703.304.3925
Inspection Details
1. SCOPE OF INSPECTION: The Client will be provided an overview of the apparent condition of the following readily accessible and visible components: roofing, siding, trim, exterior, structure, insulation, ventilation, exhaust, interior, electric, plumbing, air conditioning, heating, and appliances. The inspector abides by the ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors) Standard of Practice and the ASHI code of ethics: https://www.homeinspector.org/Resources/Standard-of-Practice
The inspection will include the above elements unless otherwise restricted by the Client or by accessibility. Any other comments or evaluations regarding areas or components other than those listed in the ASHI Standard of Practice are provided as a courtesy by the Inspector. Items in large quantity or area such as receptacles, switches, fixtures, windows, hardware, mortar, masonry, paint, or caulk may be randomly sampled and not every instance of a minor defect may be noted. Inspections are performed with consideration given to the age of the system or component. Items marked OK are considered OK for the age of the item. Items in poor condition will be marked as such, even if the condition is normal for the age. Qualified contractors are recommended for all repairs. Any contractor referrals are based on the apparent integrity of the contractor and the Inspector has no financial interest nor any other affiliation with the contractor. Opinions vary from person to person and the report is the opinion of the inspector and must be considered as such.
2. CLIENT RESPONSIBILITIES: The Client is encouraged to participate in the home inspection process. This is an excellent opportunity to learn about the home. The Client participates at their own risk and the Inspector assumes no liability for personal injury or property damage resulting from Client participation. The Client assumes responsibility for any missed information as a result of not participating in the inspection.
3. PROPERTY ACCESS: Approved access for entry onto the premises being inspected is assured by the Client. It is the responsibility of the Client to ensure that the utilities are on, appliances and equipment are operational, alarms are off, and all applicable areas are accessible at the time of inspection. Client further agrees to defend, indemnify and hold harmless the Inspector from demands or claims alleging a trespass upon the premises to be inspected.
4. PAYMENT: Check, Cash, or Zelle due at the end of the inspection. Please make checks payable to "ATLAS Home Inspection".
5. CANCELLATION: The Client may cancel the inspection any time before the inspection date, up to one hour before the scheduled inspection start time. A fee of $200 is due if the inspection is cancelled after the inspector is on site or if the Client fails to notify the Inspector of the cancellation. The Client may cancel the inspection for any reason after the inspection begins for a reduced inspection rate.
6. REPORT: A pdf report is typically emailed within 24 hours. For conditions such as very large properties, multiple units, unavailable Inspectors, poor property condition, unfinished new construction, last minute scheduling, timing conflicts, etc. the report may take longer to deliver, or may be emailed in more than one report.
7. LIMITATIONS: This is a non-invasive visual inspection. The Client acknowledges there may be concealed or latent defects or deficiencies that cannot be seen and that the Inspector cannot insure against defects or deficiencies not noted in the report and later discovered by the Client. The Inspector is not required to use specialized equipment, instruments, or testing devices. The Inspector does not break or damage seals on access panels. The Inspector does not climb or enter any roof, attic, crawlspace, or any other area deemed unsafe or inaccessible by the Inspector, or areas with less than 30 x 30 inches of clearance, and the Inspector is not required to walk the roof. The Inspector is not required to poke holes, lift carpets, or move personal property, ceiling tiles, furniture, equipment, appliances, insulation, plants, soil, snow, ice, or debris. The Client acknowledges that the Inspector's findings are on accessible and visible areas, systems, and components only.
The Inspector is not required to operate systems or components that are not permanently installed, that do not respond to normal operating controls, or that are turned off or not completely installed. The Inspector is not required to operate shutoff valves or turn on service disconnects. The report is not an exhaustive list of every defect and cannot precisely and completely assess all risks, detect all flaws, predict all future occurrences, or make any assurances. The inspection is only good until the Inspector leaves the property. The Client acknowledges that property conditions can change after the inspection and that the Inspector is not responsible for changes, damages, repairs, equipment failures, or symptoms of problems that occur after the inspection. For this reason, no guarantees or warranties of any kind will be made by the Inspector.
The following items are not part of a home inspection and any comments regarding them are provided as a courtesy by the Inspector:
1) Multi-unit common areas; 2) Decorative items, paint, wallpaper, or treatments to walls, windows, floors, ceilings; 3) Recreational equipment, playgrounds, pools, spas, or saunas; 4) Sheds or outbuildings 5) Window air conditioners, portable heaters, wood stoves 6) Motion or photo-electric sensors; 7) Concealed or private secured systems; 8) Water wells, septic systems, underground tanks or utilities; 9) Overflow drains and shower pans; 10) Heating system accessories or humidifiers; 11) Solar equipment; 12) Heat exchangers; 13) Irrigation or sprinkler systems; 14 Water purification, water softeners, or dehumidifiers; 15) Central vacuum; 16) Telephone, intercom, cable TV, audio/video systems, antennae, satellite dishes, remote controls, or any ancillary low-voltage wiring; 17) Lightning arrestors or load controllers; 18) Elevators; 19) Manufacturer's specifications or energy efficiency; 20) Thermostat or timer accuracy; 21) Chimney interiors or liners; 22) Synthetic siding; 23) Security or fire protection systems. 24) Storm doors, storm windows, or safety glazing 25) EV charging equipment, power generators, or surge protectors 26) Mechanical ventilation systems
The following categories are not part of a home inspection and any comments regarding them are provided as a courtesy by the Inspector:
1) Compliance with regulatory requirements (building code, regulations, laws, ordinances, etc.); 2) The condition of systems or components that are not readily accessible or visible; 3) The remaining life of any system or component; 4) The strength, adequacy, effectiveness, design, or efficiency of any system or component; 5) The causes of any condition or deficiency; 6) The methods, materials, or costs of corrections; 7) Future conditions including, but not limited to, the failure of systems or components; 8) The suitability of the property for any specialized use; 9) The market value of the property or its marketability; 10) The advisability of purchase of the property; 11) The presence of diseases harmful to humans or potentially hazardous plants or animals, including, but not limited to, wood destroying organisms and mold; 12) The presence of any environmental hazards including, but not limited to, formaldehyde, toxic or flammable materials, urea, fungi, pests, carcinogens, noise, asbestos, lead-based paint, mold, radon, and contaminants in soil, water and air; 13) The effectiveness of any system installed or methods utilized to control or remove suspected hazardous substances; 14) The operating costs of systems or components; 15) The acoustical properties of any system or component; 16) The presence of components involved in manufacturer's recalls; 17) Soil, groundwater, or geological conditions; 18) Calculating structural load; 19) Testing for gas leaks; 20) Filling shower pans or bathtubs; 21) The adequacy of mechanical or passive venting systems.
8. WEATHER LIMITATIONS: Weather conditions may limit the extent of the inspection. Snow cover limits visibility and access to the roof, driveway, walkways, decks, and grounds. Rain may limit roof access. Dry conditions limit the ability to detect moisture problems, leaks, and property drainage. Air conditioners are typically not operated when the outside temperature has fallen below 60 degrees in the past 24 hours.
9. REINSPECTION: Components, systems, or areas not inspected due to weather limitations, utility shutoff, restricted access, unfinished installation, or for any other reason, will not be reinspected as a part of this inspection. The Client may schedule a new inspection for any component, system, or area for an additional fee. A reinspection on any repairs done after the original inspection is not part of this inspection and is also an additional fee.