Single Family Home Inspection

What to expect at your home inspection?
Our education focused approach to home inspections includes a visual, non-invasive assessment of a property’s condition, performed by a licensed inspector.
The goal is to provide our clients with a clear understanding of the home’s current state, including issues as minor as a loose door handle, all the way up to major structural issues and beyond.
The inspection is meant to empower you with knowledge and facts allowing you to make more a more informed and confident decision. The inspection includes:
Roofing / Exterior Components / Structure / Chimney / Plumbing / Electrical / HVAC / Insulation / Ventilation / Interior Components / Kitchen / Appliances / Bathrooms / Crawlspace / Basement / Attic

Sample Reports
Check out a report from one of our recent inspections!

What our clients are saying…
“The most thorough home inspection I have ever attended and I have been at a few! Truly impressed with the quality of the work. We had our report instantly and were able to get a real assessment of issues and concerns with the home. I would highly recommend Pineland. Money well spent!”
“As first-time homebuyers purchasing an older farmhouse, we had a lot of questions! Kevin took his time inspecting every aspect of the home, thoroughly explaining all systems, and ensuring we felt confident. His attention to detail and patience made the process so much less overwhelming.”
“Professional, personable, and highly informative, Pineland exceeded expectations at every turn. They went above and beyond to explain their findings & provided clear advice on approaching upgrades and fixes. The inspectors thoroughness and approachable nature left me feeling confident and well-informed.”
Service Area
New Hampshire
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Atkinson, Auburn, Brentwood, Candia, Chester, Danville, Deerfield, Derry, East Kingston, Epping, Exeter, Fremont, Greenland, Hampstead, Hampton, Hampton Falls, Kensington, Kingston, Londonderry, New Castle, Newfields, Newington, Newton, North Hampton, Northwood, Nottingham, Plaistow, Portsmouth, Raymond, Rye, Salem, Sandown, Seabrook, South Hampton, Stratham, Windham.
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Barrington, Dover, Durham, Farmington, Lee, Madbury, Middleton, Milton, New Durham, Rochester, Rollinsford, Somersworth, Strafford
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Amherst, Bedford, Bennington, Brookline, Deering, Francestown, Goffstown, Greenfield, Hillsborough, Hollis, Hudson, Litchfield, Lyndeborough, Manchester, Mason, Merrimack, Milford, Mont Vernon, Nashua, New Boston, Pelham, Weare, Wilton
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Alton, Barnstead, Belmont, Center Harbor, Gilford, Gilmanton, Laconia, Meredith, New Hampton, Sanbornton, Tilton
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Boscawen, Bow, Canterbury, Chichester, Concord, Dunbarton, Epsom, Franklin, Henniker, Hooksett, Hopkinton, Loudon, Northfield, Pembroke, Pittsfield, Wilmot
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Moultonborough, Tuftonboro, Wakefield, Wolfeboro
Maine
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Acton, Alfred, Arundel, Biddeford, Buxton, Dayton, Eliot, Hollis, Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, Kittery, Lebanon, Limerick, Lyman, North Berwick, Ogunquit, Old Orchard Beach, Saco, Sanford, Shapleigh, South Berwick, Waterboro, Wells, York.
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Cape Elizabeth, Falmouth, Gorham, Portland, Scarborough, South Portland, Westbrook
Massachusetts
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Amesbury, Andover, Beverly, Boxford, Danvers, Essex, Georgetown, Gloucester, Groveland, Hamilton, Haverhill, Ipswich, Lawrence, Lynn, Lynnfield, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Marblehead, Merrimac, Methuen, Middleton, Nahant, Newbury, Newburyport, North Andover, Peabody, Rockport, Rowley, Salem, Salisbury, Saugus, Swampscott, Topsfield, Wenham, West Newbury
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Ayer, Bedford, Billerica, Burlington, Carlisle, Chelmsford, Dracut, Dunstable, Groton, Littleton, Lowell, North Reading, Pepperell, Reading, Tewksbury, Tyngsborough, Wilmington

Frequently Asked Questions:
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On average, a single-family home takes anywhere from 2-4 hours, depending on the size, age, and condition of the property.
We’re in no rush and take as much time as we need to fully investigate the home and its systems. Plus we ‘re always ready to answer all your questions and make sure you’re fully educated about the homes current condition throughout the entire process.
