Real Estate Inspections

by

www.AccurateInspect.com

A division of Double LF, Inc.

"when qualifications count and experience matters..."

281-705-5668

(Fax) 281-572-2368

The inspection scope is furnished to you as part of the inspection report so that you may better understand the nature of the inspection performed on the areas and components contained in the report. We urge you to read the inspection scope and to refer to the scope of any item you might have a question about. In addition to any limitations listed in the following outlines or contained in the report, we do not inspect for building codes, design adequacy, capacity, efficiency sizing, value, flood plain location, pollution, or potability of water, nor do we inspect for insurability.

Performing intended functions: Carrying out the designed purpose or intended operation of an item, part, system, component.

Needs repair or Replacement: Not performing its intended function, needs repair, or shows evidence of prior damage, or a safety hazard.

Not Inspected: The structure was not equipped with the item, part, system, member, or that item, part, system, or member was not inspected.

This foundation and related structural components contained in this section were visually examined. Areas or components located in areas not affording complete visual access with out dismantling, uncovering, or the removal of storage or furnishings are expressly excluded from this report. Walls, ceilings, and flooring are examined for deficiencies related to structural performance and water penetration only. Cosmetic damage to walls, ceilings, doors, or flooring is not specifically identified nor addressed in this report. The condition of paints, stains, other surface coatings, or the condition of cabinets is not determined nor addressed in this report. Doors and windows are examined for proper operation, glazing, and evidence of physical damage. Thermal windows are examined for the presence of moisture or other signs of seal failure. Early stages of seal failure may not be detectable at the time of this inspection. Cleanliness, or weather conditions may affect the inspector’s ability to detect seal failure; therefore, only obvious seal damage is reported. Door and window screens are inspected for presence and condition. The inspector does not take soil samples, sightings, measurements, use equipment in the performance of the foundation inspection. No warranty or guarantee is issued or implied as to the future performance of this foundation and the opinion rendered is based on the conditions existing at the time of this inspection.

The inspector will inspect the visible components and structure of the chimney and fireplace, the visible parts of the fire box and flue. The damper operation, the presence of non combustible hearth extension, the condition of the lintel, and material surrounding the fireplace, attic penetration of the chimney flue, where accessible, for fire stopping, gas log lighter valves for function and gas leaks, the operation of circular fans when present, and observe the coping or crown, caps or spark arrestor from a ground level at a minimum. However, the inspector does not inspect for adequacy of the draft or performance of a chimney smoke test.

The inspector will inspect porches, decks, steps, balconies and carports for structural performance as to visible footing, joists, decking, railings and attachment points, where applicable. The inspector does not inspect detached structures or waterfront structures and equipment.

The inspection of the roof covering, flashing, plumbing vent caps, the roof structure, and components located in the attic space is limited to those areas and items that are accessible and visual without dismantling, uncovering, or removal of storage to inspect. Underlayment, fasteners and all areas not affording proper head clearance are expressly excluded from this inspection. The inspector does not walk on roofs when it is determined that damage to the roof surface may result, or when considered unsafe as determined by the inspector. The inspector does not enter attic spaces with less than 5 ft. of head clearance. The inspector does not inspect for insurability.

All appliances are operated in the manual mode only. Self cleaning functions are not inspected. Appliances are inspected for proper operation, visible areas of damage, missing or defective parts, leaks, installation as to secure mounting and proper routing of hose connections, and for vibration or excessive noise during the operation of the appliance. The inspector does not determine the compacting ability of compactors, the grinding abilities of food disposal units, nor the vacuum capabilities of central vacuum systems.

The inspection of the water heater(s), and heater components are visual in nature and are limited to those items listed in this report. The inspector does not: Dismantle any equipment, controls, or gauges to inspect components; operate any valves, when in the inspectors reasonable opinion, damage to property or injury may result; determine proper sizing as to hot water needs; inspect any part, or component that is not completely visual and located in an accessible area; move stored item or furnishings to gain access to the water heater; determine the remaining useful life of the unit or any component; or remove insulation blanket to gain access to water heater components.

