Homeowners benefit by hiring a home inspector and completing home inspections, but with so many Home Inspectors to choose from how does a homeowner know which one to use? Using a Home Inspector that is a member of and conforms to the InterNACHI Standards of Practice is a good place to start. Ask your prospective inspector what if any Standards of Practice do they use. InterNACHI “is the world’s leading association for home inspectors” providing continuous education and setting industry standards.
So, what is a Standards of Practice? It is a guideline that is written down and used by people in the same profession so that anyone using the Standards of Practice is theoretically using/inspecting the same things in the same way. If the prospective buyer/seller were to hire two Home Inspector’s both of which are using InterNACHI Standards of Practice, then the home should expect to receive an inspection report with the same items being inspected. At the time of writing this article, 26,312 inspectors are using this standard.
Ellingwood Pro – Home Inspectors uses InterNACHI’s Standards of Practice to perform all their home inspections.
Home Inspection Standards of Practice
1. The home inspection is based on the observation made on the date of the inspection, and not a prediction of future conditions
2. The home inspection will not reveal every issue that exists or ever could exist, but only those material defects are observed on the date of inspection. Home Inspections do have Limitations, Exceptions & Exclusions
For more information about InterNACHI’s Home Inspection Standards of Practice please visit https://www.nachi.org/sop.htm
Always Covered During an Inspection
InterNACHI’s standards instruct all home inspectors using their standard to inspect the following:
1. Roof: Inspectors will look for defects in shingles, tiles, and other roofing materials. They also check the integrity of gutters, downspouts, flashing, and chimneys.
2. Exterior: This includes the condition of exterior walls, siding, and paint, along with landscaping effects on the house. Driveways, patios, and fences may also be evaluated.
3. Basement, Foundation, Crawlspace & Structure: Inspectors look for signs of water penetration, structural damage, rot, or mold. They also assess the condition of the beams, columns, and floorings.
4. Heating: The functioning and safety of the heating system, fuel source, and heating method are all checked. If accessible, the condition of the flue pipes, vents, and ductwork is also reviewed.
5. Cooling: The operational status of the air conditioning units, their cooling method, and energy efficiency ratings are inspected. The condition of filters, vents, and ducts is also considered.
6. Plumbing: Inspectors examine the property’s water supply and drainage systems, checking for leaks or slow drains. They also review the water heating equipment and the location of main water and fuel shutoff valves.
7. Electrical: They inspect the service line, meter box, main disconnects, and circuit breakers. Outlets, light fixtures, and grounding systems are checked for safety.
8. Fireplace: The inspector checks for proper ventilation, safety hazards like creosote buildup, and damage to the chimney, flue, and damper.
9. Attic, Insulation & Ventilation: Inspectors look for adequate, proper insulation and ventilation, signs of leaks or water damage, and any structural or pest issues.
10. Doors, Windows & Interior: Inspectors evaluate doors and windows for fit, weatherproofing, and operation. They also look at stairs, railings, countertops, and cabinets for safety and quality.
To see a detailed list of what components, get inspected on every house please visit our Residential Home Inspection page located at https://ellingwoodpro.com/home-inspection.
The Home Inspector as defined by InterNACHI’s Standard of Practice Definition and Scope 1.1 states a home inspection is a non-invasive, visual examination of the accessible areas of a residential property, performed for a fee, which is designed to identify defects within specific systems and components defined by these Standards that are both observed and deem material by the inspector. The scope of work may be modified by the Client and Inspector before the inspection process.
Service Areas
Ellingwood Pro Home Inspectors currently provides inspections in the following areas:
Maryland
Allegany County, Maryland (we service the whole county)
Barrelville, Barton, Bel Air, Bier, Bowling Green, Bowmans Addition, Carlos, Clarysville, Corriganville, Cresaptown, Cumberland, Danville, Dawson, Detmold, Eckhart Mines, Ellerslie, Flintstone, Franklin, Frostburg, Gilmore, Grahamtown, Klondike, La Vale, Little Orleans, Lonaconing, Luke, McCoole, Midland, Midlothian, Moscow, Mount Savage, National, Nikep, Ocean, Oldtown, Pleasant Grove, Potomac Park, Rawlings, Shaft CDP, Spring Gap, Vale Summit, Westernport, Woodland and Zihlman
Washington County Maryland (we service the whole county)
Hagerstown, Boonsboro, Clear Spring, Funkstown, Hancock, Keedysville, Sharpsburg, Smithsburg and Williamsport
Frederick County Maryland (we service the whole county)
Brunswick, Burkittsville, Emmitsburg, Frederick, Middletown, Mount Airy, Myersville, New Market, Rosemont, Thurmont, Walkersville and Woodsboro
Virginia
Frederick County, Virginia (we service the whole county)
Stephens City, Middletown, Gore and Shawnee Land.
Winchester City, Virginia (we service the whole county)
Winchester
Shenandoah County (we service the whole county)
Woodstock, Strasburg, New Market, Edinburg, Mount Jackson, Toms Brook and Basye
Page County (we service the whole county)
Lurray, Shenandoah and Stanley
Rappahannock County (we service the whole county)
Washington, Sperryville and Flint Hill
Fauquier County (we service the whole county)
Warrenton, Marshall, Bealeton, Catlett, The Plains, Remington, Midland, New Baltimore, Calverton and Opal
Loudoun County (we service the whole county)
Leesburg, Ashburn, Sterling, Purcelville, Lansdowne, Middleburg, Brambleton, South Riding, Lovettsville, Round Hill, Hillsboro, Hamilton, Broadlands, Stone Ridge, Arcola, Dullles Town Center and Moorefield Station
Clarke County (we service the whole county)
Berryville and Boyce
Warren County (we service the whole county)
Front Royal
West Virginia
Jefferson County, West Virginia (we service the whole county)
Harpers Ferry, Charles Town, Shepherdstown, Summit Point, Millville, Shenandoah Junction, Kearneysville, Boliver
Berkeley County, West Virginia (we service the whole county)
Martinsburg, Bunker Hill, Inwood, Gerrardstown, Glengary, Hedgesville, Falling Waters, Berkeley Springs
Hardy County, West Virginia (we service the whole county)
Moorefield and Wardensville
Hampshire County, West Virginia (we service the whole county)
Capon Bridge, Green Spring, Romneyand Springfield
Grant County, West Virginia (we service the whole county)
Bayard and Petersburg
Morgan County, West Virginia (we service the whole county)
Berkeley Springs, Great Cacapon and Paw Paw
Contact Ellingwood Pro Home Inspections today to schedule your home inspection
