Specialty Inspections...
Introductory Phase Inspections
Performed when the home is at either frame stage or final stage. For a frame stage
inspection, plumbing and electrical rough-ins must be completed. For final stage,
the home must be substantially complete and permanent utilities (water, electricity
and gas service) must be connected. Please Note: Cosmetic or aesthetic items are
typically not considered in compliance inspections.
Introductory phase inspections are performed by a Code Certified Inspector. The
goal is to present valuable information by providing an independent, third party
visual, operational, and audible inspection. This will help to ensure safety, compliance
with acceptable building practices, quality, and craftsmanship.
Punch List Quality Control Inspection
Performed when the home is at frame stage after plumbing and electrical rough-ins
are complete. A thorough punch list which details specific items congruent with
frame stage inspections.
Comprehensive Quality Control Inspection
Performed when the home is at frame stage after plumbing and electrical rough-ins
are complete. A comprehensive report detailing all framing, mechanical, and plumbing
anomalies present on the property.
HERS Rater (Home Energy Rating System)
A HERS rating is an evaluation of the energy efficiency of a home, compared to a
computer-simulated reference house (of the identical size and shape as the rated
home) that meets minimum requirements of the Model Energy Code (MEC). The HERS rating
results in a score between 0 and 100, with the reference home assigned a score of
80. From the 80 point level, each 1 point increase in the HERS score results in
a 5 percent reduction in energy usage (compared to the reference house). Therefore,
an ENERGY STAR labeled home, that is required to be at least 30% more energy-efficient
than the reference home, must attain a HERS score of at least 86.
HERS ratings involve the analysis of a home’s construction plans, and at least one
on-site inspection of the home. The plan review allows the home energy rater to
attain technical information such as orientation, shading area, proposed SEER rating,
insulation levels, etc. Meanwhile, the on-site inspection includes a blower door
test (to test the leakiness of the house) and a duct test (to test the leakiness
of the ducts). Results of these tests, along with inputs derived from the plan review,
are entered into a computer simulation program to generate the HERS score and the
home’s estimated annual energy costs. Note: “annual energy use” is based on the
heating, cooling and hot water heating requirements only. *
*Information provided by ENERGY STAR. .