What is covered on a Dublin CA home inspection according to the Internachi SOP?
According to the InterNACHI Standards of Practice (SOP) for home inspections, a typical home inspection in Dublin, CA, or anywhere else following these standards, would cover the following areas:
1. Roof
- Inspection of: Roof-covering materials, gutters, downspouts, vents, flashing, skylights, chimney, and other roof penetrations.
2. Exterior
- Examination of: The exterior wall-covering materials, eaves, soffits, and fascias; windows and doors; decks, balconies, stoops, steps, porches, and railings; grading and drainage, walkways, driveways, vegetation, surface drainage, retaining walls, and visible foundation.
3. Basement, Foundation, Crawlspace & Structure
- Assessment of: The foundation, floor structure, wall structure, columns, and other structural components; signs of water intrusion, structural movement, and general condition.
4. Heating
- Evaluation of: Heating systems including the energy source, heating equipment, normal operating controls, automatic safety controls, and the presence of visible heat distribution systems (ducts).
5. Cooling
- Inspection of: Central air conditioning system, including the cooling and air handling equipment, distribution systems, and the normal operating controls.
6. Plumbing
- Inspection includes: Main water shut-off valve, the water heating equipment (including energy source), visible interior water supply and distribution systems, fixtures, faucets, drains, waste & vent systems, and sump pumps.
7. Electrical
- Examination of: The service entrance conductors, service equipment, grounding equipment, main overcurrent device, panelboards, branch-circuit conductors, overcurrent devices, outlets, switches, fixtures, and the presence of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
8. Fireplace
- Inspection of: Fireplace, flue, and visible components of the chimney; operation of dampers, screens, and doors if readily accessible.
9. Attic, Insulation & Ventilation
- Assessment of: Insulation in unfinished spaces, ventilation of attic spaces, mechanical ventilation systems, and visible exhaust systems.
10. Doors, Windows & Interior
- Inspection includes: A representative number of doors and windows, walls, ceilings, floors, steps, stairways, and railings; signs of water penetration, and the operation of garage vehicle doors.
Please note that:
- Scope Limitation: The inspector is not required to inspect everything. For instance, they aren’t required to determine the remaining life expectancy of systems or components, perform calculations, or operate systems that are shut down.
- Not Included: Certain components like low-voltage systems, security systems, environmental hazards (like mold, asbestos, lead paint), and non-permanently installed appliances (unless requested) are typically not part of the standard inspection.
- Add-On Services: Additional services like radon testing, mold inspection, or sewer scope inspections might be offered but are not included in the standard home inspection according to InterNACHI SOP.
Homeowners or buyers in Dublin, CA, should ensure they understand what’s included in the inspection report. If there are specific concerns or areas they wish to have inspected that aren’t covered by the standard SOP, they might need to request these as additional services.