The inspection of the cooling system is limited to those items listed in this report. The inspector does not: Operate a cooling system when the outside temperature is below 60 degrees Fahrenheit; determine the proper operation of condensate systems; inspect gas-fired refrigeration systems; inspect for the pressure of the system coolant or determine the presence of leaks; determine the efficiency of a system; inspect any equipment which is not in an accessible area or dismantle any equipment, controls or gauges; determine the electrical current draw of the system; program digital-type thermostats or controls; operate any set back features on thermostat or controls; inspect interior components of an evaporative cooler when the unit has been drained or shut down.

The inspection of the heat system is visual in nature and is limited to the items listed in this report. The inspector does not: Activate or operate heating systems which have been shut down or which do not respond to normal control devices; determine fully the performance of heat exchangers; (This would require dismantling of the system), inspect any equipment unless the equipment is located in an accessible area; dismantle any equipment, controls or gauges; inspect accessories such as humidifiers, air purifiers, motorized dampers, heat reclaimers, electronic air filters or wood burning stoves; inspect solar heating systems; determine the efficiency or adequacy of a system; activate heating or heat pump systems if the ambient temperatures or other circumstances are, in the reasonable opinion of the inspector, not conducive to safe operation without damage to the equipment; program digital-type thermostat or controls; operate radiant heaters, steam heat or unvented gas-fired heating appliances.

The inspection of the plumbing system is a visual inspection in nature and is limited to the items listed in this report. The inspector does not: Operate any main, branch, or shut-off valves; inspect any system which has been shut down or otherwise secured; inspect any component(s) which are not visible and accessible; inspect any exterior plumbing components such as water mains, private water wells, private sewer systems, sprinkler systems or swimming pools (unless agreed to by both parties and inspected as a separate inspection apart from the listed items contained in this report); inspect fire sprinkler systems; inspect or operate drain pumps or waste ejector pumps; inspect the quality or the volume of well water; determine the potability of any water supply; inspect water conditioning equipment, such as softeners or filter systems; inspect solar water heating systems; determine the effectiveness of anti-siphon devices on appropriate fixtures or systems; operate free standing appliances; inspect private water supply systems, swimming pools or tanks; observe the system for proper sizing, design or use of proper materials; or inspect the gas supply system for leaks. This inspection can not fully determine, in most cases, if a shower pan is damaged and leaking in the most damage is not visual and, in some cases, prolonged use of water is necessary for leaks to become apparent. Because of the limited nature of the inspection and therefore mentioned possibilities, we do not offer nor imply any warranties regarding the absence of shower pan leaks, damage, nor the continual functional use of the shower pan.

The electrical systems inspection is a visual inspection and is limited to the items listed in this report. The inspector does not Move any objects, furniture or appliances to gain access to any electrical component; remove switch cover plates, except where aluminum wiring is observed in the main or sub panels; inspect any electrical equipment which is not in an accessible area; dismantle any electrical device or control; inspect ancillary systems, such as burglar and smoke or fire systems, antenna, electrical de-icing tapes, sprinkler wiring, intercom systems, any system controlled by timer or photo cells, landscape lighting, cable TV wiring, telephone wiring, load or voltage regulators; or trace wiring origins or wiring destinations.

The inspection is limited to a visual examination of the items listed in this report. The inspector does not Dismantle or otherwise open any components or lines; uncover or excavate any lines or otherwise concealed components of the system, or determine the presence of sub-surface leaks; fill the pool or hot tub with water; determine the presence of sub-surface water tables; or inspect any ancillary equipment such as computer controls, chlorinators or other chemical dispensers, or water ionization devices or conditioners.

Inspection of additional special structures or equipment: (as requested)

Guest house, Cabana, Workshop, Whirlpool Bath, Swimming Pool and Equipment, Sprinkler System, Spa/Hot Tub and Equipment,

Other _______________

Double LF, Inc. / dba AccurateInspect agrees to provide appropriate reports according to the specific service rendered. The report will indicate which items were inspected, which items are in need of service/repair, or, are not performing the function for which they are intended. Items not included in the report shall not be considered good or bad from any lack of notation. No verbal statements by the inspector shall expand the scope of this agreement or the inspection report, nor will such statements be relied upon when solicited from the inspector by the Client at the time of the inspection or any other time. The other inspections or tests will be on separate reports with qualified details of the specific subject- and in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas, The Texas Real Estate commission, and any applicable professional and technical standards. The reports will be the property of Double LF, Inc. / dba AccurateInspect , and the Client and may not be used by any other person without their written consent. The parties hereby authorize distribution of copies of this report to:______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________

The building, its components and equipment, are to be ready and accessible for inspection on the date and time stated above. All utilities and pilot lights must be on and all equipment operational so the total inspection can be completed on that date. The inspector is not obligated to change light bulbs, light pilots, move furniture, obstructions or floor coverings, or remove panels to inspect any part of the building or its equipment. Pool/Spa must be full, clean and operational. Deviations of these requirements that delay the inspection is just cause for an additional charge.

