What We Check (and Why It Matters)

If you’re under contract on a home—congrats! Whether it’s your first purchase or your fifth, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of imagining your life in a new space.

Now comes the part where we take a really good look at it.

At Building Confidence Home Inspections, our goal is right there in our name—we’re here to help you move forward with confidence. That starts with a thorough inspection that gives you a clear understanding of the condition of the home. Here’s what that actually means, system by system.

🛠 Structure

We check for:

  • Foundation cracks, bowing, or movement
  • Uneven floors or framing issues
  • Any signs that the bones of the house need attention

We’re not structural engineers, but with decades of experience under our belts, we know what’s typical—and what’s not. If something feels off, we’ll flag it and guide you on what to do next.

🏠 Roof

We get eyes and often boots on the roof (or a drone if safety is an issue). We’re looking for:

  • Shingles that are damaged, worn, or missing
  • Nail pops and exposed fasteners
  • Flashing issues around chimneys and vents
  • Proper drainage from gutters and downspouts

Even newer roofs can have surprises—so we check it all.

💨 Attic & Insulation

We’re crawling through attics looking for:

  • Proper ventilation and insulation coverage
  • Signs of past or active roof leaks
  • Damaged or deteriorating framing
  • Electrical or HVAC issues tucked away up there

We don’t just peek—we crawl through attics to check for leaks, ventilation issues, and whether the insulation is doing its job.

🌬 HVAC (Heating & Cooling)

We test systems for function and safety. That includes:

  • Operating the system in both heating and cooling modes (when weather allows)
  • Checking filters, ductwork, and drainage
  • Evaluating general age, condition, and expected lifespan

We’re checking more than just hot and cold—we’re checking how the system’s holding up and how well it’s likely to keep up.

🚿 Plumbing

Water’s great—unless it’s leaking into your crawlspace. We inspect:

  • All accessible pipes, supply lines, and drains
  • Water heaters (age, condition, safety features)
  • Faucets, toilets, tubs, and showers
  • Proper hot/cold orientation and water pressure

We even run the dishwasher and washing machine, because these systems should be ready when you move in.

⚡️ Electrical

This is a big one. We:

  • Remove the panel cover, thermal scan, and inspect all breakers and wiring
  • Test GFCI and outlets where required
  • Check visible wiring for damage, safety, and grounding
  • Operate lights, fans, and accessible outlets

Electric issues can be subtle—or dangerous. We don’t take shortcuts here.

🪟 Doors, Windows & Interiors

We inspect, open, close, latch, and lock:

  • All accessible windows and doors
  • Garage doors and automatic openers
  • Cabinetry, stairs, and built-ins
  • Walls, ceilings, and floors

These are the things you’ll touch and see every day, so we want them working the way they should.

🌎 Exterior

We inspect:

  • Siding, trim, and paint
  • Grading and drainage around the foundation
  • Porches, decks, stairs, and railings
  • Walkways and driveways

The outside of the home is your first line of defense against moisture and pests—so we look carefully here too.

🕵️‍♂️ Extra Tools in Our Belt

Here’s where we go above and beyond:

  • Thermal imaging to detect hidden issues like moisture or insulation gaps
  • Drone inspections to view hard-to-access roofs
  • Washer/Dryer tests (not required by state standards, but we do it anyway)
  • Gas fireplace testing (we take the time to light it and make sure it’s safe)
  • Lifetime consulting so you can call us any time down the road

🎯 Your Priorities, Our Process

Every house is different—and so is every buyer. That’s why we ask about your concerns upfront and tailor the inspection accordingly. We want you to feel seen, heard, and empowered with information that’s easy to understand and act on.

Whether you’re able to attend the inspection or prefer a phone call or video walkthrough, we’ll meet you where you are. Our reports are sent the same day (not three days later), and our support doesn’t end when the report hits your inbox.

🧭 Bottom Line

The home inspection is one of the most important parts of the homebuying journey. It’s not just about finding problems—it’s about helping you understand what you’re buying, what to expect, and how to move forward.

At Building Confidence, we’re not just checking boxes. We’re walking through this home like it’s our own—looking out for your future, one system at a time.