Components to a Home Inspection: Interior

What is the interior component of a home inspection?

During the home inspection, a peace of mind certified inspector will identify major deficiencies in the condition of the interior living structure. The living structure would include walls, ceilings, and floors, interior stairways and balconies, counters and cabinets, doors and windows, fireplaces and woodstoves. The interior inspection tests the operation of windows and doors and reports signs of water penetration into the building or signs of abnormal or harmful condensation on building components.

The certified inspector shall:

A. Open and close a representative number of doors and windows.

B. Inspect the walls, ceilings, steps, stairways, and railings.

C. Inspect garage doors and garage door openers by operating first by remote (if available) and then by the installed automatic door control.

D. And report as in need of repair any installed electronic sensors that are not operable or not installed at proper heights above the garage door.

E. And report as in need of repair any door locks or side ropes that have not been removed or disabled when garage door opener is in use.

F. And report as in need of repair any windows that are obviously fogged or display other evidence of broken seals.

The certified inspector is not required to:

A. Inspect paint, wallpaper, window treatments or finish treatments.
B. Inspect central vacuum systems.
C. Inspect safety glazing.
D. Inspect security systems or components.
E. Evaluate the fastening of countertops, cabinets, sink tops and fixtures, or firewall compromises.
F. Move furniture, stored items, or any coverings like carpets or rugs in order to inspect the concealed floor structure.
G. Move drop ceiling tiles.
H. Inspect or move any household appliances.
I. Inspect or operate equipment housed in the garage except as otherwise noted.

J. Verify or certify safe operation of any auto reverse or related safety function of a garage door.

K. Operate or evaluate security bar release and opening mechanisms, whether interior or exterior, including compliance with local, state, or federal standards.

L. Operate any system, appliance or component that requires the use of special keys, codes, combinations, or devices.

M. Operate or evaluate self-cleaning oven cycles, tilt guards/latches or signal lights.

N. Inspect microwave ovens or test leakage from microwave ovens.

O. Operate or examine any sauna, steam-jenny, kiln, toaster, ice-maker, coffee-maker, can-opener, bread-warmer, blender, instant hot water dispenser, or other small, ancillary devices.

P. Inspect elevators.

Q. Inspect remote controls.

R. Inspect appliances.

S. Inspect items not permanently installed.

T. Examine or operate any above-ground, movable, freestanding, or otherwise nonpermanent installed pool/spa, recreational equipment or self-contained equipment.

U. Come into contact with any pool or spa water in order to determine the system structure or components.

V. Determine the adequacy of spa jet water force or bubble effect.

W. Determine the structural integrity or leakage of a pool or spa.

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