Design problems are not within the scope of inspection. The inspector will not determine the operational capacity, quality or suitability for a particular use of items inspected. No engineering, scientific or specialized technician test will be made by the inspector. No test samples will be taken from the roof or any other part of the structure unless specifically requested. AccurateInspect or its inspectors will have no liability for latent defects which cannot be observed by a normal inspection nor can be determined by normal equipment operation; and it is specifically agreed and understood that: Mechanical devices and structural components may be functional one moment and later fail or malfunction; therefore, Double LF, Inc. / dba AccurateInspect’s liability is specifically limited to those situations where it can be conclusively shown that the mechanical device or structural component inspected was inoperable or in the immediate need of repair or not performing the function for which it was intended at the time of the inspection. The Client recognizes that there is NO REPRESENTATION OF WARRANTY OR GUARANTEE on the future life of items inspected. The inspector does not take responsibility for reporting non-compliance with any building, electrical, mechanical or plumbing codes established by municipal ordinances or any existing structure.

The intent of the inspector statements and any or all statements on the inspection report is not to be construed as an endorsement or a condemnation of any appliance system, structural component, or the building in its entirety. Nor, is it the intent to make any statement of property value.

The inspection report may not include minor settlement and minor crack in concrete, veneer and walls that would be within the normal tolerance or standard and does not impair the structural function of the building. The inspection report may not include cosmetic defects; minor cracks, scrapes, dents, scratches, soiled or faded surfaces of the structure or equipment. Also, soiled, faded, torn or dirty floor, wall or window coverings. The inspection report is not to be construed as a total list of defects, existing or potential.

It is not uncommon to observe cracks or for cracks to occur in concrete slabs or the exterior and interior walls. Cracks may be caused by the curing of building materials, temperature variations, and soil movement such as: settlement, uneven moisture content in the soil, shock waves, vibrations, etc. While cracks may not necessarily affect the structural integrity of a building, cracks should be monitored so that appropriate maintenance can be performed if movement continues at an abnormal rate. Proper foundation maintenance is the key to the prevention of initial cracks or cracks enlarging. This includes, but not limited to, proper watering, foundation drainage and removal of vegetation growth near the foundation.

The Client is hereby advised that other adverse problems may occur at slab cracks and other voids in the slab. Radon gas, termites and other living organisms, can enter a building through cracks and voids and may be a health hazard. Cracks and voids can be sealed effectively to prevent radon gas or other undesirable organisms from entering.

Double LF, Inc. / dba AccurateInspect and its inspectors encourage the Client to obtain a second opinion from a qualified specialist (structural engineer, licensed electrician, licensed plumber, certified factory trained service person, etc.) when there is a condition that they question or are concerned about. The Client is welcome to participate or observe the inspection, but does so at his/her own risk. The Client has the right to have more than one inspection, or more than one inspector.

Double LF, Inc. / dba AccurateInspect and its inspectors recommend that all repairs are completed by, or under the direction of, a qualified specialist that is certified, licensed and bonded. Also, that the Client obtain a copy of the work order and the paid receipt of all completed work that was performed on the property within the last 6 months.

The Client agrees to limit AccurateInspect’s liability to the fee charged and any of AccurateInspect's liability expires after two years from the date of the inspection..

Double LF, Inc. / dba AccurateInspect thanks you for giving us the opportunity to help you get a total view of your new investment through this report, the eyes of an experienced, qualified inspector. If you have any questions concerning this report, please feel free to call toll free. 281-705-5668

By my signature below or the acceptance of this report, I acknowledge that I have read this agreement and limitations and the attached report, and that I understand the terms and conditions, and scope of this inspection and I agree to be bound by these.

Inspector/License No.: ___________________________________________________________

Buyer: _________________________________ 

 

Date:_______________________________

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Last modified: July 21, 2007

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