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Frequently Asked Questions

What do you inspect? The home inspection and report are performed to and compliant with the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.

Electrical Inspection

Rusty Layton will inspect the electric service to the house, identify the location of the service panel and the main disconnect; determine the grounding system method and the overcurrent protection devices used; determine if the main service panel amperage rating is sufficient; identify the predominant branch circuit wiring method; test receptacles, lighting fixtures and switches for problems; inspect the electric service panel for issues such as burned wires, rust and overcurrent protection; test wet use area receptacles for ground fault shock hazard protection; describe issues and provide recommendations in the home inspection report.

Plumbing Inspection

Rusty Layton will test the plumbing system by operating all fixtures, flushing toilets and running all faucets; check for leaks and water flow; drain operation; inspect toilets, sinks, showers, and major appliances for leaks; describe the main water entry pipe material and identify the main water valve location; determine the materials used for the water, drain and waste pipes; inspect the water heater, determine its approximate age and service life; identify gas pipe materials and fuel shut off valve locations; identify gas venting methods; describe issues and provide recommendations in the home inspection report.

Heating Inspection

Rusty Layton will test the heating system by turning up the thermostat and checking the response; inspect the heating equipment and heat distribution; inspect vents, flues, and chimneys for any obvious defects; identify the fuel source and heating system type; determine the approximate age of the heating equipment and average service life; describe the type of thermostat; check air filters; identify the heating system gas venting methods; describe issues and provide recommendations in the home inspection report.

Air Conditioning Inspection

Rusty Layton will test the air conditioning system by turning down the thermostat and checking the response; describe the cooling distribution; determine the approximate age of the cooling equipment and average service life; thermostat operation; air filters; identify the location of the condensation water drain; check to make sure that the exterior unit is level, clear of obstructions and the refrigerant line insulation is in place; check to ensure that each room has air conditioning vents; test the temperature split or delta between the supply air temperature and intake air temperature; describe issues and provide recommendations in the home inspection report.

Foundation and Framing Inspection

Rusty Layton will inspect the foundation and identify the type of materials used; check for cracks and visible deficiencies; check for water seepage, moisture marks and stains; inspect the framing and identify the components used for the floor structure, wall structure, and framing; identify observed wood boring insects; determine if there is a sump pump system; check for insulation, vapor barriers and ventilation methods; describe issues and provide recommendations in the home inspection report.

Kitchen Inspection

Rusty Layton will test the kitchen appliances by using normal operating controls to activate the primary function of each appliance; determine the kitchen ventilation method; evaluate the cabinets and countertops for significant issues; test each receptacle and determine if there is GFI protection and function; identify the GFI re-set location; describe issues and provide recommendations in the home inspection report.

Laundry Inspection

Rusty Layton will test the washer and dryer by using normal operating controls to activate the primary function of each appliance; identify the laundry location; determine the exit location and free flowing condition of the dryer vent; identify the type of dryer exhaust vent pipe material; check for the presence of a leak containment system or water shut off system; test the laundry sink; identify the dryer fuel source; identify the type of washer supply hoses; describe issues and provide recommendations in the home inspection report.

Interior Inspection

Rusty Layton will check a representative sampling of window operation and electric receptacles; walls and ceilings are inspected for water stains and leaks under bathrooms, kitchens, roof coverings and flashing areas; check for wall and ceiling damage; check door operation; Identify the presence of smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms and fire extinguishers; check stairways and railings; check floor coverings for significant deficiencies; identify the type of washer supply hoses; describe issues and provide recommendations in the home inspection report.

Fireplace and Chimney Inspection

Rusty Layton will identify the locations and types of wood burning fireplaces, gas fireplaces, chimneys; check mortar condition; check the chimney for significant issues; check the fireplace for loose mortar; determine if there is an ash pit; operate the damper; operate gas fireplaces; determine venting methods for gas fireplaces; describe issues and provide recommendations in the home inspection report.

Bathroom Inspection

Rusty Layton will test the bathroom fixtures by running water for a period of time through each fixture in each bath simultaneously; toilets are flushed; drainage and water flow are observed and evaluated; check for faucets and fixture leaks; check drainage; check caulking and grouting at tubs, showers and floors; test GFCI protected receptacles and identify the GFI re-set location; check conditions of tub and shower walls and surrounds; identify and check bathroom ventilation methods; describe issues and provide recommendations in the home inspection report.

