Name

John McKenna

Company

American Home Inspection & Thermal Imaging

E-mail

Contact John McKenna (American Home Inspection & Thermal Imaging)

Website

http://texas-inspection.com

Office Phone

(888) 818-4838

Description

Serving East Texas, Infrared Thermal Imaging, Certified Master Inspector.

About Us:

Areas of Expertise

Testimonials

Most of my clients comment that my inspection report revealed things about the house that they never realized.  Some where so shocked at the amount of information they received that they felt like they had enrolled in an educational coarse instead of just a home inspection.  Many have stated that they have saved thousands of dollars on the final price of the home because of the items that our inspection report revealed.  

CUSTOMER COMMENTS

"Thank you so much for your thorough inspection!
I would still like to purchase this property, but with
a more realistic value placed on the home. Without
your help, I would be unable to re-negotiate based
upon the problems we saw. Thanks again"
(L. Davis - Georgetown, TX)

"Thank you for your detailed inspection! I'm so
glad I had you check it out! I would have had
buyer's remorse on this one... Thanks"
(A. Holloway - New Caney, TX)

"Thanks John, I figured I was in the "right" direction,
I just wanted to make sure I wasn't or wouldn't do
anything to jeopardize my case. Thanks again"
(Mark on 03/12/07)

"John, Thanks so much. There are a lot of things
that I never thought about. I have a lot of work
ahead, I see. You have been very helpful."
(Karen Rivera on 02/15/07)

HOW TO CHOOSE A HOME INSPECTOR

The Better Business Bureau Advises:

"Hire An Expert Who Is Most Familiar With The Type
Of Home To Be Inspected, And Who Has The Practical
Experience And Technical Knowledge To Assess The
Condition Of The House"

IN OTHER WORDS...

Hire A Master Inspector Who Has Built Houses
In Texas For A Living, And Not One Who Has Just
Studied Books About A Building Inspection And Thinks
He Is A Home Inspector - There Is A Big Difference.

       

Complete Home Inspection Service For Conroe, Lufkin, Bryan, Crockett,
College Station, Livingston, Palestine, Nacogdoches, Athens, Jacksonville,
Huntsville, Lake Palestine, Lake Conroe, Lake Livingston, Corsicana.
Home Inspection By Certified Master Inspector For All East Texas 

 

DETAILED LIST OF INSPECTION ITEMS

Structural

• Foundation
  • type of foundation
  • written opinion as to the performance of the foundation
  • indications of foundation movement
  • post tensioned cable ends that are not protected
  • crawl space that does not appear to be adequately ventilated
  • conditions or symptoms that may indicate the possibility of water penetration that are present and visible, such as improper grading around foundation walls or plumbing leaks
  • conditions that are present and visible and may be adversely affecting foundation performance, such as erosion or water ponding
• Walls-Interior
  • surfaces of walls, ceilings and floors as related to structural performance or water penetration
  • doors that do not operate properly
  • deficiencies in steps, stairways, balconies and railings
  • spacings between intermediate balusters, spindles, or rails for steps, stairways, balconies, and railings
  • absence of safety glass
• Walls-Exterior
  • deficiencies of exterior walls that are related to structural performance and water penetration
  • condition and operation of exterior doors and garage doors, including door locks and latches
  • damaged glazing in windows and exterior doors
  • windows that are obviously fogged or display other evidence of broken seals
  • absence of safety glass in hazardous locations
  • missing or damaged window and door screens
  • absence of functional keyless burglar bars
  • spacings between intermediate balusters, spindles and rails
• Fireplace & Chimney
  • deficiencies in the visible components and structure of the chimney and fireplace
  • built up creosote in visible areas of the firebox and flue
  • damper that does not operate
  • presence of non-combustible hearth extension
  • deficiencies in the lintel, hearth and material surrounding the fireplace, including clearances from combustible materials
  • absence of firestopping at the attic penetration of the chimney flue
  • gas log lighter valves that do not function or leak gas
  • circulating fan that does not operate, if present
  • deficiencies in combustion air vent, if present
  • deficiencies in chimney coping or crown, caps or spark arrestor
• Roof, roof structure & attic
  • report the type of roof covering
  • roof covering that is not appropriate for the slope
  • fasteners that are not present or that are not appropriate
  • roof jacks, flashing and counter flashing that are not present or not properly installed
  • evidence of previous repairs to, flashing, skylights and other roof penetrations
  • inadequate attic space ventilation
  • deficiencies in the roof covering, structure and sheathing
  • any visible evidence of moisture penetration
  • the lack of or inappropriate installation of components such as purlins, struts, collar ties or rafter ties, where necessary
  • excessive deflections or depressions in the roof's surface relating to the performance of the framing and the roof deck
  • presence, and report the approximate depth of, insulation where visible
  • deficiencies in visible installed gutter and downspout systems
• Porches & Decks
  • structural deficiencies in porches, decks, steps, balconies and carports as to visible footings, joists, deckings, railings and attachment points
  • spacings between intermediate balusters, spindles or rails

