Kitchen and Bath

KITCHEN

General Features: Inspected are the condition of:
- counters
- cabinets
- flooring
- windows
- ceiling and light fixtures.

Belongings will not be moved during this inspection. Because dishes and belongings often prevent a clear view of counters and cabinets, I recommend you check these areas during your final walkthrough.

Kitchen Sink: I’ll turn on the faucet to check functional flow and look for obvious leaks around the control, and will observe bowl drainage. Blocked drain lines can occur at any time and the possibility of this condition cannot be predicted. Under the sink I’ll check for leaks, rust and corrosion of the sink, drain and supply piping.

Garbage Disposal: The inspection is limited to running the to determine if any leaks are present. It is difficult to verify the condition of the interior of the garbage disposal unit because a unit can rust and corrode internally. Excessive vibration of the unit or unusual noises may indicate objects are lodged inside or damaged blades. While repair may be simple, replacement is sometimes necessary.

Dishwasher: The inspection is limited to running the dishwasher to determine if any leaks are present. This is not an inspection of the appliance to determine any other functions.

Special Features: If inspected, special features are tested just as any homeowner would use the device or appliance. No disassembly or special test equipment is used. Actual effectiveness of a feature is not necessarily determined,
nor guaranteed.

BATHROOM

Sink: Shutoff valves below the sink are not tested during this inspection. It is not uncommon for these valves to leak when turned as they often have not been used for some time. Signs of corrosion and leaking will be looked for on above and below he sink.

Toilet: Leaking is a possibility when toilets are loose at the base or at the tank connection. The toilet will be flushed to observe proper drainage and operation of the tank hardware.

Bathtub: I limit my evaluation of the bathtub to the visible and accessible areas only. Because the drain and supply piping are not always accessible they often cannot be judged. The caulk and grout should be kept in good condition to avoid leakage. I don’t fill the tub to overflowing to check the overflow drain connection. When a whirlpool is installed the equipment is tested using normal operating controls. When the pump and jet piping is not accessible they cannot be inspected.

Shower: It is important that shower enclosures be properly caulked and maintained to avoid leakage. Although it is often difficult to determine, glass enclosures made with non-tempered safety glass are considered a potential hazard and upgrades are recommended

Ventilation/Heat: Ventilation is important in bathrooms with a tub or shower. Venting can be accomplished using a mechanical exhaust through the roof or wall. In warm weather a window can also provide adequate ventilation.