conditions.*

*For information purposes only. Inspections are performed according to local requirements or industry standards.VIEW INSPECTION VIDEO »

PLUMBING

Here’s what we look for: Adequate flow and pressure at all fixtures, no signs of restricted water flow, sinks, tubs and showers that all drain properly, stable toilets that operate properly, no damage to visible pipes, no evidence of leaks, no signs of stains on materials near pipes, drain pipes that slope slightly down towards outlet to septic/sewage system, a water heater that is sized to produce adequate quantities of hot water that reaches appropriate temperature for the number of bedrooms in the house.*

*For information purposes only. Inspections are performed according to local requirements or industry standards.VIEW INSPECTION VIDEO »

CENTRAL COOLING SYSTEM

What we inspect (weather permitting): Visible components of the central AC or heat pump system including condensers and air handlers, and the distribution ductwork. We operate the system to assess function and condition of the accessible indoor/outdoor components. The distribution system will also be assessed.*

*For information purposes only. Inspections are performed according to local requirements or industry standards.VIEW INSPECTION VIDEO »

Inspection Report Ratings Defined

SATISFACTORY – Element was functional at the time of inspection. Element was in working or operating order; and its condition was at least sufficient for its minimum required function, although routine maintenance may be needed.

FAIR – Element was functional at time of inspection but has a probability of requiring repair, replacement, or other remdial work at any time due to its age, condition, lack of maintenance, or other factors. Have element regularly evaluated and anticipate the need to take action.

POOR – Element requires immediate repair, replacement, or other remedial work, or requires evaluation and/or servicing by a qualified specialist.

NOT APPLICABLE – All or individual listed elements were not present, were not observed, were outside the scope of the inspection, and/or were not inspected due to other factors, stated or otherwise.

NOT INSPECTED (NOT RATED) – Element was disconnected or de-energized, was not readily visible or accessible, presented unusual or unsafe conditions for inspection, was outside the scope of the inspection, and/or was not inspected due to other factors, stated or otherwise. Independent inspection(s) may be required to evaluate element conditions. If any condition limited accessibility or otherwise impeded completion of aspects of the inspection, it is recommended that limiting factors be removed or eliminated and that an inspection of these elements be arranged and completed prior to closing.

INSPECTED – I visually observed the item, component or unit and if no other comments were made then it appeared to be functioning as intended allowing for normal wear and tear.

NOT INSPECTED – I did not inspect this item, component or unit and made no representations of whether or not it was functioning as intended and will state a reason for not inspecting.

NOT PRESENT – This item, component or unit is not in the home or building.

DEFICIENT – The item, component or unit is not functioning as intended or needs further inspection by a qualified contractor. Items, components or units that can be repaired to satisfactory condition may not need replacement.