Mechanical

• Dishwasher
  • deficiencies in the door gasket, control knobs and interior parts, including the dish tray, rollers, spray arms and the soap dispenser
  • any interior signs of rust
  • door spring that does not operate properly
  • deficiencies in the discharge hose or piping or the lack of back flow prevention
  • units that are not securely mounted
  • water leaks
  • Inspect unit's operation in normal mode with the soap dispenser closed
  • spray arms that do not turn, soap dispensers that do not open or drying elements that do not operate
• Food Waste disposer
  • deficiencies in the splash guard, grinding components, wiring and exterior
  • unit that is not securely mounted
  • unusual noise or vibration level and any signs of water leaks
• Range Exhaust vent
  • deficiencies in the filter, vent pipe, light and switches
  • unusual sounds or vibration levels, or if the blower does not operate at all speeds
  • vent pipe that does not terminate outside the structure when the unit is not of recirculating type or configuration
  • vent pipe that is of inadequate material
  • absence of a range exhaust vent
• Ranges
  • broken or missing knobs, elements, drip pans or other parts, inadequate clearance from combustible material, or the absence of an anti-tip device
  • signal lights and elements or burners that do not operate at low and high settings
  • improper materials that are used for the gas branch line and the connection to the appliance
  • absence of a gas shut-off valve, or valve that is not properly located, is inaccessible, or leaks
• Ovens
  • broken or missing knobs, handles, glass panels, door hinges, lights or light covers or other parts, or inadequate clearance from combustible material
  • deficiencies in the door gasket, tightness of closure and operation of the latch
  • not securely mounted
  • heating elements and thermostat sensing elements that are not properly supported
  • deficiencies in the operation of the heating elements or the lighting, operation and condition of the flame
  • deficiencies in the operation of the clock and timer, thermostat and door springs
  • inaccuracy of the thermostat more than a 25 degree range plus or minus of a 350 degree setting, as measured by a thermometer
• Microwave
  • broken or missing knobs, handles, glass panels, or other parts, or a unit that is not securely mounted
  • deficiencies in the door and seal
  • does not operate by heating a container of water
  • light that does not operate
• Trash Compactor
  • inspect the overall condition of the unit
  • does not operate or operates with unusual noise or vibration levels
  • not securely mounted in place
• Other built-in appliances
  • any deficiencies in condition or operation of other built-in appliances not listed in this section
• Bathroom exhaust vents
  • unusual sounds, speed and vibration levels or, when possible, vent pipes that do not terminate outside the structure
• Whole house vacuum system
  • inspect the condition of the main unit
  • does not operate
  • inspect the system from all accessible outlets throughout the house
• Water heaters
  • report the energy source
  • fittings that leak or are corroded
  • temperature and pressure relief valve piping that lacks gravity drainage, is improperly sized (no smaller than the outlet fittings), has deficiencies in material, or lacks a correct termination
  • temperature and pressure relief valve that does not operate when the valve is of an operable type and operation will not cause damage to persons or property
  • broken or missing parts, covers or controls
  • deficiencies in the burner, flame and burner compartment, the operation of heating elements and the condition of wiring
  • deficiencies in materials used for the gas branch line and the connection to the appliance, the absence of a gas shut-off valve, or a valve that is not properly located, is inaccessible, or leaks
  • deficiencies in the vent pipe, draft diverter, draft hood and their condition, draft, proximity to combustibles and vent termination point, observing for adequate combustion and draft air
  • lack of a safety pan and drain
  • unsafe location or installation -
  • in garage
  • lack of protection for physical damage to the unit
  • burners, burner ignition devices or heating elements, switches or thermostats that are not a minimum of 18 inches above the lowest garage floor elevation
• Doorbell and chimes
  • does not operate
  • deficiencies in visible and accessible parts
• Attic power vents
  • deficiencies in the operation and installation of the unit, including the wiring and mounting of the thermostat control
  • unusual sounds or speed and vibration levels
• Garage door operator
  • deficiencies in the installation, condition and operation
  • operate the door both manually and by an installed automatic door control
  • does not automatically reverse during closing cycle, any installed electronic sensors that are not operable or not installed at the proper heights above the garage floor
  • door locks or side ropes that have not been removed or disabled
• Hydrotherapy or whirlpool equipment