We know the process can be a little long, so we provide snacks and drinks for you to enjoy while we work. So sit back, relax and let us do our thing!
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While it’s not required, we highly recommend being present so you can ask questions, see any issues firsthand, and learn more about your home.
If possible, showing up toward the end of the inspection is best so the inspector has had time to fully investigate the home and can walk you around to show you what they found and talk you through each issue on the spot.
If you absolutely can’t be present, no worries! The report captures all the issues we find (including photos, videos, descriptions and locations through the home for each). Once you’ve had some time to read through the report and digest it, we’re happy chat on the phone and go over anything you might have additional questions about.
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Yes, absolutely! We do need some space to focus and work at times, but we LOVE to have you alongside and answer all your questions (big or small) along the way.
As we try to make very clear with all our inspection clients, this is YOUR HOME EDUCATION. Ask away!
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Great question! We get this one a lot!
Although, our standards do have their limitations in some aspects of the home, we focus on the primarily on the major systems including the:
Roofing System: Roof coverings, flashing, gutters, and skylights for damage or leaks.
Exterior Components: Siding, windows, doors, decks / porches, and foundation for condition and damage.
Structural System: Evaluates the, framing, foundation and structural integrity of walls, floors, and ceilings throughout the home.
Chimney: Exterior of chimney, cap, crown and exposed flue tiles.
Plumbing System: Water supply lines, drainage piping, water heater, and fixtures for leaks and proper function.
Electrical System: Examines service panel(s), exposed wiring, outlets, and light fixtures for safety and functionality.
HVAC System: Tests heating and cooling equipment (when applicable), thermostats, and baseboards / radiators / ductwork for function.
Insulation and Ventilation: Checks insulation levels in the attic and crawl spaces and observes ventilation of these spaces.
Interior Components: Inspects walls, ceilings, floors, doors, and stairs for structural and cosmetic issues.
Appliances: Tests built-in kitchen appliances and laundry connections for basic operation.
Crawlspace/Basement: Assesses foundation walls, moisture intrusion, and structural supports.
Attic Space: Reviews roof structure, insulation, and ventilation for signs of leaks or damage.
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Here’s a list of common items not included as a part of the basic home inspection.
Items with a star (★) next to them can be added for an additional fee if you’d like that specific item tested / inspected:
★ Septic Systems / Sewer Scope: We have several local, state licensed septic & sewer evaluators that we will coordinate an inspection for your home with. Generally the inspection will take place at the same time as your home inspection when possible. Learn more here.
★ Water Quality Testing: We offer a wide range of water quality testing options to fit your needs ranging from the basic loan required testing (FHA / VA / NH State Loan, etc.), or more comprehensive testing options including radon & arsenic, or even specialized testing for cancer causing PFAS. Learn more here.
★ Radon Air Testing: Radon testing of any kind is not included in a home inspection, but our staff is state & nationally licensed to perform radon air testing using our state of the art, tamperproof, continuous monitors that deliver results as soon as 48 hours after the test has been started. Learn more here.
★ Air Quality & Mold Testing: Every inspection does include a basic visual “microbial growth” inspection, but without additional testing the inspector cannot call what they are seeing as “mold”. Our air quality testing will identify exactly what type of growth is present and help you determine the proper solution. Learn more here.
★ Pest , Rodent & Termite Inspections / VA Loan Pest Inspections : Inspecting for pests, rodents and termites or other wood-destroying organisms is available as an additional service if you have concerns about the home and these issues. We can also provide the proper NPMA-33 form to meet the requirements of your VA loan if needed. Learn more here.
Asbestos, Lead Paint, and Hazardous Materials: Detection of hazardous materials, such as asbestos or lead-based paint, requires specialized testing not covered in a standard inspection. We are working on adding this service to our services and it will be available soon.
★ Fireplace and Chimney Conditions: A Level 2 chimney inspection (with video scope and recording) is available. It is highly recommended for fireplaces or a chimney that have recently changed usage (from oil to gas or vice versa). Learn more here.
Back-Up Generators: Testing a generator would require the disconnection of power from the main electric utility and inspectors are not allowed to disconnect power in this way.
