The HomePro Home Inspection Process

HomePro was founded in 1981 to provide reliable, timely, and expert home inspection services. Now over 20 years and over a half a million home inspections later we are the premier home inspection provider and home inspection training company. We have over 165 affiliate sites throughout the United States, Canada, and the Virgin Islands.

Inspectors using the HOMEBOOK cover more than 500 potential problem areas, which are then recorded under one of eight sections in the book. The HOMEBOOK remains unsurpassed in it's clarity, simplicity, and insight. This in turn allows the homebuyer to make a more educated and informed purchasing decision.

The eight systems are as follows:

STRUCTURE: The structure of the building is identified in terms of materials used, type of construction, and the degree to which various areas are accessible to the inspector. Significant sub-components, such as foundation type, framing materials, etc. are listed and their idiosyncrasies are noted. The inspector also checks for major or minor problems in the various structural systems of the building, including the foundation, floors, walls, and roof framing.

ELECTRICAL: The electrical system is checked for sufficient capacity and safety. The inspector evaluates the systems in terms of its current condition, and considers its suitability for future intended use. Upgrades and repairs are recommended where appropriate.

HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING: The inspector assesses the capacity of the existing equipment to produce comfortable conditions. By considering the age of the existing equipment and the intended capacity, the inspector can approximate the life expectancy and recommend appropriate repairs or upgrades within a budget.

PLUMBING: The piping and the fixtures throughout the house are checked for functional flow and life expectancies. The systems are screened for unsanitary conditions and potential repairs, such as freeze vulnerability or spillage/overflow. The laundry equipment, tile work, and domestic water heating equipment are surveyed as well. Useful upgrades are itemized and near term replacements budgeted.

BASEMENT/CRAWLSPACE/SLAB: Water seepage probabilities and structural problems are evaluated and remediation advice is given. The inspector looks for possible problems areas that could cause structural problems, such as poor soil, surface drainage, proximity to tree roots, rotating stoops, etc.

KITCHEN: The appliances are operated and deficiencies noted. The inspector recommends appropriate upgrades and approximates the life expectancy of each piece of equipment. Depending on age and usefulness, the inspector may suggest a budget for repairs from typical minor problems to complete renovation.

INTERIOR: The inspector scans the walls, floor, and ceiling surface for problematic conditions, such as visible evidence of water penetration, potentially dangerous or toxic materials, fire hazards, or security breaches. The ventilation and energy conservation aspects are checked and appropriate upgrades are itemized.

EXTERIOR: The inspector walks on the roof (where safe and appropriate) and notes deficiencies. Roof runoff controls and landscape drainage is checked and improvements are recommended where necessary. Stoops, steps, walks, and drives are checked for voids, surface problems, and safety hazards.

Within these eight systems we determine what problems exist. Once we determine what the problems are, you can use the HOMEBOOK to determine what the solution is and then how to take care of your investment.

New Construction Inspections

Phase Inspections New construction inspections are one of HomePro of Greater Rochester’s special services. We offer phase inspections to make sure that your home is built properly from start to finish. Phase inspections are a three step procedure:

Phase One - HomePro will come to the property before the foundation is poured to insure that everything from rebar to drainage to plumbing is in the proper place before concrete is poured to avoid the delays of re-pouring if something is out of place. A narrative report is made available to the buyer and can be forwarded to the builder upon request.

Phase Two - HomePro will come back to the property before the drywall is hung and insulation put in, usually just after the code inspector has done his inspection. We will check the framing and structure, wiring, roof, and plumbing to make sure everything matches the plans. The homebuyer receives a second narrative report on the items reviewed and can be forwarded to the builder upon request.

Phase Three - HomePro will return for a final full home inspection using the HomeBook, evaluating all systems at the time of the final builder walk-through. The new homeowner will receive the completed HomeBook for future reference and to aid them in their one-year warranty builder inspection.

HomePro Home Inspections are competitively priced, so please call or e-mail us today for more information or to set an appointment.