Washington State Standards of Practice
A plain-English guide to the Washington rules that define what licensed inspectors are expected to review and how the inspection scope is framed.
See WA standardsBuyer Education
What a home inspection really tells you
A good inspection is not a pass-fail test. It is a decision tool. The goal is to help you understand the home's current condition, the bigger repair risks, and what routine ownership is likely to look like after closing.
What we are evaluating on inspection day
We inspect the visible and accessible components of the property and document material defects, safety concerns, and notable maintenance items. In Western Washington, we pay especially close attention to moisture management because it touches almost every other system in the house.
Structure and moisture paths
We look at foundations, crawlspaces, attics, roof framing, drainage, and the places water is most likely to get in or get trapped.
Exterior performance
Siding, flashing, gutters, decks, grading, windows, and roofing are reviewed for wear, damage, and signs that the weather has been winning.
Major systems
Electrical, plumbing, heating, cooling, and water heating are checked for function, visible defects, and common safety concerns.
How to read your report without getting buried in details
Our reports are organized so you can separate urgency from ownership chores. That makes it easier to talk with your agent, decide what deserves a credit request, and build a real maintenance plan for the first year.
Safety concernsItems that could pose a health or safety risk and should be addressed promptly.
Repair itemsDefects, failed components, or active problems that usually deserve contractor follow-up before or soon after closing.
Maintenance notesNormal wear, aging materials, and upkeep items that help you plan ownership instead of being surprised later.
Standards of practice, in a more usable format
For clients who want to know exactly what inspectors are expected to cover, these guides break down the Washington standards and common inspection defects in a way that is faster to read, while still linking to the full official source.
What Fails a Home Inspection in WA?
Learn the common safety hazards, structural issues, and major defects that cause concern during a Washington home inspection.
Read failure guide