Structural Components
Foundation, floors, walls, ceilings, and roof structure. As Licensed Professional Engineers specializing in forensic engineering, this is where our expertise sets us apart from a standard home inspection.
Improperly notched floor joist. Cutting into a structural member reduces its load-carrying capacity and can lead to failure.
Crawl space with improper non-engineered temporary shoring. The supports are unstable and at risk of collapse.
Foundation wall with vertical cracking and moisture staining, indicating possible differential settlement or lateral soil pressure. Should be evaluated for ongoing movement.
Exterior Components
Siding, flashing, trim, exterior doors and windows, walkways, driveways, vegetation, grading, drainage, and retaining walls.
Possible water infiltration into garage space with damage to structural wood members. Moisture entry may cause further deterioration. Hidden damage may exist behind the siding.
Uneven and settled paver walkway creating a trip hazard. Indicates poor base preparation or soil movement. Recommend releveling.
Deteriorated window trim and sill with wood rot. Compromised wood allows water infiltration into the wall cavity, leading to further damage.
Roofing System
Roof covering materials, drainage systems, flashing, skylights, chimneys, and other roof penetrations. We utilize certified drone pilot technology for safe, thorough aerial roof assessments.
Drone aerial view of roof valley and flashing. Our certified drone pilot identifies defects not visible from ground level.
Drone aerial view of roof edge and gutter line. Drone technology allows safe assessment of steep or multi-story roofs without ladder access.
Deteriorated gutter joint and fascia with corrosion. Failed connections allow water behind the fascia, causing wood rot and soffit damage.
Plumbing System
Interior water supply and distribution, drain/waste/vent systems, water heating equipment, fixtures, and fuel storage and distribution systems.
Active water staining on floor joists from a plumbing leak. Prolonged moisture leads to wood rot, mold growth, and compromised framing.
Heavily corroded water supply valve with oxidation buildup. Corrosion at connections can lead to sudden valve failure and water damage.
Severely corroded P-trap and drain assembly. Aging pipes in this condition are prone to leaks or blockages and should be replaced.
Electrical System
Service entrance conductors, service equipment and main disconnects, panels, overcurrent devices, branch circuits, connected devices, and lighting fixtures.
Rodent nesting material inside the electrical panel. Combustible debris around breaker connections is a serious fire and arcing hazard.
Overcrowded bus bar with double-tapped neutrals — a code violation. Each neutral conductor requires its own terminal to prevent overheating and arcing.
Deteriorated cloth-covered wiring alongside modern conductors. Brittle, frayed insulation exposes bare copper — a shock and fire hazard. Recommend evaluation by a licensed electrician.
Heating System
Heating equipment, distribution systems, chimneys, flues, and vents.
Corroded furnace burner assembly. Heavy rust on burner tubes can affect efficiency and pose a carbon monoxide risk if the heat exchanger is compromised.
HVAC unit with condensate drainage failure and water pooling. Causes corrosion of internal components and promotes mold growth.
Heavily rusted junction box inside the furnace. Corroded wiring connections increase resistance and risk overheating. Recommend servicing by a licensed HVAC technician.
Cooling System
Central and through-wall cooling equipment and distribution systems.
Heavily soiled evaporator coil. Clogged fins restrict airflow, reduce cooling efficiency, and can cause the system to freeze up.
Corroded refrigerant lines and coil connections. Deterioration can lead to refrigerant leaks and reduced cooling performance.
Severely corroded filter drier on the condenser unit. Can restrict refrigerant flow and cause compressor damage. Recommend replacement.
Interior Components
Walls, ceilings, floors, steps, stairways, balconies, railings, doors, and windows.
Moisture damage and mold growth on interior wall. Indicates an active or recent leak source. Mold poses a health risk — source must be identified and corrected.
Deteriorated window frame with mold and wood rot. Failed weathersealing allows water infiltration, promoting further decay.
Hardwood flooring with missing boards exposing the subfloor. May indicate prior water intrusion or structural movement. Should be properly repaired.
Insulation & Ventilation
Insulation and vapor barriers in unfinished spaces, ventilation of attics and foundation areas, and mechanical ventilation systems.
Displaced fiberglass insulation in the attic with gaps in coverage. Missing insulation reduces the thermal barrier, causing energy loss and potential condensation issues.
Heavily soiled HVAC vent with dust buildup. Clogged vents restrict airflow and reduce indoor air quality.
Dust-clogged exhaust vent. Blocked ventilation traps moisture and stale air, promoting condensation and mold growth.
Fireplaces & Solid Fuel Burning Appliances
Fireplaces, stoves, chimney and vent systems, hearth extensions, and clearances.
Improper fireplace hearth extension. The hearth does not meet the required minimum distance from the firebox, leaving combustible flooring exposed to heat and embers.
Firebox full of debris and ashes with a damaged smoke chamber and deteriorated damper. Excessive buildup restricts airflow and damaged panels can allow heat to reach combustible framing.
Schedule Your Inspection
Call or email to book. Most inspections scheduled within 48 hours.