Your Inspection, Step by Step
Not sure what to expect once you book? Here's how the process works from start to finish.
Schedule Your Home Inspection
Book online whenever it's convenient, and you'll get a confirmation email right away.
Meet Your Inspector
I personally show up to every home inspection I perform. No subcontractors, no surprises.
Review Your Report
You'll have your full report in hand within 24 hours of the inspection.
I follow the Standards of Practice for Tennessee and Virginia while evaluating the major systems and components that are visible and accessible at the time of the inspection. I identify significant concerns, safety issues, needed repairs, and signs of deferred maintenance that could develop into more costly problems if left unaddressed.
Once the inspection is complete, I offer an onsite review of the findings at no additional charge. This gives you and your agent an opportunity to see important concerns firsthand and ask questions while we are still at the property.
After you receive your inspection report and have had time to review the findings, I also make myself available for a follow-up telephone review. We can go through the report together, discuss any concerns, and help make sure you understand the information before moving forward.
That level of personal support—before, during, and after the inspection—is one of the things that sets Effective Home Inspections of Tennessee apart. You are not simply receiving a report. You are working directly with an owner-operator who is committed to helping you make a more informed decision about the property.
Why a Home Inspection Is Worth It
Gives You Room to Negotiate
Buyers can use the findings in your inspection report to negotiate price or request repairs, while sellers can address issues ahead of time to justify their asking price.
Protects Your Safety
Your inspection covers safety-related concerns like electrical hazards, structural issues, and signs of mold, so you're not walking into a home with hidden risks.
Helps You Plan Ahead
I'll flag components nearing the end of their lifespan, like an aging HVAC system or water heater, so you can budget for what's coming instead of getting blindsided.
Builds Trust in the Transaction
Sellers who get a pre-listing inspection show buyers they're being upfront, which can speed up negotiations and reduce back-and-forth.
Delivers Real Peace of Mind
Knowing exactly what you're buying (or selling) takes a lot of the stress out of one of the biggest financial decisions you'll make.
What's Included in a Home Inspection?
Roof
Roof coverings, gutters, downspouts, vents, flashing, skylights, chimney, roof penetrations and the general structure of the roof.
Attic, Insulation, Ventilation
Insulation and ventilation of unfinished spaces, including attics, crawl spaces, foundation areas and exhaust systems.
Exterior
Siding, windows, exterior doors, flashing & trim, walkways, driveways, stairs, patios & decks, and drainage.
Basement, Foundation, Crawlspace, Structure
Foundation movement, cracks, structural concerns, and indication of water penetration.
Cooling
Cooling system, location of thermostat, energy source and cooling method.
Heating
Heating system, location of thermostat, energy source and heating method.
Fireplace
Visible portions of the fireplace & chimneys, lintels, damper doors, and cleanout doors & frames.
Plumbing
Main water & fuel supply shut-off valves, water heater, interior water supply, toilets, sinks, tubs, showers, drain, waste and vent systems.
Electrical
Service drop, overhead service conductors, service head & mast, main service disconnect, panelboards, grounding, switches, light fixtures, receptacles deemed to be AFCI & GFCI, and the presence of smoke alarms & carbon monoxide detectors.
Appliances
Dishwasher, disposal, range, oven, microwave, refrigerator, exhaust, bathroom heater, garage door, doorbell, and dryer vent
Pool
Circulation, heating, filtering, electrical, water chemistry, and possible safety issues.
Doors, Windows, Interior
Representative number of doors & windows, floors, walls, ceilings, stairs, railings, garage door and openers.
