Comprehensive Log Home Inspection

TAKING THE NECESSARY STEPS TO MAINTAIN YOUR HOME

Log Building Maintenance and Restoration offers inspection services for the log home owner who is looking to have restoration work done, as well as for potential buyers of log homes.

Inspection for maintenance services would include the following:

Caulking and seals will be inspected to ensure that no failures have occurred.
Spouting and downspouts will be inspected for leaks.
Structural integrity: Logs will be inspected for rot or decayed areas, carpenter bee activity and insect activity.
Windows and doors will be inspected, including all seals and door thresholds for leakage.
If the home is chinked, an inspection for chinking failures will be performed.
Outside spigots will be examined for leaks and drainage issues.
Roof splash and water concentrated areas will be examined.
Proper location of landscaping in relation to the home will be verified.
Roof flashing, valley areas, shingles and ridge cap will be examined.
An interior walk-through will be performed to determine if any exterior water infiltration exists.

Whole home inspections would include the above and the following:

Structure

Ridge and fascia board lines appear straight, and level sides of house appear straight, not bowed or sagging. Window and door frames appear square (especially bowed windows).
Visible foundation in good condition and appears straight and plumb, with no significant cracks.

Exterior Surfaces

There is adequate clearance between ground and wood siding materials (12″ minimum); no wood-to-earth contact.
Siding has no cracking or curling and is not loose, rotting or decaying.
Logs have no rot, decay, insect damage or breaks.
Masonry veneers have no broken, spalling, or flaking components, no cracks in joints, and there are no vines on the surface of the structure.
Exterior paint or stain is not flaking or blistering.

Interior Rooms

Floors, walls, and ceilings appear straight, plumb and level.
No stains on floors, walls, or ceilings.
Flooring materials are in good condition.
No significant cracks in walls or ceilings.
Windows and exterior doors operate easily and latch properly.
No broken glass, no sashes painted shut and no decay in windows.
Windows and doors have weather-stripping, “weep holes,” installed.
Interior doors operate easily and latch properly, no damage or decay and no broken hardware.
Paint, wall covering, and paneling is in good condition.
Wood trim is installed well and in good condition.
Lights and switches operate properly.
Adequate number of three-pronged electrical outlets in each room.
Electrical outlets test properly (spot check).
Heating/cooling source in each habitable room.
Evidence of adequate insulation in walls.
Fireplace has no cracking or damaged masonry and there is no evidence of back-drafting (staining on fireplace façade).
Damper operates properly, flue has been cleaned and flue is lined.

Windows, Doors, and Wood Trim

Wood frames and trim pieces are secure, no cracks, rot, or decay.
Joints around frames are caulked.
No broken glass (window or storm panes) or damaged screens.
No broken double-paned, insulated window seals.
Storm windows or thermal glass was used.
Drip caps installed over windows.

Attics

No stains on underside of roofing, especially around roof penetrations.
No evidence of decay or damage to structure.
Sufficient insulation and properly installed insulation (moisture barrier installed closest to the heated area of the house).
Adequate ventilation, a clear path into attic for air entering through soffit vents, adequately sized gable end louvers and all mechanical ventilation operational.
No plumbing, exhaust or appliance vents terminating in attic.
No open electrical splices.

Kitchen

Working exhaust fan that is vented to the exterior of the building.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (“GFCI”) protection for electrical outlets within 6 feet of the sink(s).
Dishwasher drains properly, has no leaks, baskets and door spring operates properly.
No leaks in pipes under sinks.
Floor in cabinet under sink is solid, no stains or decay.
Water flow in sink adequate.
No excessive rust or deterioration on garbage disposal or waste pipes.
Built-in appliances operate properly.
Cabinets in good condition, doors and drawers operate properly.

Bathrooms

Working exhaust fan that doesn’t terminate in the attic space.
Adequate flow and pressure at all fixtures.
Sink, tub, and shower drain properly.
Plumbing and cabinet floor under sink in good condition.
If sink is metal, it shows no signs of rust and overflow drain doesn’t leak.
Toilet operates properly.
Toilet stable, no rocking and no stains around base.
Caulking in good condition inside and outside the tub and shower area.
Tub or shower tiles secure, wall surface solid.
No stains or evidence of past leaking around base of bath or shower.

Plumbing

Visible pipes have no damage, no evidence of leaks and no signs of stains on materials near pipes.
Drainpipes slope slightly down towards outlet to septic/sewage system.
Water heater has no signs of rust, is vented properly, and is sized to produce adequate quantities of hot water for the number of bedrooms in the house.

Visual Electrical Inspection

Service panel has adequate capacity, and all wiring is attached to panel with wire connectors.
Fuses or breakers are not overheating.
Visible wiring in good condition, no exposed splices.

Basement or Mechanical Room

No evidence of moisture.
Exposed foundation has no stains, major cracks, or flaking.
Visible structural wood has no sagging, damage, decay, stains, or damage from insects.
Sills are attached to foundation with anchor bolts.
Insulation is at rim/band joists.