Included With A HOMEEXTENT Inspection

Structural - Niagara area home inspections include systems and components: The structure of the building in terms of materials used and type of construction. Foundation type, framing materials, and other significant sub-components are noted along with any idiosyncrasies. The inspector/surveyor also checks for major or minor problems in the foundation, floor, wall and roof framing. Foundation crawlspaces, footings and columns, sub-floors, walls, chimney foundations and mortar. Load bearing wall Identification. The attic and its structural role is thoroughly examined as well as a visual inspection of the roof sheathing for signs of water intrusion (moisture stains) around vent stacks, dormer vents, etc.

Electrical - The electrical system is checked for sufficient capacity and safety, and evaluated in terms of its current condition and suitability for future use. Upgrades and repairs are recommended where appropriate. The service entrance type and location. Grounding and main bonding jumper, branch circuits, outlets and their type, Wire and breaker sizes will be analyzed as well as all sub panels. An electrical test is usually extensive and consists of checking on amperage, looking for exposed wires, and determining the type or wiring and whether it is adequate. If an inspector finds during the tests that there is a problem in the electrical system then you should have an inspection carried out by an electrician, as the home inspector may not be qualified to carry out extensive checks on the property.

Heating and Cooling  - The inspector assesses the capacity of the existing equipment, and by considering the age of the equipment and its intended capacity, approximates the life expectancy and recommends appropriate repairs an upgrades. Inspection of all accessible thermostat/controls, duct work, supply and discharge lines. Condensate lines will be identified and explained. (condensate lines are a major issue in moisture and mold control).

Plumbing - The piping and fixtures throughout the house are checked for function flow and life expectancies. They are screened for unsanitary conditions and potential repairs, freeze vulnerability, or spillage/overflow. Laundry equipment, tile work, and domestic water heating equipment are also surveyed. Inspection of the main supply lines, distribution lines, water heaters, fixtures, vents, traps and drains. We also check for proper installation of copper plumbing and re-pipes. The waste drainage system will also be described and evaluated. Determine the state of plumbing by checking items such as water pressure, type and condition of drains and pipes, and to see if there are any signs of rust and leaks. Although a home inspector can carry out a basic plumbing inspection, a certified plumbing specialist may be called in if any major problems are identified. They will then be able to find the cause and recommend appropriate actions to fix the problem.

Foundation - Water seepage probabilities and structural problems are evaluated and remediation advice given if needed. The inspector also looks for possible problem areas that could cause structural problems, such as poor soil, surface drainage, proximity to tree roots and rotating stoops.

Interior - Walls, floors and ceiling surfaces are scanned for problematic conditions, visible evidence of water penetration, potentially dangerous or toxic materials, fire hazards, or security breaches. Ventilation and energy conservation aspects are checked and appropriate upgrades are itemized. Kitchen, laundry, bathrooms, bedrooms, living rooms, family rooms, den, office, library, walls, ceilings, windows, skylights, outlets, entry doors, sliding glass doors, identification of the floor covering and their condition, smoke detectors, fireplaces.

Exterior -The roof, roof runoff controls and landscape drainage are inspected and necessary improvements are recommended. Stoops, steps, walks and drives are checked for voids, surface problems and safety hazards. The visible portions of the hard surfaces, such as the yard walls, walkways, decks and porches. Is there an adequate difference in elevation between the exterior grade and the interior? The exterior cladding as well as windows, screens, doors and exterior lighting are meticulously inspected.

Roofing - Identification of the material type and estimated age of the roof covering. All dormer vents, skylights and vent stacks shall be inspected for proper installation and jack flashings. The presence of rain gutters and their condition will also be noted in the report.

Moisture Content Readings

WHY SHOULD I USE A MOISTURE METER?

 Home inspectors, pest control operators and EIFS inspectors know that moisture intrusion is the single most important factor affecting the integrity of building structures. We offer moisture meter packages specifically manufactured to meet the needs of our clients. Proper use of a moisture meter allows the inspector to easily identify the source moisture and to locateMoisture Meter areas in the building that have been affected by moisture. We do not recommend using a moisture meter throughout the house on a "moisture finding mission." We use the moisture meter as a confirmation tool only when the area or surface looks, smells or feels beyond normal moisture. Click on Image above for Current Promotions!

HOW DOES A MOISTURE METER WORK?

Pin-Type meters, which utilize the principle of electrical resistance, use wood or other hydroscopic materials as an element in a circuit by driving two pins or electrodes into it.

CAN I USE A MOISTURE METER TO CHECK FOR PEST INFESTATION?

YES - a few meter readings in key locations of the structure will quickly indicate if the areas are safe or in danger of infestation. We recommend using pin-type meters for pest control application as the best way to identify the exact point of infestation behind walls and ceilings. The key to finding hidden moisture is to use an electrode with insulated contact pins. These pins read only at their un-insulated pin tips, allowing the contractor to drive the pins into materials at different depths, noting readings at each level of penetration. A pin-less meter is a good way to identify infested areas, as long as you do not have to penetrate into a hidden material.

AT WHAT LEVEL OF MOISTURE DOES INFESTATION OR DECAY OCCUR?

 Readings over 20% MC clearly indicate that wood is subject to infestation and possible decay. Readings in the 17% - 20% are borderline and normally require further testing.

WHICH TYPE OF MOISTURE METER WORKS BEST FOR EIFS?

A pin-type meter is the best way to identify the exact location of moisture in the substrate and framing A pin-type uses tow pins that penetrate into the building at the user's desired depth. When insulated pins are used, only the uncoated tips are exposed to the wood fiber, providing an accurate reading of moisture content at various levels of penetration. Pin-type meters are the only instruments that allow the inspector to identify exact location of moisture at a given point. Many EIFS inspectors use both types of meters. They can quickly identify problem areas using a pin-less meter, and also use a pin-type meter to identify exact location of moisture in the wood substrate.