Inspection Center, Inc
& EAQP, Inc. 
Georgia: 706.278.3202  ~  Call Us Toll Free: 800.564.5537 ~  Tennessee: 423.892.5258

Commercial Building Inspection:

The purchase of a home represents the largest single investment most Americans make in their lifetime.  Yet surprisingly, the majority of people still buy "on impulse," basing their selection on the aesthetic appeal of the house, rather than a knowledge of its actual physical condition.

Define Scope of Inspection

Knowing what areas of a house will and will not be inspected is important in choosing a quality home inspector.  Below is a good list, though not exhaustive, of areas a quality home inspector will check.

• Structural  The structure of the home is identified in terms of materials used, type of construction, and the degree to which various areas are accessible to the inspector.  Significant subcomponents, such as foundation type, framing materials, etc. are listed, as well as their idiosyncrasies.  Our inspector also checks for major or minor problems in the various structural systems of the building, including the foundation, floor, wall, and roof framing.  This image of block columns reveals a dangerous structural flaw (click on image for enlargement).  Will this hold for a year?" Your guess is as good as ours!  The column has a mix of materials-brick on top, 8X16" single block with little cement on two 8X16".   Blocks without cement rest on an inverted metal patio table that is directly on ground without a cement footer. (Return to Top)

Electrical  The existing electrical system is checked for sufficient capacity and safety.  Our inspector evaluates the system in terms of its current condition, and considers its suitability for future intended use.  The type of wiring used and it's potential for becoming a fire hazard are evaluated.  Upgrades and repairs are recommended where appropriate.   While there should only be one wire per terminal, this pictures shows too many wires of different sizes connected to a terminal thus creating a potential fire hazard (Click on image for enlargement).    (Return to Top)

• Heating & Air Conditioning  Our inspector assesses the capacity of the existing equipment to produce comfortable conditions.  By considering the age of the existing equipment and the intended capacity, our inspector can approximate the life expectancy and recommend appropriate repairs or upgrades within a budget.    The heating unit featured on the right  indicates a faulty gas heater with rust.  It shows black marks from when flame rolled out of burner area.  Left in this condition, this unit and house is waiting to be burnt down (click on image for enlargement).  (Return to Top)

• Basement/Crawlspace/Slab  Water seepage probabilities and structural problems are evaluated and remediation advice is given.  This picture illustrates the results of a bad shower pan leak under shower ruining structure inside crawl space (click on image for enlargement).  Our inspector also looks for possible problem areas that could cause structural problems, such as poor soil, surface drainage, close proximity tree roots, rotating stoops, etc.    (Return to Top)

• Interior  Our inspector scans the wall, floor, and ceiling surfaces for problematic conditions, such as visible evidence of water penetration, potentially dangerous or toxic materials, fire hazards, or security breaches.  The ventilation and energy conservation aspects are checked and appropriate upgrades are itemized.    The good intentions of the insulation company which capped vent to prevent blowing insulation from getting into vent pipe were reversed when they forgot to take cover off and reconnect the vent.  (click on image for enlargement).   (Return to Top)

Additional Services

Additional items such as pools, spas, barns and other outer structures, well flow, wood destroying insects, lawn sprinkler systems, fences & gates and EIFS (Exterior Insulation & Finish Systems) are also provided for an additional fee.  

Environmental Assessment testing services provided include: