Residential Inspections

BSI Exclusive Reporting System

Our comprehensive electronic reporting system provides you with invaluable information you will need to make a more informed purchasing decision about your new home. Our exclusive reporting system covers everything from the roof to the crawlspace and everything in between in an easy–to- read detailed format. Every report includes a summary page with the highest priority concerns.

What You Can Expect From A Home Inspection

Electrical

Report on grounding
Report on panel and service size and presence of over-current protection
Inspect condition of visible wiring
Evaluate existing ground fault circuit interrupters
Report on the presence of aluminum branch wiring
Observe condition of electric panel and components
Evaluate receptacle polarity

Double tapped circuit breaker with undersized wire.

Open spliced wires and bathroom vent terminating into the attic.

Open spliced wires in attic.

Open junction box in attic. Fire concern.

Ground wire attached to gas line. Safety concern.

Inadequate clearance for service drop over roof. There needs to be a 3' clearance over the roof.

Missing breaker or fuse at quick disconnect panel for air conditioner.

Old knob and tube wiring in attic.

Missing knock outs in main electrical panel.

Heating/Cooling

Report on overall visible condition of ductwork or hydronic lines
Observe condition of venting
Observe condition of boiler and combustion chamber
Inspect accessible burner
Operate thermostat
Report on fuel supply
Inspect heat pump and air conditioner
Observe overflow pan and drain
Evaluate condition of condensation drain
Report presence and condition of filter

Dryer vent terminating into crawlspace. Moisture concern.

Dryer vent terminating into attic. Moisture concern.

Rodent damage to heating/cooling duct in crawlspace.

Kitchen exhaust vent terminating into crawlspace of newly constructed home. It was not installed properly during construction.

Substandard installation of dryer vent. Fire concern.

Crushed main plastic flex heating/cooling duct in crawlspace.

Plumbing

Report any visible leaks
Inspect water heater and presence of temperature pressure relief valve
Observe supply line and main shut-off
Check for proper venting
Operate outdoor hose bibs
Check traps for leaks, improper venting and corrosion
Inspect visible supply, drain, and waste components
Evaluate function flow and drainage
Report on any visible polybutylene

Missing drain connection for soaker tub under master bedroom of a 4 year old house.

Illegal sprinkler line tie in to main water supply line.

Capped of drain line that had never been connected to master shower of a 5 year old house.

Improper location of drain waste lines along side of house.

Leak beneath water softener.

Leak beneath water softener. Notice the corrosion of the copper lines where they have turned green.

Drain waste vent blocked by plumbers cap.

Damaged drum trap under bathtub.

Exterior

Report on overall condition of windows and doors
Inspect condition of exterior caulking, protective paints, stains, and sealants
Inspect condition of weather stripping
Inspect locking mechanisms for proper operation
Report on the presence of any Exterior Insulated Finishing Systems (EIFS)
Report on material and overall condition of exterior surfaces and components

Damage to brick planter wall due to overgrown tree.

Missing foundation vent. Open to crawlspace.

Damaged vinyl siding and trim.

Roof/Eaves

Report on substandard repairs
Report missing shingles and signs of wear
Inspect condition of flashings, valleys, skylights, vents and roof penetrations
Report on presence and condition of FRT Plywood
Report on overall structural condition of visible framing components
Evaluate attic for ventilation
Inspect overhangs and eaves

Vinyl siding has contact with roof and is melted in various places.

Open ridge cap to attic.

"Do It Yourself" repair to a leaky skylight.

Carpenter ant damage to a shake roof.

Improper material used for patio roof.

Cracked/deteriorated plastic air flow box vent.

Microbial growth (blackened area) at underside of roof sheathing in attic.

Ice on underside of roof sheathing due to bathroom vents terminating in attic and attic vents which are blocked due to high insulation.

Grounds

Evaluate grading immediate to house
Note areas where siding is improperly in contact with grade
Report on visible damage to house caused by trees and shrubs
Inspect condition of retaining walls adjacent to house
Report on signs of soil erosion
Observe drainage around house
Inspect condition of stoop and stairs

Standing water around exterior of foundation. Poor drainage.

Over settling at front entry.

Chimney/Fireplace

Report visible loose or cracking bricks
Report signs of deteriorating mortar
Report any visible heavy creosote build-up
Observe condition of chimney, crown, and cap
Report on condition of firebox
Inspect flashing for overall condition
Inspect damper for proper operation
Operate blower when present

Missing brick chimney. Open to attic and prone to water infiltration.

Top section of brick chimney is cracked and deteriorated.

Excessive soot buildup, cracked liner. Fire concern.

Excessive soot buildup inside of chimney.

Loose bricks at chimney.

Foundation/Structure

Inspect condition of framing and structure, and report any visible defects
Check floors for severe settlement
Inspect for previous termite or insect treatment
Inspect all exposed materials
Inspect exposed areas or slap or floor for signs of visible water infiltration
Inspect any accessible crawl space of basement for visible signs of moisture
Inspect condition of parge or stucco coat
Report condition of mortar joints for visible cracking or deterioration

4 x 8 support beam was notched for plumbing. Inadequate support.

Powder post beetle damage to structural floor joist.

Inadequate support block.

Siding has buckled due to settling of the house.

Inadequate support post in crawlspace. No footing or pier block.

Inadequate structural support in crawlspace.

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