  • does not operate, leaks, or is inaccessible
  • lacks a ground fault circuit interrupter or has an interrupter that does not operate
  • switches that are not in a safe location or do not operate
  • evidence of leaks under the tub if the access cover is available and accessible, reporting when the cover is absent or inaccessible
  • deficiencies in the ports, valves, grates and covers
• Cooling systems other than evaporative coolers
  • operate the system using normal control devices except when the outdoor temperature is less than 60 degrees
  • temperature difference between the supply air and the return air or noticeable vibration of the blower fan
  • lack of, or deficiencies in drainage of, condensate drain line and secondary drain line when applicable, including pipes made of inadequate material
  • primary drain pipe that terminates in a sewer vent, if the termination is visible
  • safety pan that is not appropriately sized for the evaporator coil or free of water or debris
  • return chase and plenum that are not free of improper and hazardous conditions, such as gas pipes, sewer vents, refrigerant piping or electrical wiring
  • lack of insulation on refrigerant pipes and the primary condensate drain pipe
  • condensing unit that does not have adequate clearances, or air circulation, or that has deficiencies in the condition of fins, location, levelness and elevation above ground surfaces
  • conductor sizing and over-current protective devices that are not appropriately sized for the unit
• Evaporative coolers
  • operate the motor and report as one or two speed
  • observe the electrical pigtail connection at the motor
  • inspect the power source
  • pump that does not function or deficiencies in the spider tubes, tube clips and bleeder system
  • deficiencies in the water supply line and float bracket
  • absence of a minimum one-inch air gap between water discharge at float and water level
  • deficiencies in the fan (blower) and squirrel cage or rust build-up, deterioration or corrosion
  • deficiencies in the fan belt and pulleys
  • deficiencies in the housing side panels, the water trays, the exterior housing and the roof frame
  • deficiencies in the roof jack or other mounting point and the location of the seasonal damper at the unit
  • deficiencies in the interior registers and the supply duct
• Heating systems
  • report the type of heating system and its energy sources
  • does not operate properly using normal control devices
  • deficiencies in the controls and accessible operating components of the system
  • deficiencies in the burner compartment, type, condition, draft and termination of the vent pipe, or proximity to combustibles; the lack of combustion and draft air or inappropriate location, or the lack of forced air in the burner compartment
  • gas units that display flame impingement, uplifting flame, improper flame color or excessive scale buildup
  • gas units that use improper materials for the gas branch line and the connection to the appliance
  • absence of a gas shut-off valve, or a valve that is not properly located, is inaccessible, or leaks
  • elements in electric furnaces that do not operate
  • return chase or plenum that are not free of improper and hazardous conditions, such as gas pipes, sewer vents, refrigerant piping or electrical wiring
  • furnace to be inaccessible
• Ducts, vents (including dryer vents) and flues
  • damaged ducting or insulation, improper material or improper routing of ducts
  • absence of air flow at all accessible supply registers
  • deficiencies in accessible duct fans and filters
  • deficiencies in installation, such as gas piping, sewer vents, electrical wiring or junction boxes in the plenum, returns or chases or improper sealing
  • deficiencies in the flue system components
  • flue or vent pipe that does not properly terminate
  • deficiencies in materials used for the venting systems
• Plumbing systems
  • deficiencies in the type and condition of all accessible and visible water supply and waste-water and vent pipes
  • deficiencies in the operation of all fixtures and faucets where the flow end of the faucet is not connected to an appliance
  • lack of back-flow devices, anti-siphon devices or systems or air gaps
  • incompatible materials in connecting devices between differing metals in the supply system
  • deficiencies in water supply by viewing functional flow in two fixtures operated simultaneously
  • deficiencies in functional drainage at accessible plumbing fixtures
  • deficiencies in installation and identification of hot and cold faucets
  • mechanical drainstops that are missing or do not operate if installed on sinks, lavatories and tubs
  • commodes that have cracks in the ceramic material, are improperly mounted on the floor, leak or have tank components which do not operate
  • supply and drain pipes that leak
  • lack of a visible vent pipe system to the exterior of the structure or improper routing or termination of the vent system
  • shower enclosure that leaks
  • exterior faucet attached or immediately adjacent to the structure that does not operate properly

