Roof

• roof covering
• gutters
• downspouts
• vents, flashings, skylights, chimney and other roof penetrations
• general structure of the roof

Exterior

• siding, flashing and trim
• all exterior doors, decks, stoops, steps, stairs, porches, railings, eaves, soffits and fascias; and report as in need of repair any spacings between intermediate balusters, spindles, or rails for steps, stairways, balconies, and railings that permit the passage of an object greater than 4 inches in diameter
• a representative number of windows
• vegetation, surface drainage, and retaining walls when these are likely to adversely affect the structure
• exterior wall covering

Basement, Foundation & Crawlspace

• basement
• foundation
• crawlspace
• visible structural components
• report on the location of under-floor access openings
• report any present conditions or clear indications of active water penetration observed by the inspector
• wood in contact or near soil
• report any general indications of foundation movement that are observed by the inspector, such as, but not limited to: sheetrock cracks, brick cracks, out-of-square door frames, or floor slopes
• report on any cutting, notching and boring of framing members which may present a structural or safety concern
  

Cooling

• the central cooling equipment using normal operating controls
  

Plumbing

• determine if the water supply is public or private
• verify the presence of and identify the location of the main water shut-off valve
• water heating equipment, including venting, connections, energy source supply system, and seismic bracing, and verify the presence or absence of temperature-pressure relief valves and/or Watts 210 valves
• flush toilets
• run water in sinks, tubs, and showers
• the interior water supply, including all fixtures and faucets; drain, waste and vent systems, including all fixtures
• describe any visible fuel storage systems
• drainage sump pumps and test pumps with accessible floats
• water supply, drain, waste and main fuel shut-off valves, as well as the location of the water main and main fuel shut-off valves
• report as in need of repair deficiencies in the water supply by viewing the functional flow in two fixtures operated simultaneously
• report as in need of repair deficiencies in installation and identification of hot and cold faucets
• report as in need of repair mechanical drain-stops that are missing or do not operate if installed in sinks, lavatories and tubs
• report as in need of repair commodes that have cracks in the ceramic material, are improperly mounted on the floor, leak, or have tank components which do not operate

Electrical

• the service drop/lateral
• meter socket enclosures
• the means for disconnecting the service main
• describe the rating of the service amperage
• panelboards and overcurrent devices (breakers and fuses)
• report on any unused circuit breaker panel openings that are not filled
• the service grounding and bonding
• a representative number of switches, lighting fixtures, and receptacles, including receptacles observed and deemed to be AFCI-protected during the inspection using an AFCI tester, where possible
• test all Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) receptacles and GFCI circuit breakers observed and deemed to be GFCIs during the inspection using a GFCI tester, where possible
• report the presence of solid conductor aluminum branch circuit wiring, if readily visible
• report on any tested receptacles in which power was not present, polarity is incorrect, is not secured to the wall, the cover is not in place, the ground fault circuit interrupter devices are not properly installed or do not operate properly, evidence of arcing or excessive heat is present, or where the receptacle is not grounded or is not secured to the wall
• the service entrance conductors and the condition of the conductor insulation
• report the absence of smoke detectors;
• service entrance cables;
• report as in need of repair deficiencies in the integrity of the insulation, drip loop, or separation of conductors at weatherheads and clearances from grade or rooftops

Fireplace

• the fireplace, and open and close the damper door, if readily accessible and operable
• hearth extensions and other permanently installed components
• report as in need of repair deficiencies in the lintel, hearth and material surrounding the fireplace, including fireplace opening clearance from visible combustible materials

Attic, Ventilation & Insulation

• insulation in unfinished spaces
• ventilation of attic spaces
• mechanical ventilation systems
• report on the general absence or lack of insulation in unfinished spaces

Doors, Windows & Interior

• open and close a representative number of doors and windows
• walls, ceilings, steps, stairways and railings
• report as in need of repair any spacing between intermediate balusters, spindles or rails for steps, stairways and railings that permit the passage of an object greater than 4 inches in diameter
• garage doors and garage door openers by operating first by remote (if available), and then by the installed automatic door control
• report as in need of repair any installed electronic sensors that are not operable or not installed at proper heights above the garage door
• report as in need of repair any door locks or side ropes that have not been removed or disabled when garage door opener is in use
• report as in need of repair any windows that are obviously fogged or display other evidence of broken seals

Infrared Training Center Certified Thermographer Level 1

ACE Home Inspection provides you with a Non Invasive Infrared Home Energy Assessment.
It reveals hidden deficiencies such as:

• Missing Insulation
• Water Damage
• Heat Loss

Under-floor radiant line spacing was identified to be below the designer's specified instructions. Infrared can also be used to view different radiant flooring heat zones, crimps in tubing and other post-installation validation concerns.