Olympian Civil Home and Building Inspectors
the industry leader and a name that you can depend on
free consultation - inspector D. Kanakis Toll Free 866.476.2056

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Roof     Exterior    Heating   Cooling Plumbing   Electrical    Fireplace

Doors, Windows and Interior          Attic, Ventilation and Insulation

Basement, Foundation and Crawlspace

Mold, Asbestos and Lead;
Environmental Links

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LINK 4 -US EPA indoor air quality; Mold, Asbestos and more

Roof
free consultation - inspector D. Kanakis Toll Free 866.476.2056

I. The inspector shall inspect from the rooftop; accessible flat roofs and extension roofs. Additionally the attic interior when possible and from ground level or eaves:

A. The roof covering.
B. The gutters.
C. The downspouts.
D. The vents, flashings, skylights, chimney and other roof penetrations.
E. The general structure of the roof from the readily accessible panels, doors or stairs.
F. Our inspectors carry state of the art, electronic moisture detection equipment.
G. And attempt to determine the remaining life expectancy.

More on Roof Certification Inspection

Common Roof Defects; Pictures

Exterior
free consultation - inspector D. Kanakis Toll Free 866.476.2056

I. The inspector shall inspect:

A. The flashing and trim.
B. All exterior doors, decks, stoops, steps, stairs, porches, railings, eaves, soffits, fascias, grading, and walkways.
C. And report as in need of repair any spacings between intermediate balusters, spindles, or rails for steps, stairways, balconies, and railings that permit the passage of an object greater than four inches in diameter.
D. The vegetation, surface drainage and retaining walls when these are likely to adversely affect the building.
E. And describe the exterior wall covering.

Common Exterior Defects; Pictures

Basement, Foundation & Crawlspace
free consultation - inspector D. Kanakis Toll Free 866.476.2056

I. The inspector shall inspect:

A. The basement.
B. The foundation
C. The crawlspace; provided that it is clean, readily accessible, will not cause damage or pose a personal threat or hazard to the inspector in his or her opinion.
D. The visible structural components.
E. Any present conditions or indications of active water penetration by probing a representative sampling of structural components where deterioration is believed to be present or where clear indications of deterioration are present.
F. And report any general indications of foundation movement that are observed, such as but not limited to sheetrock cracks, brick cracks, out-of-square door frames or floor slopes.
G. Our inspectors carry state of the art, electronic moisture detection equipment.

Common Basement, Foundation and Crawlspace Defects; Pictures

Heating
free consultation - inspector D. Kanakis Toll Free 866.476.2056

I. The inspector shall inspect:

A. The heating system and describe the energy source and heating method using normal operating controls.
B. And report as in need of repair or replacement, any furnaces or boilers which do not operate or are giving off excessive levels of emissions; e.g. carbon monoxide.
C. Our inspectors are equipt with carbon monoxide testing equipment and test every home where possible at no extra charge.
D. And report if inspector deemed the furnace inaccessible.
E. not operate equipment or systems if exterior temperature is above 70 degrees Fahrenheit or when other circumstances are not conducive to safe operation or may damage the equipment.
F. And attempt to determine the remaining life expectancy.

Common Heating System Defects; Pictures

Cooling
free consultation - inspector D. Kanakis Toll Free 866.476.2056

I. The inspector shall inspect:

A. The central cooling equipment using normal operating controls.
B. And not operate equipment or systems if exterior temperature is below 60 degrees Fahrenheit or when other circumstances are not conducive to safe operation or may damage the equipment.
C. And attempt to determine the remaining life expectancy.
D. Our inspectors carry electronic temperature guages to detect everything from room temperature to humidity levels.

Common Cooling System Defects; Pictures

Plumbing
free consultation - inspector D. Kanakis Toll Free 866.476.2056

I. The inspector shall:

A. Inspect the main water shut off valve.
B. Inspect the water heating system.
C. Flush toilets.
D. Run water in sinks, tubs, and showers.
E. Inspect the interior water supply including all fixtures and faucets which are accessible.
F. Inspect the drain, waste and vent systems, including all fixtures.
G. Describe any visible fuel storage systems.
H. Inspect the drainage sump pumps testing sumps with accessible floats.
I. Inspect and describe the water supply, drain, waste and main fuel shut-off valves, as well as the location of the water main and main fuel shut-off valves - where possible..
J. Inspect and attempt determine if the water supply is public or private.
K. Inspect and report as in need of repair deficiencies in the water supply by viewing the functional flow in two fixtures operated simultaneously.
L. Inspect and report as in need of repair deficiencies in installation and identification of hot and cold faucets - where possible.
M. Inspect and report as in need of repair mechanical drain-stops that are missing or do not operate if installed in sinks, lavatories and tubs - where possible..
N. Inspect and report as in need of repair commodes that have cracks in the ceramic material, are improperly mounted on the floor, leak, or have tank components which do not operate.
O. Attempt to determine the remaining life expectancy of components including the hot water heater.
P. Our inspectors have digital equipment to measure water temperature in a second and other tools to measure water pressure.

