A Home Inspection

Structure: A home’s skeleton impacts how the property stands up to weather, gravity, and the earth. Structural components, including the foundation and the framing, should be inspected.

Exterior: Peak Performance looks at sidewalks, driveways, steps, windows, and doors. A home’s siding, trim, and surface drainage also are part of an exterior inspection.

Doors and windows.

Siding (brick, stone, stucco, vinyl, wood, etc.)

Driveways/sidewalks.

Attached porches, decks, and balconies.

Roofing: A well-maintained roof protects you from rain, snow, and other forces of nature. Take note of the roof’s age, conditions of flashing, roof draining systems (pooling water), buckled shingles, loose gutters and downspouts, skylight, and chimneys.

Plumbing: We will thoroughly examine the water supply and drainage systems, water heating equipment, and fuel storage systems. Drainage pumps and sump pumps also fall under this category. Poor water pressure, banging pipes, rust spots, or corrosion can indicate problems.

Electrical: Safe electrical wiring is essential. We look at the condition of service entrance wires, service panels, breakers and fuses, and disconnects. Also take note of the number of outlets in each room.

Heating: The home’s heating system, vent system, flues, and chimneys will be inspected. We look for age of water heater, whether the size is adequate for the house, speed of recovery, and energy rating.

Air Conditioning: Peak Performance will describe your home cooling system, its energy source, and inspect the central and through-wall cooling equipment. Consider the age and energy rating of the system.

Interiors: An inspection of the inside of the home can reveal plumbing leaks, insect damage, rot, construction defects, and other issues. Peak Performance will take a close look at:

Walls, ceilings and floors.

Steps, stairways, and railings.

Countertops and cabinets.

Garage doors and garage door systems.

Ventilation/insulation: To prevent energy loss, we check for adequate insulation and ventilation in the attic and in unfinished areas such as crawl spaces. Also look for proper, secured insulation in walls. Insulation should be appropriate for the climate. Excess moisture in the home can lead to mold and water damage.

Fireplaces: They’re charming, but they could be dangerous if not properly installed. Our inspectors will examine the system, including the vent and flue, and describe solid fuel burning appliances.

Thermal Imaging: Peak Performance Home Inspections does Thermal Imaging on the spot with visible staining for your peace of mind.

Explain the limitations of thermal imaging, including the fact that, as with any type of inspection, it can’t predict future conditions. However, a roof that is experiencing moisture intrusion which has been detected through thermal imaging will very likely lead to serious structural issues, if left unaddressed.

Heat loss and air infiltration in walls, ceilings, floors, windows and  doors.

Damaged and/or malfunctioning radiant heating systems.

Air-conditioner compressor leaks.

Under-fastening and/or missing framing members, and other structural defects that can lead to energy loss and broken seals in double pane windows.

Plumbing leaks.

Hidden roof leaks before they cause serious damage.

Missing, damaged and/or wet insulation and water and moisture intrusion around penetrations and at the foundation and building envelope that could lead to structural damage and mold.

Circuit breakers in need of immediate replacement.

Overloaded and undersized circuits.

Overheated electrical equipment and components and electrical faults before they cause a fire.

Possible pest infestation, as revealed by energy loss through shelter tubes left by boring wood-destroying insects.

The presence of intruders, such as rats, mice and other larger pests hiding within the structure and detected because of their heat signature that the IR camera captures and damngerous flue leaks which can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning of the home.