Swimming Pools and Hot Tubs: Inspections of pools, hot tubs, and related equipment require a specialized pool inspection, usually performed by a local pool company.
Code Compliance and Zoning Issues: The inspection focuses on the condition of the property, not on compliance with local building codes or zoning regulations. Due to the vast number of systems in the home and constantly changing national, state and local municipal codes for each home, it makes it unfeasible for an inspector to “quote code” directly.
HVAC Ductwork: While the HVAC system is inspected, internal ductwork is beyond what is visible and accessible and therefore is not assessed.
Solar Panels and Alternative Energy Systems: Inspecting solar panels, battery backups, or other alternative energy systems requires additional time and specialized equipment beyond what a home inspector has available to them during an inspection.
Irrigation Systems: Lawn sprinkler systems are not inspected due to their specialized nature, but exposed irrigation plumbing on the exterior of the home will be looked at.
Interior of Walls, Floors, or Ceilings: Inspectors do not perform invasive inspections meaning they do not open up walls, floors, or ceilings to expose what is behind them for inspection purposes. Although, we are pretty crafty and know where to look to get as good a view as possible.
Non-Visible Insulation: Inspecting insulation beyond what is easily visible in accessible attic, basement and crawlspaces is excluded.
Structural Engineering Analysis: Although the structure is inspection, a detailed structural assessment or engineering analysis requires a licensed structural engineer.
Security Systems and Smart Home Technology: Monitoring, alarms and smart home features (except wall mounted thermostats) fall outside the scope of the inspection as the inspector generally doesn't have proper digital access or physical codes to put the system through a testing scenario.
External Structures: Detached structures like sheds, barns, or gazebos are not be included. A general assessment of the roof / structure may be provided upon request and given verbally to the client onsite.
Cosmetic Deficiencies: Minor cosmetic issues like paint touch-ups, minor scratches, or aesthetic concerns are generally excluded.
Environmental Hazards: Issues like soil contamination, sinkholes, or flood zone analysis are not part of a standard home inspection.
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As we identify concerns, we detail them in our report using photos, videos, text descriptions and locations. This information is for your knowledge and in certain situations can be used to renegotiate with the seller, request repairs, or plan for future maintenance.
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ON THE SPOT! - (yup, you read that right!)
No more waiting days to get your report back! Our inspectors use a state of the art reporting system with every home defect / issue imaginable build right in. As they inspect the home, they are building the report in real time so it can be delivered to you immediately at the end of your inspection.
*One small caveat* - We do need a cell signal to upload all the photos and videos. If you’re buying a home way out in the sticks, give us about a half hour and we’ll have it over to you!
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A home inspection is not a pass/fail test. Instead, it provides an objective assessment of the property’s current condition, so you can make an informed decision about buying, selling or maintaining your current home.
Unlike a “Code Compliance” inspection, we do not pass or fail based on the issues (or lack of issues) we find at the inspection. Everything we find is for your knowledge and it is not reported to the state or local municipalities.
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It depends on the home!
Our pricing is based on location, age, size and type of home. To get a free, instant online quote, click here.
If you’d prefer to talk to a real human about what services you may or may not need, call or text us anytime! One of our staff will help guide you through the booking process and be able to answer all your questions.
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If you’d like to make sure the builder and all the sub-contractors did their job correctly during the building process, then the answer is YES.
Most people think - “But the code inspector already came through and checked everything” - True (hopefully), but did he spend more time talking to the builder about the game last night, or looking at your new home? I don’t know the answer for sure, but I can pretty confidently guess.
Full Transparency - It’s true, new homes shouldn’t have any of the age related issues that re-sale or older homes have. But we still regularly find structural issues (foundation cracks and settling), improperly installed HVAC systems (think exhaust piping terminating in you walls and not outside), plus plumbing leaks, gas leaks, electrical issues and fire hazards and SO MUCH MORE.
We are the independent, third party inspection that looks at every detail and makes sure your new home is safe for you and your family.
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Honestly, not a ton. If you have burning questions or concerns when you arrive to the home - let’s get those out of the way first so you can relax, take a breath and enjoy the process (or at least try to).
Bring a pad and paper if you want, but remember, it’s our job to document everything, not you. Our goal is to make this process as smooth and stress free as possible.