Common Plumbing System Defects; Pictures

Electrical
free consultation - inspector D. Kanakis Toll Free 866.476.2056

I. The inspector shall inspect:

A. The service line.
B. The meter box.
C. The main disconnect.
D. The service amperage.
E. Panels, breakers and fuses.
F. The grounding.
G. The bonding.
H. A representative sampling of switches, receptacles, light fixtures, and ground circuit interrupters.
I. And report the presence of solid conductor aluminum branch circuit wiring if readily visible.
J. And report on any GFCI-tested receptacles in which power is not present, polarity is incorrect, is not grounded, evidence of arcing or excessive heat, is not secured to the wall, the cover is not in place, or the ground fault circuit interrupter devices are not properly installed, or do not operate properly.
K. The service entrance conductors and the condition of their sheathing.
L. The ground fault circuit interrupters with a GFCI tester.
M. And describe the amperage rating of the service.
N. And report the absence of smoke detectors.
O. Service entrance cables and report as in need of repair deficiencies in the integrity of the insulation, drip loop, or separation of conductors at weatherheads and clearances.
P. Our inspectors carry electrical testers to determine any inadequacies and to assist in finding hidden significant problems within the structures electrical system.

Common Electrical System Defects; Pictures

Fireplace
free consultation - inspector D. Kanakis Toll Free 866.476.2056

I. The inspector shall inspect:

A. The fireplace, and open and close the damper door if readily accessible and operable.
B. Hearth extensions and other permanently installed components.
C. And report as in need of repair deficiencies in the lintel, hearth and material surrounding the fireplace, including clearance from combustible materials

II. The inspector is not required to:

A. Inspect the vent system.
B. Inspect the interior of the chimney or flue, fire doors or screens, seals or mantels.
C. Determine the need for a chimney sweep.
D. Operate gas fireplace inserts.
E. Light pilot flames.
F. Determine the appropriateness of such installation.
G. Inspect automatic fuel feed devices.
H. Inspect combustion make up devices.
I. Inspect heat distribution assists whether gravity controlled or fan assisted.
J. Ignite or extinguish fires.
K. Determine draft characteristics.
L. Move fireplace inserts, stoves, or firebox contents.
M. Determine adequacy of draft, perform a smoke test or dismantle or remove any component.

Common Fireplace Defects; Pictures

Attic/Ventilation/Insulation
free consultation - inspector D. Kanakis Toll Free 866.476.2056

I. The inspector shall inspect:

A. The insulation in unfinished spaces.
B. The ventilation of attic spaces.
C. Mechanical ventilation systems.
D. And report on the general absence or lack of insulation.

II. The inspector is not required to:

A. Enter the attic or unfinished spaces that are not readily accessible or where entry could cause damage or pose a safety hazard to the inspector in his or her opinion.
B. To move or touch insulation.
C. To move or touch vapor retarders.
D. Break or otherwise damage the surface finish or weather seal on or around access panels and covers.
E. Identify the composition or the exact R-value of insulation material.
F. Activate thermostatically operated fans.
G. Determine the types of materials used in insulation/wrapping of pipes, ducts, jackets, boilers, and wiring.

Common Attic, Ventilation and Insulation
Defects; Pictures

Doors / Windows / Interior
free consultation - inspector D. Kanakis Toll Free 866.476.2056

I. The inspector shall:

A. Open and close a representative number of doors and windows.
B. Inspect the walls, ceilings, steps, stairways, and railings.
C. Inspect garage doors and garage door openers by operating first by hand and then by the installed automatic door control.
D. And report as in need of repair any installed electronic sensors that are not operable or not installed at proper heights above the garage door.
E. And report as in need of repair any door locks or side ropes that have not been removed or disabled when garage door opener is in use.
F. And report as in need of repair any windows that are obviously fogged or display other evidence of broken seals.
G. Not Inspect or move any household appliances personally, though where possible, the seller or seller representative will be asked for a demonstration of the appliances. The same applies to pools, whirlpools, spas, steam rooms and saunas.
H. And will ride the elevator and inspect common areas, the roof and the basement when possible -with all condo and co-op inspections.

Common Interior Defects; Pictures

Limitations, Exceptions & Exclusions

3.1. Limitations:

I. Our inspection is often technically and mentaly exhaustive to cover the entire structure within the time frame allowed. Not every single item in our inspection will always be accessible or reported on, due to lack of time and relevancy. As basic common sense, a home can be gone through with a fine tooth comb for 12 or even 24 hours. Granted we are the most thorough in the industry and we plan to keep it that way. If you have specific concerns, whether or not they are on our inspection guidlines - please inform us of those concerns, so that they are addressed specifically allowing you to get the most out of our inspection
II. An inspection will not identify concealed or latent defects.

3.2. Exclusions:

I. The inspectors are not required to determine:

A. Property boundary lines or encroachments.
B. The condition of any component or system that is not readily accessible.
C. The service life expectancy of any component or system.
D. The size, capacity, BTU, performance, or efficiency of any component or system.
E. The cause or reason of any condition.
F. The cause for the need of repair or replacement of any system or component.
G. Future conditions.
H. The compliance with codes or regulations.
I. The presence of evidence of rodents, animals or insects.
J. The presence of mold, mildew or fungus.
K. The presence of air-borne hazards.
L. The presence of birds.
M. The presence of other flora or fauna.
N. The air quality.
O. The existence of asbestos.
P. The existence of environmental hazards.
Q. The existence of electro-magnetic fields.
R. The presence of hazardous materials including, but not limited to, the presence of lead in paint.
S. Any hazardous waste conditions.
T. Any manufacturer recalls or conformance with manufacturer installation or any information included in the consumer protection bulletin.
U. Operating costs of systems.
V. Replacement or repair cost estimates.
W. The acoustical properties of any systems.
X. Estimates of how much it will cost to run any given system.

II. The inspectors are not required to:

A. Move any personal items or other obstructions, such as, but not limited to:

1. Throw rugs.
2. Furniture.
3. Floor or wall coverings.
4. Ceiling tiles
5. Window coverings.
6. Equipment.
7. Plants.
8. Ice.
9. Debris.
10. Snow.
11. Water.
12. Dirt.
13. Foliage.
14. Pets

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