D & D Home Inspection Services

What is a Home Inspection ?

A general home inspection is a visual inspection for system and major accessible component defects and safety issues. The inspection is not technically exhaustive. A "general home inspection" and a "home inspection" are the same thing.

A home inspection is designed to reflect, as accurately as possible, the visible condition of the home at the time of the inspection. Conditions at a home for sale can change radically in only a day or two, so a home inspection is not meant to guarantee what condition a home will be in when the transaction closes. It’s not uncommon for conditions to change between the time of the inspection and the closing date.

It’s a Visual Inspection

A “visual” inspection means that a home inspection report is limited to describing conditions in those parts of a home that an inspector can see during the inspection. Obviously, parts of the home that are permanently hidden by wall, ceiling and floor coverings are excluded, but so are parts of the home that were inaccessible during the inspection for some other reason. Some reasons might include lack of an access point, such as a door or hatch, or a locked access point, or because an occupant’s belongings blocked access, or because of dangerous or unsanitary conditions.

There can be many more reasons. The point is that if an inspector can’t see a portion of the home, the inspector can’t assume responsibility for ensuring that a safe and proper condition exists or that systems are operating properly in that hidden space.

Safety

Safety can be a matter of perception. Some conditions, such as exposed electrical wiring, are obviously unsafe. Other conditions, such as the presence of mold, aren’t as clear-cut.

In the example of the possible existence of mold, it's difficult to accurately call it out during a general home inspection because mold sometimes grows in places where it can’t be readily seen, such as inside walls, making its discovery beyond the scope of the inspection. Also, the dangers to human health are from the inhalation of spores from indoor air.

Most people with healthy immune systems have little or no problem with inhaling spores. A few people whose immune systems are compromised by lung disease, asthma or allergies can develop serious or even fatal fungal infections from mold spore levels that wouldn’t affect most people. Every home has mold and mold colonies can grow very quickly, given the right conditions. Mold can be a safety concern, but it often isn’t. The dangers represented by mold are a controversial subject. Other potential safety issues also fall into this category.

System Defects

Although the majority of the inspection is visual, the InterNACHI Standards of Practice do require inspectors to operate space and water heating equipment, and air-conditioning equipment, if it can be done without damaging the equipment.

Inspectors will also examine the major accessible components of certain systems as required by the Standards of Practice. Furnace air filters are one example.

A home inspection is not technically exhaustive, meaning that systems or components will not be disassembled as part of the inspection. For example, an inspector will not partially disassemble a furnace to more accurately check the condition of the heat exchanger. Inspectors typically disclaim heat exchangers.

Hazardous Materials

Asbestos, mold, lead, water purity, and other environmental issues or potential hazards typically require a specialist inspection, and may additionally require laboratory analysis.

Home Inspectors are Generalists

Home inspectors are not experts in every home system but are generalists trained to recognize evidence of potential problems in the different home systems and their major components. Inspectors need to know when a problem is serious enough to recommend a specialist inspection. Recommendations are often made for a qualified contractor, such as a plumber or electrician, and sometimes for a structural engineer.

Certified Professional Home Inspector

InterNACHI Certified Home Inspection Jacksonville, North Carolina

For Home Buyer's in Jacksonville, NC

A home is probably one of the largest purchases you will ever make, so it is important to understand the condition of your investment. I will provide a non-invasive examination of the home's accessible structure, systems and components. While a home inspection is not a prediction of future conditions and cannot reveal every concern that may exist, or even could exist, it will significantly reduce your anxiety by arming you with the knowledge you need to make an informed home-buying decision.

For the Home Seller / Realtors in Jacksonville, NC

Are you selling your home? Let me inspect it before you even list it. A prep-to-sell inspection will inform you of any defects or problems with your home so that you can address them before a prospective buyer discovers them. You can then take the time you need to obtain reasonable repair estimates. Show prospective buyers that you are dealing with issue found in good faith. Avoid 11th-hour negotiations and delays, and justify you full asking price by having your home pre-inspected now.

Real Estate Professional | Realtors

Your reputation is your most valuable asset. Your clients rely on you to guide then through a complicated and sometimes stressful process. Demonstrate to them that their trust in you is justified by referring to them a licensed professional home inspector. My experience, training and professionalism will deliver the information your client need. The best advertising is a happy client.

What We Inspect During a home inspection

Our home inspections cover all critical components of a property, providing you with a complete assessment of its current condition. Here's what we inspect:

Roofing System: Inspection of roof coverings, flashings, gutters, downspouts, and overall roof integrity.
Exterior: Examination of siding, windows, doors, decks, steps, porches, and exterior grading.
Foundation and Structure: Evaluation of the foundation, crawlspaces, basements, and structural components for signs of damage or defects.
Electrical System: Checking wiring, outlets, switches, electrical panels, and safety devices like GFCIs.
Plumbing System: Inspection of visible piping, fixtures, water heaters, and testing for leaks or water damage.
HVAC System: Assessment of heating and cooling systems, including furnace, AC, and ductwork for operational efficiency.
Interior Components: Inspection of walls, ceilings, floors, windows, doors, and stairways for structural integrity and functionality.
Insulation and Ventilation: Evaluation of attic insulation, ventilation, and overall energy efficiency.
Appliances: Testing of built-in appliances for proper operation.

Mon	09:00 am – 05:00 pm
Tue	09:00 am – 05:00 pm
Wed	09:00 am – 05:00 pm
Thu	09:00 am – 05:00 pm
Fri	09:00 am – 05:00 pm
Sat	Closed
Sun	Closed