What We Inspect – Property Inspection Checklist

Comprehensive Inspections for Residential and Commercial Properties

A professional property inspection is only as good as the details it covers. At Western North Carolina Property Inspections, we follow a systematic, thorough checklist for every residential and commercial property we inspect. Our process is guided by North Carolina’s standards of practice, professional certifications, and years of hands-on experience.

Whether you're buying, selling, or maintaining a property, knowing exactly what is being inspected helps you feel informed and confident. We believe in full transparency and clear communication from start to finish.

This page outlines the major systems and components we inspect during every standard home or building inspection — plus optional specialized services that go even deeper.

Exterior Inspection Scope

Your property’s exterior is its first defense against weather, pests, and structural wear. We inspect:

Your property’s exterior is its first defense against weather, pests, and structural wear. We inspect:

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Roofing – Shingles, flashing, vents, chimneys, and signs of damage or leaks

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Gutters & Drainage – Condition, pitch, and drainage flow

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Siding – Material condition, cracks, damage, or moisture intrusion

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Windows & Doors – Fit, function, insulation, and signs of water damage

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Driveways & Walkways – Cracks, trip hazards, or improper grading

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Decks & Porches – Structural safety, railings, and wood condition

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Grading & Foundation Visibility – Slope away from home, water pooling, signs of erosion

Our inspectors also look for pest entry points, vegetation issues, and improper soil contact, all of which can compromise long-term property health.

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Roofing & Attic Inspection

Our team inspects offices, retail spaces, industrial buildings, and mixed-use properties. We focus on safety, functionality, code compliance, and system life expectancy.

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Roof coverings

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Chimneys & flashing

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Ventilation systems

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Exposed rafters & insulation

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Signs of leaks, staining, or mold

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Evidence of improper ventilation or past repairs

Attics are often the first place moisture damage or insulation failure appears. We document all visible issues and recommend steps for remediation if needed.

Foundation, Structure & Basement

Whether the property has a basement, slab, or crawlspace, we carefully evaluate structural components, including:

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Visible foundation walls

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Support beams & joists

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Signs of settling, shifting, or cracking

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Water intrusion or standing moisture

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Ventilation and insulation in crawlspaces

Structural issues can lead to major repairs — we work to spot concerns early and clearly explain what we find.

Interior Systems and Components

Inside the home or building, we assess all major systems and components that affect safety, functionality, and long-term costs:

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Walls, ceilings, and floors 

Stains, cracks, warping, and finish condition

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Stairways and railings

Stability, spacing, and safety

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Doors and windows

Operation, alignment, and energy efficiency

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Cabinetry and counters

Functionality and condition

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Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

Stains, cracks, warping, and finish condition

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Fireplace (if accessible)

Stability, spacing, and safety

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Garage

Doors, safety sensors, firewalls, and ceiling structure

We document both visible damage and signs of hidden problems, so you have a full picture of what’s happening inside the property.

Plumbing System Inspection

We inspect the visible portions of the plumbing system to help identify leaks, wear, or poor installation. This includes:

Our report includes notes on visible corrosion, leaks, and indications of plumbing fatigue or material incompatibility.

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Main water shutoff location

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Exposed supply and drain lines

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Water heaters – Size, age, functionality, safety valves

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Fixtures – Faucets, sinks, showers, tubs

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Drainage function and leaks under sinks

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Sump pumps (if present)

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Toilets – Stability, operation, and water efficiency

Electrical System Overview

If signs of outdated or unsafe installations are found, we document them and recommend further review.

Electrical safety is critical in all types of properties. We check:

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Main service panel and subpanels

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Breaker configurations and labeling

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Wiring type and visible condition

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Grounding & bonding (visual)

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Lighting fixtures, receptacles, and GFCI outlets

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Smoke alarms and system wiring

Heating, Cooling & Ventilation (HVAC)

HVAC systems often make up a major portion of future repair budgets, so this section is vital to long-term planning.

Electrical safety is critical in all types of properties. We check:

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Furnaces & air handlers – Age, condition, and label review

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Air conditioning systems

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Thermostat function

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Visible ductwork & registers

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Filter access and cleanliness

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Signs of condensation, mold, or leaks

Optional Add-On Services

Each of these services targets hidden risks that standard visual inspections may not reveal.

While not part of a basic inspection, we highly recommend additional specialty services for a more complete understanding of the property:

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Radon Testing

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Mold Assessments

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Septic System Inspections

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Sewer Scope Inspections

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Thermal Imaging

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Water Sampling

Schedule Your Inspection Today

Peace of mind is just a phone call away. If you’re buying, selling, or maintaining a property in the mountains or foothills of North Carolina, schedule your inspection with a team that cares about accuracy, safety, and your bottom line.

We’re here to help you understand your property — so you can make the best decision possible.

Contact Info:

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Hours:

Monday–Friday, 8 AM–6 PM

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Service Area:

Western North Carolina, including Asheville, Hendersonville & Brevard