log structure Inspection Services

This area includes basic information of that pertains to the home such  as the year built, square footage, weather and soil conditions at the  time of the inspection (which could affect the inspection process) and  utilities which were on during the time of the inspection. For a log home inspection if available this section and part of the inspection service may include additional information regarding your log home such as materials, grading, construction process, drying or curing of the logs themselves, the contractor who constructed the log home and the manufacturer of the log wall system. In some cases a log home, depending on the age, may have been built from hand cut, hewn and stripped logs. 

Drainage and grading, vegetation, retaining wall systems, driveways,  walkways, steps, stoops and sidewalks and basic patio and deck  information. 

Exterior log wall systems specific items and additional covering or cladding systems, exterior trim systems, windows  (exterior inspection), entry doors, deck information, deck stair  framing, deck stairs, guards and handrails, deck footings / supports and  posts / columns, deck beams and joists, deck ledger board systems, deck  boards  / deck surface system, deck handrail and guardrail assemblies,  deck illumination and miscellaneous systems and patio systems. 

Type of garage, garage size, garage door opening and safety systems. 

Roof design, roof covering, approximate age of the roof if able to be  determined, roof ventilation, vent stacks, chimneys, skylights,  flashings, soffits and fascia and gutters and downspouts. (Roof inspections are typically conducted from the ground with magnification systems for safety purposes). 

On a log home or structure, the foundation, depending on the age of the home could have unique characteristics and properties which are specific to log wall systems. We also inspect for signs of water penetration, prior waterproofing, floor structure, sub-flooring, wall structure, attic space information, roof structure and sheathing, crawlspace and vapor barriers, floor joists,  subflooring materials and attic / crawlspace / floorspace insulation. 

Type of service and service drop, drip loop and mast information,  electrical meter base information, main disconnect location, service  panel location and manufacturer, service line material if observable,  service voltage and amperage, grounding of the service panel, branch  circuit wiring if present, overcurrent protections, GFCI and AFCI  protection at the service panel, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors,  and the operation of electrical receptacles, switches and GFCI  receptacles. Log homes often have unique electrical distribution systems as well. Unless the log wall systems have been pre-designed from some type of conduit chase inside the log walls themselves, often the electrical distribution systems, lighting, plugs and switches being installed on the inside and outside of the log wall system installed utilizing conduit or some type of protected wiring systems and the light, plug and switch boxes are not the type typically found in a standard home inspection.

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems and information. (Our Home Energy Services inspections can provide additional information regarding your homes HVAC systems that could be important to you. This is an additional service we offer).

Water service information, main water valve and fuel valve locations,  type of sanitary service, water and waste piping, sump pump locations  and operation if required and water heater information. 

 Bathrooms - Bathroom details, GFCI protection, operation of fixtures and toilets,  active plumbing leaks observed at the time of the inspection (active  plumbing or water leaks or observed at the time of the inspection are  inspected through the inspection process as wall , bathroom finishes and  ventilation systems. 

Kitchens -  Cabinet systems, countertops, sink and faucet system, active observable plumbing leaks, ventilation systems, GFCI protection and the types of appliance and there operating status if applicable. 

 Cabinet systems, laundry countertops and sinks, GFCI protection, the  washer and dryer if present, dryer venting, laundry hookups, active  leaks observed at the time of the inspection and exhaust ventilation  systems. 

 Floors, wall types and finishes, window types and operation of a windows  that can be accessed and that are not fixed, information about the window  systems if observable (like material of the frame), entry and interior  doors, fireplace and stoves, stair systems, guards and railing and  general overall pictures of the homes interior and systems. (we do not typically comment on or produce narratives discussing types of drywall finishes, paint colors or quality or similar aesthetic  visual items. Our observations are focused strictly on the function of items inspected).