What is a home inspection looking for in the kitchen?
A home inspector will do a non-invasive visual inspection of the entire property during a Home Inspection in Orlando. The kitchen is one place where they will spend considerable time. A thorough inspection of the kitchen is essential as it is where most of us spend our time. It is also a vital (and complex!) part of any home. What should you expect from an inspection of your kitchen?
View our sample reports for a better understanding of how your inspection report should look and how inspectors present their findings.
What do home inspectors look for in the kitchen area of a house?
Exhaust systems such as a range hood. We will check to see if the system is working properly and circulating air correctly.
Appliances in the kitchen, including a fridge, oven or stove, sinks, dishwashers and built-in microwavables. Smaller, auxiliary appliances like coffee makers or toasters are not included in the definition of an appliance. They belong to the homeowner and aren’t part of the home. An inspector may find a gas stove that is not working correctly, or buttons or controls that are damaged or missing. The inspector will look for water damage around and below appliances such as the fridge and dishwasher, and for any signs of damage. The inspector will not test each appliance, but they will make sure that they are in good condition.
Cabinets and counters. It could be anything from finding cracks on the countertop to an inspector finding a jammed cabinet.
Sink and hardware both above and below counter. Our inspectors often find that the sink has not been mounted properly, particularly in homes where the owner did most of the work. Inspectors are also regularly finding leaks or problems with the draining of the sink. Your home inspector will be able to recommend a professional who can repair any problem. Here are our recommended plumbers.
We will check the walls, ceiling, floor and floors in the kitchen to ensure they are level, structurally sound and in good shape. We’ll also look for any peeling paint or wallpaper and make sure that all switches, outlets and lights are working properly. We will check for water damage or rot, as well as any safety hazards like exposed nails or frayed wiring.
What a home inspection will not do
If appliances are not accessible, move them or open or use the appliance. Inspectors will not inspect anything that has a lock or code.
Inspectors cannot diagnose air quality or lead paint, nor can they determine the cause of a problem. Inspectors are “generalists”, meaning that they are professionals trained to diagnose a home but cannot provide specialized treatment. Inspectors can only identify problems and recommend people who can fix them.
