What should you expect from a home inspection?

PBI inspectors are licensed and insured and they follow strict NYS guidelines for inspections. When they inspect a home they look at the following:

Foundation: We look at the base of the walls and the ceilings in each room and outside for obvious cracks or apparent shifts in the foundation.

Lot: Does the drainage appear to be away from the house? If it has recently rained are there any obvious soggy areas?

Roof: What is the overall condition? When was it last replaced?

Exterior: Does the house look like it will need repairs or repainting soon? Are gutters and downspouts firmly attached? Are there loose boards or dangling wires? Is there asbestos in the exterior material, which would require added costs if it needed to be repaired or replaced?

Attic: How does the interior of the roof structure look? Are there any signs of leaks?

Interior evidence of leaks: We check ceilings and around windows in each room for signs of water intrusion.

Basement/Crawlspace: Is there dampness? Adequate insulation?

Electrical: Do the switches work? Are there any obvious malfunctions? Have the outlets been grounded? Is the panel updated and expandable for additional appliances or a potential remodel?

Plumbing: Any unusual noises or malfunctions? Has the sewer line been scoped to check for potential cracks?

Appliances: If these are included, what is the age and condition of the stove, dishwasher or refrigerator?

Heating/cooling system: Does it seem to do the job? How old is the furnace? If the system has been converted, are the old systems or tanks still in place?

Odor: Does the home smell? Can you detect what it might be and whether it could be fixed? Beware of musty odors which could signal a wet basement.

Special Considerations – EIFS or Synthetic Stucco

If you are buying a home with EIFS siding (Exterior Insulated Finishing System, sometimes also called Synthetic Stucco) or own a home with EIFS and need to fulfill insurance requirements, PBI offers specialized EIFS inspections by certified inspectors.

Why should an expert inspect the EIFS on a home?

If EIFS is not designed & installed properly, water can get into the walls at seams, like windows and doors, or where the EIFS joins other building materials like the roof or chimney. This incidental moisture can get trapped behind the stucco and damage the underlying materials. This results in mold & wood rot.

The only way to determine if elevated moisture and EIFS defects are present is for a certified EIFS inspector to do an inspection with moisture detecting equipment. Our EIFS inspections are performed by AWCI certified inspectors who provide detailed reports showing any problems found. This will help protect your investment well into the future.

Many insurance companies now also require specialized EIFS inspections to obtain and/or maintain homeowner’s insurance. PBI’s detailed EIFS inspections and thorough reports are designed to fully satisfy these requirements.