A Home Inspection Guide
If you’re buying or living in a modern or historic home, understanding what a home inspection is (and what it isn’t) is one of the most valuable steps you can take. This guide breaks it down simply using Rhode Island’s Standards of Practice (SOP) as a framework, with insights drawn from my own experience as a solo inspector who specializes in historic homes.
What a Home Inspection Is (and Is Not)
A home inspection is a visual assessment of a property’s readily assessible structure and systems. It’s based on conditions observed at the time of the inspection and follows a state-defined Standards of Practice.
It is not:
A code compliance inspection
A valuation or appraisal
A guarantee or warranty
A pass/fail test
Instead, it’s a tool designed to help you make informed decisions, prioritize maintenance, and understand the unique demands of your home—especially if that home was built a century (or more) ago.
What We Inspect
Below is an overview of what you can expect from a professional home inspection:
1. Roof System
We assess:
The roofing materials
Drainage systems (gutters, downspouts)
Flashings
Roof penetrations
Chimneys (from the exterior only)
What we don’t do: Remove roofing materials or inspect under snow, tarps, or heavy debris.
2. Exterior
We inspect:
Siding, flashing, and trim
Entryways and windows (visible condition only)
Decks, balconies, stoops, steps, and railings
Walkways and driveways (adjacent to the building)
Vegetation that may affect the structure
We do not examine underground drainage or landscaping design.
3. Structural Components
We evaluate:
Foundations and framing (as visible in basements, crawlspaces, attics)
Evidence of movement, cracks, or water intrusion
We don’t perform structural engineering assessments or remove finishes to view framing.
4. Interior
Included:
Walls, ceilings, and floors
Stairways and railings
Doors and windows (function and fit)
Evidence of water damage or structural stress
Interior inspections are visual only—furniture and rugs aren’t moved.
5. Plumbing System
We inspect:
Main water supply shut-off location
Water heating equipment
Drain, waste, and vent systems
Fixtures and faucets
No pressure testing or disassembly is performed.
6. Electrical System
We check:
Main service panel and subpanels (exterior of panel only in Rhode Island)
Wiring type and visible condition
Outlets, switches, and light fixtures
Grounding and bonding (where visible)
We don’t remove circuit breakers or test inaccessible wiring.
7. Heating and Cooling
We evaluate:
Installed heating and cooling equipment (central A/C not evaluated in winter)
Thermostats
Ductwork and venting
Inspection is limited to accessible, visible components.
8. Insulation and Ventilation
We inspect:
Attic insulation and ventilation
Crawlspace ventilation
Exhaust systems in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry
Hidden areas inside wall cavities are not examined.
9. Fireplaces and Solid Fuel Burning Appliances
We inspect:
Fireboxes and dampers
Hearths and visible components
Venting connections
We do not clean or test flues or conduct chimney sweeps; that’s a job for a chimney professional.
How We Categorize Findings
Not every issue is a disaster waiting to happen. We break findings into three clear categories:
Maintenance: Regular upkeep—think gutter cleaning, caulking, or paint touch-ups.
Repair or Replace: Functional components nearing the end of their life or showing damage—roof wear, broken windows, outdated water heaters.
Safety Hazards: Conditions that present potential risks—like faulty wiring or missing handrails.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re buying your first home, a historic property, or simply trying to better understand the one you already live in, our goal is to provide a clear, honest, and informative inspection.
Your home inspection isn’t about passing or failing. It’s about learning what your house is telling you and planning your next steps with confidence.