Attic Inspection

Rusty Layton will describe the type of attic inspection method; identify the type of attic access and the attic, sheathing, framing methods and materials; check for leaks; check the insulation; identify the insulation materials; identify the absence of insulation; describe the attic ventilation system; identify the presence of vapor barriers; identify the type of townhouse fire separation walls; check for pest intrusion evidence; describe issues and provide recommendations in the home inspection report.

Exterior Inspection

Rusty Layton will inspect and describe the wall covering materials; check the eaves, fascia, soffits and trim for deficiencies; check protection, painting, sealants and caulking for deficiencies and maintenance requirements; identify the presence and locations of exterior doors, light fixtures, and faucets; test GFI receptacles and identify GFI re-set locations; describe issues and provide recommendations in the home inspection report.

Roof and Flashing Inspection

Rusty Layton will describe the roof inspection method; describe the roof type; inspect the roof coverings; identify the roof covering material; approximate the age of the roof coverings and average service life; check flashings; check roof penetrations, vent pipe collars, skylights and flues; check sealants and caulking; identify the gutter and spout system; describe issues and provide recommendations in the home inspection report.

Grounds and Attachments Inspection

Rusty Layton will inspect the entry walks, steps, stoops and railings; inspect the rear and side steps and railings; describe type and location of porches; check decks and railings for significant deficiencies; check driveway and retaining walls for significant issues and describes materials for each; check vegetation for adverse conditions to home; describe issues and provide recommendations in the home inspection report.

Grading and Drainage Inspection

Rusty Layton will describe the grading and drainage observations; check for significant deficiencies; identify the presence of window wells; describe the optimum specifications for grading against the foundation; check for maintenance needs; describe issues and provide recommendations in the home inspection report.

What is the purpose and scope of the home inspection?

The purpose of the home inspection is intended to provide you with objective information regarding the condition of the systems and components of the home as inspected at the time of the home inspection. The home inspection is a general inspection of the entire property and is unlike a contractor, engineering or architectural inspection and is not a code compliance inspection.

 

What is the difference between a contractor and home inspector?

There can be a significant difference from a home inspector opinion and a contractor opinion which is almost always related to current code requirements. Think about it, how can a 1950's house comply with current code requirements? It can't! Evaluation of components by contractors or professional services may reveal issues that are not within the scope of the home inspection or the home inspector does not observe.

 

Are there guarantees?

It is not possible for a home inspector to guarantee to observe or report all issues a house may have even those that may be categorized as obvious.

 

What does the home inspection cost?

The fees vary with the type of house, size and age. The exact fee needs to be determined so it is important to provide us with the address of the property for fee quotes. We list fee guidelines in the web site for your reference.

 

Do you offer Radon testing?

Radon tests are offered in most areas with the home inspection, not separately and the fee is additional.

 

Do you test for Mold, Asbestos or Lead?

We do not test for Mold, Asbestos or Lead. If you have concerns with any of these items it is recommended to consult with specialists.

 

Do you move furniture, carpet or personal belongings?

We do not move furniture, pull back carpet or move personal belongings. We do not damage walls, ceilings, remove ceiling panels or perform any form of destructive measures.

 

Do you issue a written report?

We issue a written report following the home inspection usually within 24 hours. The inspection report is in the form of a PDF document, follows the ASHI Standards of reporting, includes photos and is emailed to you and your agent with permission. The home inspection report is the property of the home inspection company and is not transferrable.

 

What if I have problems after I move in to the house?

The expectation is that you are satisfied with your home inspection but it is a possibility that you will experience some sort of post inspection problem after you move in. Most post inspection problems stem from a contractor telling you that the inspector should have caught something and is therefore responsible. This is not equitable since the parameters and scope of the home inspection differ from contractor opinions usually related to current code requirements within their industry. A home inspection is a limited inspection with time constraints, not a code compliance inspection and living in the property day to day, using the systems and appliances, may reveal issues requiring contractor evaluation and repair.

 

How do I schedule and inspection with you?

The most efficient way to schedule an inspection is to use the contact form or by text. Rusty Layton’s calendar is on line in the web site to check availability and the form has all of the information necessary to schedule, provide a fee quote or ask a question.

 

What if I have other questions?

Feel free to call Rusty Layton at 703-569-6600. The best way is to use the form or email for questions.

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