Know What to Expect Before, During and After Your Inspection
A home inspection should not feel confusing or intimidating. ACCM Residential Services is built around clear communication, practical documentation, and helping buyers, sellers, homeowners, contractors, and property professionals better understand the visible condition of a home.
*Licensed Virginia home inspection services are currently in development as Alison L. Mullins completes required licensing requirements.
Get in Touch
Whether you’re a homebuyer, seller, or real estate agent, our team is ready to provide you with the information you need to make the best decision for your property.
What Is a Home Inspection?
A home inspection is a visual, non-invasive evaluation of a home’s readily accessible systems and components. The purpose is to help identify visible concerns, safety issues, maintenance needs, and conditions that may require further evaluation by a qualified specialist.
A home inspection is not a guarantee, warranty, code inspection, engineering report, or prediction of future performance. It is a snapshot of the property’s visible condition at the time of the inspection. We follow the State of Virginia Standards of Practice.
What We Inspect:
-
Roof, gutters, and exterior drainage
-
Exterior walls, siding, windows, and doors
-
Foundation, crawl space, basement, and visible structure
-
Electrical panels, outlets, GFCI/AFCI protection, and visible wiring
-
Plumbing fixtures, water supply, drainage, and water heater
-
HVAC systems and visible components
-
Attic ventilation, insulation, and accessible roof framing
-
Interior walls, ceilings, floors, stairs, doors, and windows
-
Built-in appliances and basic safety concerns
-
Site conditions that may affect the home
What You Recieve:
The goal of your inspection is clarity. Your report should help you understand what was observed, why it may matter, and what next steps may be appropriate.
Inspection reports may include photos, written observations, maintenance notes, safety concerns, and recommendations for further evaluation when needed. ACCM’s approach is designed to communicate findings in plain language so you can make informed decisions with confidence.
Roof, Gutters & Drainage
Review of the roof covering, ventilation, gutters, downspouts, visible flashing, skylights, chimneys, roof penetrations, roof framing, sheathing, attic, and attic insulation. Roof observation method will be noted. Excludes antennae and other roof attachments.
Water: Plumbing, Supply, Drainage, Heater
Review of accessible water supply lines, fixtures, faucets, drainage, waste and vent systems, sump pumps, related piping, water heating equipment, energy source, and visible venting components. Excludes water conditioning, fire sprinkler, and solar water heating systems.
Cooling System
Review of accessible central and installed wall air conditioning equipment, controls, panels, energy source, and visible cooling distribution components.
Heating System
Review of accessible heating equipment, operating controls, energy source, visible distribution components, and accessible vent systems, flues, chimneys, and dampers. Excludes heat exchangers, gas logs, space heaters, solar heating devices, and heating accessories.
Interior Floors, Ceilings, Walls
Review of accessible walls, ceilings, floors, stairs, railings, balconies, countertops, installed cabinets, and hardware within the home and adjacent garage.
Exterior Systems & Components
Review of accessible exterior walls, flashing, trim, doors, windows, decks, porches, attached garages, railings, eaves, soffits, fascias, walkways, patios, driveways, grading, drainage, retaining walls, vegetation, and visible chimney exteriors. Excludes detached garages, fences, privacy walls, storm doors/windows, shutters, awnings, screening, and security systems.
Safety & Maintenance Notes
Visible safety and maintenance observations to help identify routine upkeep needs, potential concerns, and items that may require further evaluation by a qualified professional.
Electrical Panels, Outlets, Visible Wiring
Review of accessible service equipment, panels, subpanels, grounding, disconnects, conductors, overcurrent protection, lighting fixtures, switches, receptacles, GFCI devices, smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, aluminum branch wiring, and installed AFCI devices. AFCI devices may be noted but not tested when equipment is attached.
Ancillary Services
Additional residential services may be available based on the property and client needs. These services are separate from the standard inspection scope and may include added documentation, property readiness support, specialty service coordination, or recommendations for further evaluation.
John D.
Home Buyer
"SafeScope’s inspection was thorough, helping me spot issues and negotiate repairs before closing. Highly recommend!"
Sarah M.
Real Estate Agent
"The pre-listing inspection helped me address issues early, making for a quicker, smoother sale. Very clear report!"
Emily L.
Real Estate Agent
"SafeScope is my top choice for inspections—professional, timely, and detailed reports that my clients love."
Michael S.
Homebuyer
"As a first-time buyer, SafeScope’s clear explanations and detailed report made me confident in my purchase."
David R.
John D.
"The pre-listing inspection was a game-changer, helping me resolve issues upfront and sell faster. Great service!"
Mark T.
John D.
"SafeScope’s attention to detail and quality service consistently help my clients make informed decisions."
