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MRT Home Inspection Service
The Home Inspection

 

The industry standard home inspection is a non-invasive, visual examination of the accessible areas of a residential property which is designed to identify defects within specific systems and components defined by the industry standards (State of New Mexico and InterNACHI) that are both observed and deemed material by the inspection process. The home inspection covers the following categories: 

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  • Roof Systems - coverings, flashings, penetrations and drainage

  • Exterior - siding, flashings, soffits, fascia, grading, walkways and fences

  • Structure - foundations, wall and roof structures, decks, balconies and porches

  • Heating and Cooling - heating and cooling systems, operating controls

  • Venting and Ducting - ductwork, exhausts and ventilation

  • Plumbing - sewer drains, water and gas lines, hot water systems and fixtures

  • Electrical -  service panels, branch wiring, switches, outlets and detectors

  • Fireplaces - chimney, firebox, flues, dampers and controls

  • Interior - doors and windows, wall and floor coverings, stairways and cabinetry

  • Appliances - ovens, dishwashers, microwaves, disposals, refrigerators

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Scroll down for a more detailed description of all categories that contain photos from past inspections. Also, be sure to follow the link to view an example inspection report.​​

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Subcategories
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  • roof covering materials
  • ​roof flashings
  • roof penetrations
  • storm drainage systems
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Report Info Items:
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  • inspection access method
  • roof material type
  • roof slope type
  • storm drainage systems
  • roof flashing types
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Subcategories:
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  • heating systems
  • refrigerated air systems​
  • evaporative cooling systems
  • operating controls

Report Info Items:
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  • heating and cooling types
  • units age and btu ratings
  • refrigerant types
  • operating control types
  • temperature measurements
Subcategories:
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  • service conductors & panels
  • branch wiring and breakers
  • switches, receptacles & lights
  • smoke and CO detectors

Report Info Items:
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  • panel rating and ground type
  • branch wiring type
  • GFCI / AFCI configurations
  • electrical measurements
  • smoke / CO locations & testing
Subcategories:
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  • dishwasher, refrigerator
  • range, oven, cooktop
  • microwave and exhaust hoods
  • garbage disposal

Report Info Items:
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  • gas and 240v energy options
  • types and configurations
  • manufacturer brands
  • water connection
  • vent configuration
Subcategories:
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  • siding, flashings and trim
  • eaves, soffits and fascia​
  • vegetation, grading and drainage
  • walkways, driveways, fences and gates

Report Info Items:
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  • siding material type
  • soffit and fascia material
  • site drainage characteristics
  • driveway / walkway material
  • fence type
Subcategories:
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  • heating and cooling ductwork
  • exhaust systems
  • attic and crawlspace ventilation
  • damper mechanisms

Report Info Items:
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  • heating and cooling distribution methods / types
  • exhaust types and configurations
  • attic and crawlspace ventilation
  • air filter locations
  • dryer vent configuration
Subcategories:
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  • vents, flues and chimneys
  • lintel firebox and hearth
  • doors , frames and damper
  • controls

Report Info Items:
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  • fireplace types & configurations
  • construction material types
  • operating controls
  • gas valve locations
  • accessories
Subcategories:
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  • irrigation system
  • water softener
  • jetted tub
  • pool and spa equipment
  • vacuum systems
  • washers and dryers
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Other equipment is not typically within the scope of a home inspection, but at times the inspector may comment on a particular issue observed.
Subcategories:
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  • foundations
  • wall structures
  • roof structure and attic
  • decks, balconies and porches

Report Info Items:
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  • foundation types
  • inspection access methods
  • insulation type and depths
  • roof and wall structure type
  • accessory structures
Subcategories:
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  • drain, waste and vent systems
  • water lines and valves
  • plumbing fixtures
  • hot water systems
  • fuel storage and distribution
  • sewer pumps

Report Info Items:
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  • sewer and water service types and piping material types
  • water pressure measurement
  • water heater age and size
  • valve configurations
Subcategories:
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  • doors and windows
  • floors, walls and ceilings
  • steps, stairways and railings
  • countertops and cabinets

Report Info Items:
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  • overhead garage door type and safety reversal testing
  • floor covering types
  • window types & configurations
Subcategories:
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  • termite and dry rot inspection
  • 48 hour radon test
  • mold air quality test
  • follow up inspections
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Typically the home inspection always includes the termite / dry rot inspection and clients may choose to add the radon and mold tests as supplemental inspections.

$400

average inspection fee without tax

30

average report length - number of pages

130

number of informational report items

18

average number of significant deficiencies
Church Dome
The Golden Rule
The Trustworthy Advisor
The Wisdom Seeker
The Joyful Heart

A Biblical Approach to Home Inspections

 

The Golden Rule

One of the most well know Bible verses comes from Luke 6:31 where Jesus said “Do to others as you would have them do to you.”  Otherwise known as the golden rule, the passage calls us to remember to treat each other in a way that we would expect to be treated.  As a home inspector, I strive to apply this teaching to the home inspection process.  When I inspect a home, I do so as if I am the purchaser, and to what degree of care and meticulousness would I expect?  Obviously, I would expect a very competent and complete inspection process and that is what I aim to achieve for every client.

 

The Trustworthy Advisor

From a Biblical perspective, there are numerous passages that pertain to being truthful.  One such passage that I keep in mind is Proverbs 12:22 “The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy”.  Obviously, a home inspector should be truthful and honest in their services, but there are somewhat rare instances where a homeowner or realtor may plead with the inspector to omit or soften the impact of a particular discovery.  It is absolutely crucial that a home inspector remain truthful by treating each and every home inspection by a set standard of evaluation that never waivers.

 

The Wisdom Seeker

From Proverbs 3:13 we learn that “Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding.”  First and foremost, knowing that we have a Father in Heaven and seeking Him is the foundation for wisdom.  The same principal should apply to every aspect of our lives including our work.  It is certainly a common condition for many to become complacent in their work, which hinders their will to seek a greater understanding and thus a higher level of excellence.  As a home inspector, I push myself to achieve improved inspection methods, more effective communication strategies and engage in continuing education.       

 

The Joyful Heart

“A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones” Proverbs 17:22.  Having a cheerful and happy disposition plays an important part in the home inspection process, or any occupation for that matter.  I recall  a client stating that the last inspector was rude and did not discuss any of the details, and concluded by simply stating; “just wait for the report”.  While an inspection report should contain all of the relevant information, there are subtle details that are sometimes only communicated in a friendly and cheerful personal discussion.  Maybe there are days that I am less cheerful than others, but I always strive for a joyful heart and recall Psalm 118:24 “That this is the day which the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it”

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