What is a Home Inspection?
This is the most widely recognized type of inspection that covers the general condition of the home by examining the areas and systems that are reasonably discoverable. Based upon what they see, they may recommend that you have a more specialized inspection conducted.
Maryland Home Inspection Checklist
A home inspection is an important part of any home purchase. While your home inspector’s report may be produced using proprietary forms or systems, Maryland law requires any inspection report to contain the following information on key features of the property, which are:
Structural system
Description:
Foundation, and report the methods used to inspect the under-floor crawl spaces and basements
Floor structure
Wall structure
Ceiling structure
Roof structure, and report the methods used to inspect the attic
Exterior
Visual Inspection:
Exterior wall covering, flashing, and trim
All exterior doors
Attached decks, balconies, stoops, steps, porches, and their associated railings
Eaves, soffits, and fascias that are accessible from the ground level
Vegetation, grading, surface drainage, and retaining walls on the property if any of these may adversely affect the building
Walkways, patios, and driveways leading to dwelling entrances
Description:
The exterior wall covering
Roof System
Visual Inspection:
The roof covering
Roof drainage systems
Flashings
Skylights, chimneys, and exterior and roof penetrations
Description:
The roof covering and report the methods used to inspect the roof
Heating/Air Conditioning System(s)
Visual Inspection:
Installed heating equipment
Vent systems, flues, and chimneys
Heating distribution
Installed central and through-wall cooling equipment
Description:
Energy sources and heating methods by distinguishing characteristics and means of distribution
Energy sources and cooling methods by distinguishing characteristics and means of distribution.
Insulation and Ventilation
Visual Inspection:
Insulation and vapor retarders in unfinished spaces
Ventilation of attics and foundation areas
Mechanical ventilation systems
Description:
Insulation and vapor retarders in unfinished spaces
If applicable, the absence of insulation in unfinished spaces at conditioned surfaces
Fireplaces and Solid Fuel Burning Appliances
Visual Inspection:
System components of fireplaces and solid fuel burning appliances
Vent systems, flues, and chimneys
Description:
Fireplaces and solid fuel burning appliances
Chimneys
Electrical Systems
Visual Inspection:
The service drop
Service entrance conductors, cables, and raceways
Service equipment and main disconnects
Service grounding
Interior components of service panels and subpanels
Conductors
Overcurrent protection devices
A representative number of installed lighting fixtures, switches, and receptacles
Ground fault and arc fault circuit interrupters
The general condition of visible branch circuit conductors that may constitute a hazard to the occupant or the structure by reason of improper use or installation of electrical components
Description:
Amperage and voltage rating of the service
Location of main disconnect and subpanels
Wiring methods
Include, if applicable:
Presence of solid conductor aluminum branch circuit wiring
Absence of smoke detectors
Presence of CSST gas piping with the recommendation that the bonding of the CSST be reviewed by a licensed master electrician
Plumbing System
Visual Inspection:
Interior water supply and distribution systems, including all fixtures and faucets
Drain, waste, and vent systems, including all fixtures
Water heating equipment
Vent systems, flues, and chimneys
Fuel storage and fuel distribution systems for the presence of CSST
Drainage sumps, sump pumps, and related piping
The functional flow of all fixtures and faucets
The functional drainage of all fixtures
Description:
Water supply, drain, waste, and vent piping materials
Water heating equipment, including the energy source
The location of main water and main fuel shut-off valves
The presence of CSST with the recommendation that the bonding of the CSST be reviewed by a licensed master electrician
Interior
Visual Inspection:
Walls, ceilings, and floors
Steps, stairways, and railings
Countertops and a representative number of installed cabinets
A representative number of doors and windows
Garage doors and garage door operators
Other Property Inspections
A home inspection is a common part of the home sale process. The inspection is usually a contingency in the contract, meaning the buyer can back out if serious problems discovered, or can negotiate for repairs to be made.
Some home sellers choose to have an inspection conducted before they list the home for sale. This can avoid any unexpected issues during the transaction, but also requires the seller to disclose any issues that have been found. Your REALTOR® can advise you as to whether a pre-listing inspection is recommended.
During the home inspection, an inspector will examine the property for flaws. Based on the inspector’s report, certain items may need to be repaired or a more specialized inspection conducted. The types of inspections which may occur are:
Radon Inspection
Radon is an invisible, odorless gas found in the earth’s soil that can reach harmful levels when trapped in areas like basements and first floors of homes. It is also quite common throughout Maryland. If the property has elevated radon levels, you can install a reduction system that vents the gas outside of the property.
Pest Inspection
Termites, insects and rodents can all take up residence in your home. Some of them may be annoying, but others can cause damage to your home’s structure and systems. You will want to know if any of these pests are present, remove them and repair any issues that they caused.
Mold Inspection
While all buildings contain some level of naturally-occurring mold, this inspection will check for excessive amounts that may be present in areas of the home. Inspectors will look for active leaks or water accumulation that may lead to mold growth in basements, along foundation walls, or in your roof’s support structure, and recommend actions to remediate mold in those areas.
Lead-Based Paint Inspection
If your property was constructed prior to 1978, there is a high likelihood that it contains lead-based paint. This inspection will look for areas with chipped or peeling paint which could indicate and area of lead paint exposure. Those areas should be covered with a special coating and routinely maintained, or you could choose to conduct a full abatement of any surfaces containing lead-based paint.
Specialized Inspections
Based upon what your home inspector finds, he or she may recommend that you get a more specialized inspection of certain home systems where they see items of concern, that they do not have full access to, or that are outside of their scope of practice. Those could include:
- Fireplace and Chimney
- Foundation
- Roof
- Heating and Air Conditioning
- Electrical Systems
- Plumbing
Septic/Well
If your property is not connected to public water or sewer systems, then you likely have a well and a septic system on your lot which provide those services. A septic inspector will look for issues with the tank, whether it needs to be pumped out, or if leaks have caused contamination in the surrounding soil. Well inspectors will check to make sure the well system is in working order and evaluate water quality.
Underground Oil Tank
Depending on the age of your home, it may have at one time used an oil heating system. This inspection can locate any oil storage tank that is present on the property and determine if leaks or cracks are present. They can also recommend if current tanks need to be replaced or old tanks removed.
Pool/Spa
If the home you are purchasing has a pool or hot tub, this inspection will look at the working condition of the mechanical equipment, corrosion or areas for leaks, and any safety issues as defined under state and local laws.