ROOF

 

✓ Composition shingles: no curling, no cupping, no loss of granulation particulate, no broken, damaged or missing shingles, no more than two layers of roofing

✓ Wood shingles or shakes: no mold, rot or decay, no cracked/broken/ missing shingles, no curling

✓ Flat roofs: no obvious patches, no cracks or splits, minimal blisters/"alligatoring" and wrinkles, no silt deposits (indicates improper  drainage), sealed tar at flashings

✓ Flashing around roof penetrations

✓ No evidence of excess roofing cement/tar/caulk

✓ Soffits and fascia: no decay, no stains

✓ Exterior venting for eave areas: vents are clean and not painted over

✓ Gutters: no decay or rust, joints sealed, attached securely to structure, no bending or sagging, no sections of gutter or downspout missing, gutters clean, no mud deposits

✓ Chimneys: straight, properly flashed, no evidence of damaged bricks or cracked joints, mortar/cement cap in good condition

 

ATTIC

 

✓ No stains on underside of roofing, especially around roof penetrations

✓ No evidence of decay or damage to structure

✓ Sufficient insulation and properly installed insulation (moisture barrier installed closest to the heated area of the house)

✓ Adequate ventilation, clear path into attic for air entering through soffit vents, adequately sized gable end louvers, all mechanical ventilation operational

✓ No plumbing, exhaust or appliance vents terminating in attic open electrical splices

 

GROUNDS

 

✓ Proper grading drainage away from house

✓ No evidence of standing water

✓ No leaks from septic tank or leech field

✓ Yard, landscaping, trees and walkways in good condition

✓ No branches or bushes touching house or overhanging the roof

✓ Exterior structures (fences, sheds, decks, retaining walls, detached garages) in good condition, no evidence of termite damage or rotted wood

✓ Railings on stairs and decks are adequate and secure

✓ Driveways, sidewalks, patios, entrance landings in good condition, and pitched away from structure

✓ Downspout drainage directed away from structure

 

EXTERIOR SURFACES

 

✓ Adequate clearance between ground and wood siding materials (6" minimum); no wood-to-earth contact

✓ Siding: no cracking, curling, loose, rot or decay

✓ Masonry veneers: no cracks in joints, no broken, spalling or flaking components

✓ Stucco: no large cracks (discuss all stucco cracks with a professional inspector)

✓ Vinyl or aluminum siding: no dents, damage, no bowing or loose siding

✓ No vines on surface of structure

✓ Exterior paint or stain: no flaking or blisters

✓ No stains on exterior surfaces

✓ Windows, Doors and Wood Trim

✓ Wood frames and trim pieces are secure, no cracks, rot or decay

✓ Joints around frames are caulked

✓ No broken glass (window or storm panes) or damaged screens, no broken double- paned, insulated window seals.

✓ Muntin and mullion glazing compound in good condition

✓ Storm windows or thermal glass used

✓ Drip caps installed over windows

 

STRUCTURE

 

✓ Ridge and fascia board lines appear straight and level

✓ Sides of house appear straight, not bowed or sagging

✓ Window and door frames appear square (especially bowed windows)

✓ Visible foundation in good condition - appears straight, plumb, with no significant  cracks

 

INTERIOR ROOMS

 

✓ Floors, walls and ceilings appear straight and plumb and level stains on floors, walls or ceilings

✓ Flooring materials in good condition

✓ No significant cracks in walls or ceilings

✓ Windows and exterior doors operate easily and latch properly, no broken glass,  no sashes painted shut, no decay; windows and doors have weather-stripping, "weep holes" installed

✓ Interior doors operate easily and latch properly, no damage or decay, no broken hardware

✓ Paint, wall covering, and paneling in good condition

✓ Wood trim installed well and in good condition

✓ Lights and switches operate properly

✓ Adequate number of three pronged electrical outlets in each room

✓ Electrical outlets test properly (spot check) Heating/cooling source in each habitable room

✓ Evidence of adequate insulation in walls

✓ Fireplace: no cracking or damaged masonry, no evidence of back-drafting (staining on fireplace facade), damper operates properly, flue has been cleaned, flue is lined

 

ELECTRICAL

 

✓ Visible wiring: in good condition, no "knob-and-tube" wiring, no exposed splices, cables secured and protected

✓ Service panel: adequate capacity, all cables attached to panel with cable connectors; fuses or breakers are not overheating

✓ No aluminum cable for branch circuits

✓ Heating/Cooling System

✓ Appears to operate well throughout (good air flow on forced hot air systems)

✓ Flues: no open seams, slopes up to chimney connection

✓ No rust around cooling unit

✓ No combustion gas odor

✓ Air filter(s) clean

✓ Ductwork in good condition

✓ No asbestos on heating pipes, water pipes or air ducts

✓ Separate flues for gas/oil/propane and wood/coal

 

MISCELLANEOUS

 

✓ Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors where required by local ordinances

✓ Stairway treads and risers solid

✓ Stair handrails where needed and in good condition

✓ Automatic garage door opener operates properly, stops properly for obstacles

✓ Basement or Mechanical Room

✓ No evidence of moisture

✓ Exposed foundation; no stains no major cracks, no flaking, no efflorescence

✓ Visible structural wood: no sagging, no damage, no decay, no stains, no damage from insects, sills attached to foundation with anchor bolts

✓I nsulation at rim/band joists

 

KITCHEN

 

✓ Working exhaust fan that is vented to the exterior of the building

✓ Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter ("GFCI") protection for electrical outlets within 6 feet of the sink(s) Dishwasher: drains properly, no leaks, baskets, door spring operates properly

✓ No leaks in pipes under sinks

✓ Floor in cabinet under sink solid, no stains or decay

✓ Water flow in sink adequate

✓ No excessive rust or deterioration on garbage disposal or waste pipes

✓ Built-in appliances operate properly

✓ Cabinets in good condition: doors and drawers operate properly

 

BATHROOM

 

✓ Working exhaust fan that doesn't terminate in the attic space

✓ Adequate flow and pressure at all fixtures

✓ Sink, tub and shower drain properly

✓ Plumbing and cabinet floor under sink in good condition

✓ If sink is metal, it shows no signs of rust, overflow drain doesn't leak

✓ Toilet operates properly

✓ Toilet stable, no rocking, no stains around base

✓ Caulking in good condition inside and outside of the tub and shower area

✓ Tub or shower tiles secure, wall surface solid

✓ No stains or evidence of past leaking around base of bath or shower

 

PLUMBING

 

✓ Visible pipes: no damage, no evidence of leaks, no signs of stains on materials near pipes; drain pipes slope slightly down towards outlet to septic/sewage system

✓ Water heater: no signs of rust, vented properly, sized to produce adequate quantities of hot water for the number of bedrooms in the house.

✓ Water pump: does not short cycle

✓ Galvanized pipes do not restrict water flow

✓ Water fixtures functioning properly

 

CRAWL SPACE

 

✓ Adequately vented to exterior

✓ Insulation on exposed water supply, waste and vent pipes

✓ Insulation between crawl space and heated areas, installed with vapor barrier towards heated area

✓ No evidence of insect damage

✓ No evidence of moisture damage

Residential Certified: