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The Big Six

The Big Six

1. Structural
2. HVAC
3. Electrical
4. Plumbing
5. Roof
6. Appliances

Guardian One Home Inspections, LLC am contracted with Brinks Home Security that will come to your house and perform a FREE check of the existing alarm and give you an additional 90-day structural & mechanical warranty free.

Structural

This is your foundation. The function of your foundation is to transfer the structural laod of a building to the ground. Supports that shift or settle after the forces on the structural members which in some cases, some of the buildings may be distorted, floors may slope, walls and glass may crack, and doors and windows may not function properly.

HVAC

HVAC systems are provided in houses primarily to maintain a comfortable environment for occupants. In addition to maintaining a comfortable temperature they also regulate the intake of outdoor air and recirculation of indoor air.
            The outside air intake unit – draws outside air into the system which is then cooled and sent through the air handling system, or blower. These will be checked for efficiency, levelness, coils, noises, and vibrations.
            Ducts – An air duct is the air distribution component of the HVAC System. All visible ducts will be checked for kinks or obstructions, and a temperature laser used to record the temp of each return air register.
            Air Heating & Cooling Equipment – A great variety of types of equipment are used to heat and cool the air circulated in a house. Heating equipment can be fuel-fired, such as natural gas, or oil burner, or through electricity or steam. All of which will be checked for proper functions.

Electrical

The electrical part of the inspection is a big one because this is where you get the safety issues or hazards. Here is a list of items checked in electrical and under the category are several standards: (Visit www.codecheck.com ) Meters, service conductors, clearance above ground, clearance above roof, clearance from building opening, panel boards, grounding & bonding, grounding electrode conductor, branch circuits, receptacles, appliances, GFCI’s & AFCI, lighting outlets, wiring and finally swimming pools. Although older homes usually have the most electrical issues due to the lack of restriction when they were built, new home builders make mistakes as well.

Plumbing

Plumbing is sometimes overlooked by a buyer because they take for granted that the sinks and showers work. This is not always the case and most often one of the bigger finds. I will check for proper flow in single and two-story houses, major leaks under sinks, showers and in tubs. Proper flush and flow of toilets, and if doing a phase inspections make sure that all drains have adequate slope to the sewer. Furthermore, I will check for vent termination, water supply & pressure <which is not a standard>, gas piping, gas appliance connectors and all fixtures.

Roof

Although by law I cannot tell you that you need a new roof, I can only refer you to a specialist after my findings. I may be able to report several things that will help you draw your own conclusions.

• Does the roof look wavy?
• Does it have multiple shingle layers?
• Does it have an underlayment?
• Does it sag or pit?
• Are roof penetrations properly fastened?
• From the attic looking up, are there water stains?
• From the attic looking up can you see daylight?

These and more will help you to make the right conclusion.

Appliances

Sometimes sellers choose to leave behind some or all of the appliances. Such as washer & dryer, microwave, and refrigerator, these and other such as ranges, cook tops, ovens, disposals, trash compactors, whole house vacuums will all be checked for proper functions. Not only will these be checked but also the major appliances will be checked with the electrical panel to ensure proper over current protection.

Optional Inspections

Swimming Pools

Items to be checked on outdoor swimming pools are:

• Pool wall & floor
• Skimmers
• Location of pool equipment
• Electrical service (GFCI protection)
• Verify overhead wires if applicable
• Pool sweep function
• Receptacles lighting
• The enclosure of the pool (barrier fence)

Lawn sprinklers

Check for proper function and flow of all the zones. Look for damaged or broken off sprinkler heads. Check for proper drainage and runoff.

Warranty

Guardian One Home Inspections, LLC is proud to offer home warranties through the American Home Warranty Company.

Guardian One Home Inspections, LLC has a contract with Brinks Home Security and with every inspection Guardian One Home Inspections, LLC does for a buyer, Brinks pays for a 90-day structural and mechanical warranty with or without their service. The way this works is that if the house you are buying has an existing alarm system, I will notify Brinks to be there when I do my inspection, they will do a quick check of the panels, windows and doors and report their findings. At that time, you now have a 90-day free of charge warranty with or without choosing Brinks Security Monitor. If your house does not have an alarm system, by signing my contract, you authorize Brinks to call you at a later date and make you a special offer. Once again, after signing my contract, your 90-day structural and mechanical warranty has now started.

Click here to see a copy of the American Home Warranty

The Advantages are:

• No deductibles
• Promotes confidence in your purchase
• Provides specific coverage for both mechanical systems and structural components in your home with clearly stated coverage and exclusions
• Can be used in conjunction with other coverage