What to expect during a typical home inspection?

A typical home inspection in Louisiana follows the Standards of Practice and everything outside of that is supplemental for the buyer or seller (the client) and it’s the home inspector going above and beyond – that’s a good thing! At Swampland Home Inspections, we deliver thorough and objective reports to all clients.

In the standard home inspection, the inspector will observe readily accessible systems and components of those systems. Readily accessible defines those systems to be observed and inspected without moving furniture, personal property, or putting oneself in safety danger. The checklist of systems includes but are not limited to:

• Exterior
  • Trim
  • Doors and windows
  • Driveways and sidewalks
  • Walls – siding, fascia, soffits, and eaves
  • Columns, etc.
• Any components directly related to the exterior system of the home.

• Roof
  • Gutters and downspouts
  • Flashing
  • Roof penetrations
  • Chimneys
  • Skylights etc.
• Any components directly related to the roof system of the home. Even satellite dishes installed on roofs can lead to potential water intrusion if not installed properly.

• Interior
  • Walls
  • Doors and windows
  • Ceilings
  • Floors
• Electrical
  • Switches and receptacles
  • Fixtures and protective coverings
  • Main panel and sub panels
  • Conduits
  • GFCI and AFCI
  • Smoke detectors
• Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning
  • Year
  • Make/Model
  • Size
  • Location
  • Power source
  • Fireplaces
• Plumbing
  • Water supply and natural gas supply
  • Distribution lines and fixtures
  • Drainage, Traps, and Vents
  • Water heaters
  • TPR valves and other safety related measures
• Attic
  • Insulation
  • Ventilation
  • Accessibility
• Foundation
  • Slab
  • Crawlspace
  • Basements
  • Property grading
  • Property drainage
  • Landscaping and vegetation near the home
• Garages
  • Vehicle door
  • Pressure reverse safety mechanism
  • Eye sensor safety features
• Appliances
  • Permanently installed appliances
  • Garbage disposal
  • Range, cook top, stove, ovens, and microwaves
  • Dishwashers
  • Trash compactors
  • Refrigerators – if applicable

Home inspections can be anywhere between 2 to 4 hours long. Depending on the age, size, and number of defects the inspection time can increase. In addition to your standard home inspection, Swampland Home Inspections offers other inspection services such as, sewer scope inspections, four point inspections, pre-listing inspections, new construction inspections, and more. Wood destroying insect inspections are also a vital resource to those lenders that require it. We have teamed up with professionals to offer wood destroying insect reports too.

Inspectors shouldn’t be there to scare you but to protect you. Home inspectors have the trained eye for defects found in everyday systems of the home and can offer objective and professional reports along with a list of repairs and recommendations for the home.

Call Swampland Home Inspections at 504-982-8288 or email us at swamplandhomeinspections@gmail.com for all your home inspection needs! We offer 24/7 communication and support, service bundle discounts, same day report delivery, and much more. Be sure to check us out on Facebook and join our community – click the link down below!