Buyers Inspections – Existing Homes
Inspections for Home Buyers
Mark E. Reed
Professional Real Estate Inspector
Oklahoma Lic.# 114
Have a question or need an inspection?
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Office: (918) 243-7929
advantage@cimtel.net
Home Buyers- Inspection Services
“The Advantage” General Home Inspection is designed to give our clients critical information about the overall condition of the home they are buying by performing a top-to-bottom review of the home’s basic workings. This thorough inspection is performed pursuant to ASHI Standards of Practice Requirements and also the Oklahoma Home Inspection Requirements covering both the Structural & Mechanical / EMP (electrical, heating, air conditioning & plumbing) systems of the home. These areas represent the most costly systems to repair or replace within the home. A typical inspection lasts 2-3 hours, and we do encourage you to attend the inspection. When you attend the inspection, you have the opportunity to see any potential defects or items of concern, hear the detailed explanation of the issue, and ask any questions that you may have concerning the house.
There are hundreds of points that are inspected during the inspection process. The following information will give you a basic idea of topics that are covered when choosing the “The Advantage” General Home Inspection.
There are hundreds of points that are inspected during the inspection process. The following information will give you a basic idea of topics that are covered when choosing the “The Advantage” General Home Inspection.
Roof Covering, Flashings
The home’s roof coverings and flashings are inspected from roof level when possible and examined for condition, damage and proper installation to prevent water penetration.
Foundation Systems
Homeowners often assume just the concrete and steel that supports their home is the sole component of the foundation. Actually, a home has two foundations. The first and most important foundation is the soil beneath your home. The second is that hunk of concrete and steel known as the slab. How well the soil and the slab are supporting the framing structure is carefully inspected. Vegetation such as trees and shrubbery, lawn irrigation and site drainage all play a major role in preserving the integrity of the soil, slab or pier and beam foundation.
Roof Covering, Flashings
The home’s roof coverings and flashings are inspected from roof level when possible and examined for condition, damage and proper installation to prevent water penetration.
Foundation Systems
Homeowners often assume just the concrete and steel that supports their home is the sole component of the foundation. Actually, a home has two foundations. The first and most important foundation is the soil beneath your home. The second is that hunk of concrete and steel known as the slab. How well the soil and the slab are supporting the framing structure is carefully inspected. Vegetation such as trees and shrubbery, lawn irrigation and site drainage all play a major role in preserving the integrity of the soil, slab or pier and beam foundation.
Site Grading & Drainage
Grading and drainage at perimeter of dwelling is carefully evaluated. Adequate drainage around the perimeter of the dwelling, directing rainfall or the accumulation of water away from the structure to storm sewer is critical to maintaining the integrity of the foundation and supported. Guttering and drainage devices directing water away from perimeter of the home.
Framing Structure
The framing structure is inspected for weakness caused from improper installation, damages, or racking due to foundation movement.
Exterior Walls, Doors, Windows, Glazings & Flashings
- Exterior wall claddings are inspected for deterioration, flashing, weep holes, condition of paint and the coverings ability to protect the dwelling from the elements.
- Exterior doors are inspected for deterioration, operation, and weather stripping.
- Windows are inspected for deterioration, operation, glazing, caulking, flashing and egress.
Interior Walls, Doors, Ceilings, Floors, Stairways, Balconies & Railings
- Interior walls, ceilings and floors are inspected for load bearing weaknesses and water penetration.
- Interior doors are inspected for condition and function, stairways, balconies and railings for proper installation and safety.
Fireplaces
Fireplace components such as firebox, hearth, flue, and gas log lighters are inspected for condition and safe installation.
Roof Structure Attic Ventilation and Insulation
- Roof structure is inspected for water penetration, condition and proper construction such as span, spacing and bracing of rafters.
- Attic ventilation and insulation are critical components contributing to the homes efficiency and durability that are evaluated.
Porches & Decks
Porch and deck components are inspected for condition and proper attachment points to the dwelling.
Air Conditioning, Heating, Ducts & Vents
- Air conditioning systems are inspected for proper performance by observing the humidity levels and temperature difference between the supply air and the return air.
- Heating systems are inspected for signs of unsafe operation such as flame impingement and excessive scale or rust build up at combustion compartment.
- Ducts are inspected for functional air flow, condition of insulation coverings and proper installation of supply and return plenums.
- Vents and flues are inspected for safe and proper installation.
Appliances
Appliances such as dishwasher, food waste disposer, oven, range, range exhaust vent, microwave, trash compactor, bathroom exhaust vents, bathroom heaters, doorbells and automatic garage door openers are inspected for performance, damage, proper installation and safety.
Electrical System
Fixtures, faucets and piping are inspected for operation, functional flow, drainage and deficiencies.
Plumbing System & Fixtures
Electrical service entrance, breaker & fuse panels, branch circuits, and fixtures are inspected for operation, deficiencies, grounding and safe installation.
“The Advantage” General Home Inspection is backed by a free 90 day Limited Home Warranty (structural, electrical, mechanical & plumbing) from AHW “American Home Warranty”.
3rd party Termite/Wood Destroying Insect (WDI) Inspections are also available. Contact us to learn more!
Serving Tulsa & Surrounding Areas
Our service area includes Tulsa, Oklahoma, Broken Arrow, Bixby, Catoosa, Claremore, Cleveland, Coweta, Collinsville, Jenks, Mannford, Owasso, Sand Springs, Sapulpa, Skiatook & Stillwater Oklahoma. Mark is a certified member of the American Society of Home Inspectors - ASHI, and a Certified Master Inspector through ORCIA, the Oklahoma Residential & Commercial Inspection Association.
Educated . Tested . Verified . Certified
Certified Master Inspector