First Time Home Buyers

I. The inspector shall inspect from the roof, ground level, or the eaves:

the roof-covering materials;
the gutters;
the downspouts;
the vents, flashing, skylights, chimney, and other roof penetrations; and 
the general structure of the roof from the readily accessible panels, doors or stairs.

II. The inspector shall describe:

the type of roof-covering materials.

III. The inspector shall report as in need of correction: 

observed indications of active roof leaks.

I. The inspector shall inspect:

the exterior wall-covering materials; 
the eaves, soffits and fascia;
a representative number of windows;
all exterior doors;
flashing and trim;

adjacent walkways and driveways;
stairs, steps, stoops, stairways and ramps;
porches, patios, decks, balconies and carports;
railings, guards and handrails; and 
vegetation, surface drainage, retaining walls and grading of the property, where they may adversely affect the structure due to moisture intrusion. 

II. The inspector shall describe: 

the type of exterior wall-covering materials.

III. The inspector shall report as in need of correction: 

any improper spacing between intermediate balusters, spindles and rails.

I. The inspector shall inspect:

the foundation;
the basement;
the crawlspace; and
structural components.

II. The inspector shall describe:

the type of foundation; and
the location of the access to the under-floor space.

III. The inspector shall report as in need of correction:

observed indications of wood in contact with or near soil;
observed indications of active water penetration; 
observed indications of possible foundation movement, such as sheetrock cracks, brick cracks, out-of-square door frames, and unlevel floors; and
any observed cutting, notching and boring of framing members that may, in the inspector's opinion, present a structural or safety concern.

I. The inspector shall inspect:

the heating system, using normal operating controls.

II. The inspector shall describe:

the location of the thermostat for the heating system;
the energy source; and

the heating method.

III. The inspector shall report as in need of correction:

any heating system that did not operate; and
if the heating system was deemed inaccessible.

I. The inspector shall inspect:

the cooling system, using normal operating controls.

II. The inspector shall describe:

the location of the thermostat for the cooling system; and

the cooling method.

III. The inspector shall report as in need of correction:

any cooling system that did not operate; and
if the cooling system was deemed inaccessible.

I. The inspector shall inspect:

the main water supply shut-off valve;
the main fuel supply shut-off valve;
the water heating equipment, including the energy source, venting connections, temperature/pressure-relief (TPR) valves, Watts 210 valves, and seismic bracing;
interior water supply, including all fixtures and faucets, by running the water;
all toilets for proper operation by flushing;
all sinks, tubs and showers for functional drainage;
the drain, waste and vent system; and
drainage sump pumps with accessible floats.

II. The inspector shall describe:

whether the water supply is public or private based upon observed evidence;
the location of the main water supply shut-off valve;
the location of the main fuel supply shut-off valve;
the location of any observed fuel-storage system; and

the capacity of the water heating equipment, if labeled.

III. The inspector shall report as in need of correction:

deficiencies in the water supply by viewing the functional flow in two fixtures operated simultaneously;
deficiencies in the installation of hot and cold water faucets;
mechanical drain stops that were missing or did not operate if installed in sinks, lavatories and tubs; and
toilets that were damaged, had loose connections to the floor, were leaking, or had tank components that did not operate.