1st Step Home Inspection Services

Inspection Overview

Certified Home Inspections performed to ASHI standards.

A home cannot fail an inspection. A professional home inspection gives you an independent, unbiased view of any problems and their solutions, so that you will have all the facts you need to make a sound, informed decision.

Depending on the size and condition of the home, a thorough home inspection will take no more than four and a half hours, usually between two and a half and three and a half hours. Ideally, you will accompany your inspector during the inspection so that you will have visual reinforcement of your written report.

We take our inspection reports seriously. Every inspection is a complete and thorough analysis of all the major systems and components in the home. The report includes a clear description of what we've found with any problem areas noted, so you can easily identify them. Our inspectors also provide a free telephone consultation after your inspection.

A thorough home inspection will include the following:

The Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics of THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF HOME INSPECTORS®

~ Roof (shingles, flashings, chimneys, vents, trim and gutters, drip edges, skylights, downspouts, and other visible roof related items)

~ Plumbing and Fixtures (water pressure, water distribution system, hose bibs, sinks and faucets, bath/showers and toilets, sanitary system, and other plumbing system components)

~ Heating and Cooling Systems (furnace, air cleaning parts, ductwork, air conditioner and lines, and other visible related HVAC components)

~ Basements, Crawl Spaces, and Foundation (insulation, ventilation, posts, vapor barriers, utility attachment, structural items, floors and walls, and columns)

~ Decks and Porches
~ Fireplaces
~ Overall Structure

~ Attics (insulation, ventilation, rafters, joists and collar ties, trusses, wiring attachments, and other visible related items)

~ Interior (floors and ceilings, walls, stairs (if applicable) and banisters, finishes, sinks, cabinets, shelving, built-in appliances, safety-related items, and other visible interior-related components)

~ Electrical Systems (service entry and clearances, service panel, switches and outlets, visible wiring and junction boxes, grounding system, and other related electrical components)

~ Exterior (siding materials, attachments, windows, doors, sashes and lintels, vents, entryways, and other visible exterior related components)