J. SCOTT OSKO | GENERAL CONTRACTOR
CONTRACTOR LEVEL INSPECTIONS
Formerly Echelon
1. Objective & Scope of Services
1.1 Objective The objective of this inspection is to provide a professional, non-invasive, visual examination of the subject property to identify material defects observed on the date of the inspection. This assessment leverages extensive structural and building experience; however, it remains a strictly visual evaluation.
1.2 Material Defect Definition A material defect is a condition that has a significant adverse impact on the value of the property or poses an unreasonable risk to people. Normal wear and tear, cosmetic blemishes, and the natural aging of materials are not considered material defects.
1.3 Limitations of Purpose The inspection is not a guarantee or warranty of future performance, habitability, or suitability for any specific purpose. It does not determine the market value, insurability, or the advisability of the purchase. The inspection is not technically exhaustive and is not intended to identify every possible issue or concern.
1.4 Ancillary Services & Exclusions The base inspection does not include testing for mold, asbestos, or lead-based paint. These are considered environmental hazards and are outside the scope of the non-invasive generalist inspection. Professional mold testing, as well as the facilitation of lead and asbestos testing, are specialized services performed under separate parameters.
2. Operational Access & Safety Protocols
2.1 Discretionary Safety Override The Inspector reserves the absolute right to decline, refuse, or terminate any inspection activity that, in their professional opinion, constitutes an unsafe condition or poses a risk of property damage. If a genuine concern for safety arises, the Inspector shall refuse to proceed with that portion of the inspection.
2.2 Roof Access Protocol The Inspector will evaluate roof coverings, flashings, and penetrations. The Inspector is not required to physically walk on the roof surface if doing so poses a risk of slipping, falling, or damaging the roofing materials (e.g., fragile tile, slate, steep pitch, or wet conditions). In such events, assessment is limited to visual observation from the ground or eaves using a 12-foot ladder.
2.3 Attics and Crawl Spaces The Inspector will enter and traverse attics and crawl spaces provided there is a minimum of 24 inches of clearance. The Inspector is not required to enter areas deemed unsafe or not readily accessible. This includes, but is not limited to, areas with suspected sewage, toxic hazards, pest or animal infestation, or dangerous environmental conditions.
2.4 Obstructions & Concealed Defects The Inspector is not required to move personal property, furniture, carpeting, wall coverings, debris, or any items restricting visual inspection. The Inspector cannot evaluate defects, water damage, or structural issues hidden behind walls, under flooring, or concealed by personal property.
3. Detailed System Inspection Protocols
3.1 Structural & Foundation
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Included: Visual inspection of visible framing and load-bearing elements. Identification of visible signs of foundation movement, settling, or cracking.
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Excluded: The Inspector does not determine structural integrity, soil stability, or the adequacy of foundation anchoring. No engineering or architectural analysis is performed.
3.2 Electrical Systems
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Included: Visual inspection of the service entrance and interior fixtures. The Inspector will remove the dead front cover of the main electrical panel to visually evaluate visible wiring, over-current protection, and grounding, provided it is safe to do so.
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Excluded: The Inspector will not insert tools into the panel, verify grounding/bonding adequacy through load testing, or dismantle components beyond the dead front. The Inspector does not evaluate low-voltage wiring.
3.3 Plumbing Systems
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Included: Visual inspection of accessible supply and drain pipes, fixtures, and water heating equipment. Functional flow and drainage will be tested at accessible fixtures.
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Excluded: The Inspector does not verify the absence of leaks in walls/floors, nor do they perform pressure testing, sewer scope, or water quality testing. Underground piping is excluded.
3.4 Heating & Cooling (HVAC)
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Included: Visual inspection of permanently installed HVAC equipment using normal operating controls.
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Excluded: The Inspector does not verify the heat exchanger integrity, refrigerant levels, or the efficiency/capacity of the system. The Inspector will not operate any system that is shut down or non-functional.
3.5 Exterior & Interior
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Included: Visual inspection of wall cladding, siding, trim, windows, doors, stairs, balconies, and decks, as well as interior permanently installed cabinetry.
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Excluded: Inspection does not include a moisture intrusion analysis, testing of deck flashing, or assessment of subterranean drainage. The Inspector does not verify the functionality of non-built-in appliances.
3.6 Code Compliance
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Included: Identification of immediate safety hazards or major functional defects observed.
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Excluded: The Inspector is not required to measure, verify, or certify compliance with local building codes (e.g., the exact size or spacing of structural dimensions, access hatches, etc.).
4. Reporting Protocols
4.1 Written Reporting All findings, material defects, and safety observations identified during the physical examination shall be documented in a formal, written inspection report.
4.2 Professional Recommendations If the Inspector recommends further evaluation by a specialized professional (e.g., structural engineer, licensed electrician, or plumber), securing that evaluation is the responsibility of the Client.