Electrical

• Service entrance and panels
  • deficiencies in the integrity of insulation, drip loop, separation of conductors at weatherheads and clearances of service entrance cables
  • drop, weatherhead or mast that is not securely fastened
  • lack of a grounding electrode conductor in the service where visible, or the lack of secure connection to the grounding electrode
  • accessible main or subpanels that are not secured to the structure or appropriate for their location (weather-tight if exposed to weather, appropriate clearances and accessibility), do not have inside covers (dead fronts) in place, do not have conductors protected from the edges of metal panel boxes, do not have trip ties installed on labeled 240 volt circuits, do not have proper fasteners or do not have knockouts filled
  • deficiencies in the type and condition of the wiring in the panels, in the compatibility of overcurrent protectors for the size of conductor being used and in sizing of listed equipment of overcurrent protection and conductors, when power requirements for listed equipment are readily available and breakers are labeled
  • panel that is installed in a hazardous location
  • absence of appropriate connections, such as copper/aluminum approved devices, pig-tailed connections or crimp connections; and the absence of anti-oxidants on aluminum conductor terminations
  • the lack of main disconnect
• Branch circuits, connected devices and fixtures
  • report the type of branch circuit wiring
  • inspect all accessible receptacles
  • power is not present
  • polarity is incorrect
  • the unit is not grounded, if applicable
  • evidence of arcing or excessive heat
  • not secured to the wall
  • cover is not in place
  • ground fault circuit interrupter devices are not properly installed as set forth by the current edition of the National Electric Code, publication 70A of the National Fire Protection Association, or do not operate properly as shown by use of a separate testing device
  • operate all accessible wall and appliance switches
  • does not operate or is damaged
  • inspect installed fixtures including lighting devices and ceiling fans
  • inoperable or missing fixture
  • deficiencies in exposed wiring, wiring terminations, junctions and junction boxes
  • deficiencies or absences of conduit in appropriate locations or conduit that is not terminated securely
  • appliances and electrical gutters that do not have proper bonding
  • subpanels that are not properly bonded and grounded
  • lack of disconnects in appropriate locations
  • inspect (if branch circuit aluminum wiring is discovered in the main or subpanels) a random sampling of accessible receptacles and switches and report as in need of repair the absence of appropriate connections, such as copper/aluminum approved devices, pig-tailed connections or crimp connections
  • improper use of extension cords
  • absence of, or deficiencies in, the installation and operation of smoke or fire detectors not connected to a central alarm system