What Do Home Inspectors Look for in Glen Burnie and Bowie, MD?
Serving Maryland, Northern VA, and D.C.
“What do home inspectors look for in Glen Burnie and Bowie, MD?” is one of the most common questions we hear. House and property inspections are incredibly important and thorough. They include the following categories.
Structure
The foundation, wall framing, floor framing and roof framing are all key components that make up the structure of your home. The structure of your home determines it's shape and strength. All visible areas of the structure will be evaluated and reported on.
Attic
Many homeowners may never view the inside of their attic, your AHI inspector will. The attic holds many hidden potential defects such as electrical hazards, inadequate insulation, rodent infestation, ventilation, structural defects, water infiltration and more. The attic has a great deal to do with your homes energy efficiency and comfort and therefore your budget.
Roofing System & Material
The roofing system is how your home is protected from the elements. The roof will be evaluated for it's ability to shed water off of the structure and direct it to the ground. The roofing material will be evaluated for it's condition at the time of inspection. No inspector can accurately predict exactly how long your roof will last. But a good inspector can tell what general condition your roof covering is in and if there are any defects, signs of wear and aging or installation errors that the untrained eye may not detect. Knowing that your roof may be at the end of it's useful life and is in need of replacement is valuable information for any buyer to have before taking a seat at the closing table.
Exterior
The exterior of your home is the only thing protecting the interior of the home from the exteror elements. During the exterior portion of the inspection the deck, patio, trim, gutters, downspouts and grading will be evaluated for installation, potential for water infiltration and general condition. All of these items will be reported upon.
Landscape
The landscaping around your home can greatly influence what happens in your home. Your AHI inspector will take a step or 10 back and evaluate the overall condition of your property. During the landscape evaluation the inspector will look at grading and water control, trees and bushes near the building, driveways and walkways, fences and retaining walls.
Interior
All accessible rooms will be entered and evaluated. A random sampling of doors and windows will be operated. The interior of your home can offer a multitude of clues about a larger problem in the structure, electrical system or other major component. Heating and cooling returns and registers will be assessed during the interior inspection. Your inspector will go through each room and report on any relevant issues or defects.
Mechanical Systems
Systems such as the HVAC, sump pump and garbage disposal will be tested and evaluated during the inspection. Your inspector will walk you through the operation of your mechanical systems and answer any questions you may have. Want to know how a Heat Pump works? Ask your inspector.
Plumbing
All visible pipes and fittings will be evaluated. Waste drainage, hot water heater, visible leaks and signs of leaking, clogged/slow drains and plumbing fixtures will all be evaluated. The inspector will also instruct the client on how to operate the main water shut-off.
Major Appliances
All major appliances that are remaining in the home as a part of the sale will be operated, evaluated and reported on. Including but not limited to the stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, clothes dryer and clothes washer. All of these appliances and more are evaluated in your standard inspection.
Electrical
The inspector will test a sampling of outlets, light fixtures and other electrical accessories. The inspector will check for the presence of GFCI(Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) protection near sources of water. The inspector will remove the electrical panel cover and conduct a visual safety inspection of the wiring and circuit breakers.
Offering Home Inspection Services
In Maryland, Washington D.C. and Virginia
(301) 661-6091 info@amerispectors.com
Our Main Office Is Located In Glen Burnie, Maryland
