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A seller's inspection is the equivalent of a buyers inspection, but of course the client is the person selling the home, not the person buying it. Sellers may choose to make the inspection report available for potential buyers to see, or they may keep it private. 

Source: structuretech1.com 

What might InterNACHI inspectors look for?

• Find the date that the tank was last pumped. Ultimately, sludge level should determine whether a tank should be pumped, but knowledge of previous pumping dates can be a helpful reference.

• Check the sludge level with a “sludge judge” or a similar device. Sludge accumulates on the tank bottom and should not occupy more than 1/3 of the tank’s total volume or rise to the level of the baffles.

• The septic tank and drainfield should be far from wells and streams.

• Ensure that the system is large enough for the home that it serves. A four-bedroom home, for instance, typically requires a 1,200-gallon tank. The more occupants living in the home, the larger the tank that is required. Capacity in gallons can be calculated by tank dimensions. For rectangular tanks, length x width x depth in feet x 7.5 = capacity in gallons. For round tanks, 3.14 x radius squared x depth in feet x 7.5 = capacity in gallons.

• Check for liquid waste that has made its way to the ground surface. This condition is unsanitary and indicates that the system is overloaded. Make sure that the tank is watertight so that wastewater does not contaminate groundwater, and groundwater does not flow into the tank and cause it to overfill.

• If riser lids are present, they should be inspected for cracks and made sure they are secure.

• Make sure that the baffles are firmly connected to the tank’s inlet and outlet pipes.

• Drain lines should each receive the same amount of wastewater. They can be examined by opening the distribution box. If the box becomes tipped or clogged, it will disproportionately allocate effluent, and potentially flood sections of the drainfield.

Source: nachi.org

Aerobic Treatment Units (ATUs) use many of the same processes as a municipal sewage plant, but on a smaller scale. An aerobic system injects oxygen into the treatment tank. The additional oxygen increases natural bacterial activity within the system that then provides additional treatment for nutrients in the effluent. Some aerobic systems may also have a pretreatment tank and a final treatment tank including disinfection to further reduce pathogen levels. 

The benefits of this system are that it can be used in homes with smaller lots, inadequate soil conditions, in areas where the water table is too high, or for homes close to a surface water body sensitive to contamination by nutrients contained in wastewater effluent. Regular life-time maintenance should be expected for ATUs. 

Source: www.epa.gov

A decentralized wastewater treatment system consisting of a septic tank and a trench or bed subsurface wastewater infiltration system (drainfield). A conventional septic system is typically installed at a single-family home or small business. 

Source: www.epa.gov

A buried, watertight tank designated and constructed to receive and partially treat raw domestic sanitary wastewater. Heavy solids settle to the bottom of the tank while greases and lighter solids float to the top. The solids stay in the tank while the wastewater is discharged to the drainfield for further treatment and dispersal. 

Source: epa.gov

A sewer scope is a video inspection of the lateral sewer line leading from the house at/near the foundation and connecting to the city or HOA tap or septic tank. 

Source: nachi.org

A protection plan offered by Residential Warranty Services which covers:

During the agreement term, only the directly affected portions of the following components are covered against failure due to normal wear and tear: 

1. “Water Line”. The water line is the single lateral water service line from the point of the water utility’s connection to the point of the water meter or main shut off line inside the home. The water line also includes well water lines, excluding those exceeding five feet under the surface level of the yard. 

2. “Sewer Line”. The sewer line is the single lateral sewer service line from the point of the home’s exterior wall to the point of connection to the sewer utility’s wastewater collection system or septic tank. 

Source: recallchek.com 

A short sale is a sale of real estate in which the net proceeds from selling the property will fall short of the debts secured by liens against the property. In this case, if all lien holders agree to accept less than the amount owed on the debt, a sale of the property can be accomplished. 

Source: wikipedia.org 

A single family residence (SFR) is the most common type of home listed in the MLS. Also known as single family detached, this means the home is a stand-alone structure with its own lot intended for one family. 

Source: redfin.com 

A slab foundation is a foundation that is made of a concrete slab. Slab foundations are often laid over soil-based areas. They provide an easy method of setting a base foundation by simply pouring the slab foundation mixture over the area and leaving it to harden. 

Source: doityourself.com 

Residential Pool and Spa Inspection

I. The inspector shall inspect from ground level:

1. the plumbing;

2. the filters;

3. the lights;

4. any adjoining structure as it relates to the pool or spa;

5. the valves;

6. the solar heating system;

7. the pumps and motors;

8. the electrical system;

9. the filtration system;

10. the pool heater; and

11. the safety barriers.

Source: nachi.org

Sprinkler System Inspection Checklist

• Broken, clogged, or missing sprinkler heads

• Sunken heads that have dipped below ground

• High vegetation

• Heads that are slanted and not vertical

• High or low pressure

• Overspray

• Broken pipes or fittings

Source: selecthomewarranty.com

A Standard Residential Inspection is another term for a home inspection. 

This type of inspection is intended to evaluate the condition of the evident foundation performance, roof, and structure of the building in order to provide information related to their condition and an opinion as to whether they are in need of repair. 

Source: profengineering.com