Scope of Inspection & Comment Explanations

The Purpose of a Home Inspection
OUR FOCUS: We are focused on major items found during the course of a visual inspection. Home inspectors are generalists. If items are found needing further professional evaluation we will recommend these items be addressed per the below recommendations. This is not a checklist for maintenance items, this is a Priority concerns report. Our focus is on-site education and an inspection focusing on Priority Concerns, Structural Concerns, Components at or nearing the end of their design life.

A home inspection is not an insurance policy

This report does not substitute for, or serve as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Talk to a qualified real estate agent for more information about home warranties.

A home inspection is visual and not destructive

The descriptions and observations in this report are based on a visual inspection of the property. We inspect the components of the structure that can be viewed without dismantling, damaging or disfiguring the structure and without moving personal belongings or furniture. 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 building. 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 is not an inspection for code compliance

This inspection and report are not intended for code compliance. During the construction process, structures are inspected for code compliance by municipal inspectors. Framing is open for inspection at that time and can be fully viewed. Framing is not open during inspections of finished homes, and this limits the inspection. Most 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 of the varying 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.

This is just our opinion

Construction techniques and standards vary. There is no one way to build a house or install a system in a house. The observations in this report are the opinions of the home inspector. Other inspectors and contractors are likely to have some differing opinions. You are welcome to seek opinions from other professionals.

The scope of this inspection

This inspection will include the following systems: exterior, roof, attic, grounds, foundation, crawlspace or basement, interior, plumbing, electrical and heating and cooling. The evaluation will be based on limited observations that are primarily visual and non-invasive. as well as operation of some systems using normal operating controls. This inspection and report are not intended to be technically exhaustive.
Our inspections are conducted according to rules and regulations set by the State of Washington. For more information, please visit the Washington State Legislature website for Home Inspector - Standards of Practice.

OBSERVATION DESCRIPTIONS
The following definitions explain the comment descriptions represented in this inspection report. All comments by the inspector should be considered before purchasing this home. Any recommendations by the inspector considered a primary concern or potentially needing repair or replacement suggests a second opinion or further inspection by a qualified contractor should be considered. All costs associated with further inspection fees and repair or replacement of items or components should be considered before you purchase the property.

Blue - Deferred Maintenance / Due Diligence:

These are common maintenance items for the age of the home, that in our opinion have been overly deferred or are in need of updating. Deferred maintenance items will need to be serviced in the near future. As with anything, improper maintenance can lead to additional cost of ownership and potential safety hazards. These items are mentioned as a courtesy and are not included in the repair summary.
Due diligence can simply be a reminder to the buyer to ask for further information from the present occupant/owner. It can also be a suggestion to do some research or look into having further evaluation completed. If the needed information is unavailable from the owner, we recommend having these items evaluated by a qualified professional in the appropriate field.

Orange: Recommend Repair/Safety Concern:

This may include a simple repair to a significant hazard. Some of these items may be a high priority for correction, but can also be a simple inexpensive fix. Safety hazards should always be given careful consideration and may become more significant depending on the occupants of the home (i.e. small children, elderly, etc.).

Red: Primary Concern:

The item, component or unit is not functioning as intended, or needs further evaluation by a qualified contractor. These Items should be repaired sooner than later. Items, components or units that can be repaired to satisfactory condition may not need replacement.

Be Sure To Review during final walk through - Due to the potential for portions of the home not being completely visible for inspection due to personal belongings; boxes, chairs, tables, wall hanging, etc. We recommend reviewing such areas for damages, repairs, functionality, during final walk through prior to taking formal ownership. We urge you to make arrangements, as part of a Pre-Closing-Walk-Through to cover all of the points concerning the maintenance and operation of this property with the previous owner and/or occupants. We may have made suggestions for items or tasks throughout the report which we believe you should cover with the outgoing occupants before they leave and you take over.

This inspection is only a beginning of the journey of property ownership. You have the advantage of being better educated about your property due to this inspection and report. However, as property inspectors we are human and therefore we cannot see through walls and do not carry a crystal ball to predict the future. Our services include a visual non-destructive evaluation of the property at one point in time.

Qualified licensed contractors, experienced in the types of repairs recommended, should be consulted to further investigate the items contained in this report and perform all necessary repairs.

Compiling Your Report