Structure and foundation
Visible foundations, framing, load paths, movement, cracking and signs that warrant deeper engineering review.
Home inspections led by an engineer.
A structural engineer reviews the whole home and explains what matters before you buy, sell or plan repairs.
30+Every Kernel home inspection is completed by a structural engineer with more than 30 years of experience.
Fixed pricing up front.Send the address and inspection type. We will confirm what is included and the price, with no commitment to proceed.
What your engineer reviews.
These are representative examples of the systems, conditions and tests documented during an inspection—not a complete list. Every photograph is paired with written context in the report, and the scope covers these items and more where visible, accessible and safe.
How the home works as a whole.
Structure, moisture, drainage, mechanical equipment, electrical service and the roof all affect one another. An experienced structural engineer knows how to connect those observations instead of treating each room as a checklist.
The result is a clearer understanding of what matters now, what can be maintained and what deserves specialist attention.
From the site to the service panel.
One thorough inspection standard for purchases, pre-listing, maintenance, new construction, PDI and warranty reviews.
Exterior and site
Cladding, grading, drainage, walks, decks, porches, retaining conditions and how water moves around the home.
Roof and drainage
Roof coverings, flashings, penetrations, chimneys, gutters and inaccessible areas reviewed with aerial drone imagery where conditions allow.
Attic and insulation
Roof framing, sheathing, ventilation, visible insulation, moisture indicators and accessible air-leakage conditions.
Electrical
Service equipment, panels, visible wiring, receptacles, switches, fixtures and accessible safety devices.
Plumbing
Visible supply, drainage and venting, fixtures, shutoffs, water-heating equipment, leakage indicators and water pressure.
Heating and cooling
Furnaces, boilers, air conditioning, heat pumps, distribution, thermostats and visible ventilation components.
Interior and life safety
Walls, ceilings, floors, windows, doors, stairs, guards, smoke alarms and accessible carbon-monoxide alarms.
Kitchen and laundry
Visible connections and basic operation of accessible installed appliances under normal operating conditions.
Moisture and thermal review
Thermal imaging and targeted moisture investigation used to identify patterns that may not be visible at the surface.
Testing is limited to components that are visible, accessible, safe to operate and available under the conditions present at the inspection. Destructive testing is not performed unless separately agreed in writing.
Inspection tools.
Aerial roof review
Drone imagery helps document roof planes, penetrations, flashings and areas that cannot be safely walked.
Thermal imaging
Temperature patterns can support the investigation of insulation gaps, air leakage and possible moisture conditions.
Targeted testing
Water pressure, accessible receptacles, equipment controls and installed appliances are checked under normal conditions.
Your inspection report.
A photo-rich record organized around safety, repairs, maintenance and next steps.
Photo-documented observationsImmediate safety concernsMajor repairs and further reviewMaintenance and planning itemsPractical next steps
When an issue needs design, repair or specialist investigation, Kernel can help define the next scope and coordinate qualified engineering or trade support.
From visible signs to likely causes.
A stain, a crack or an uneven floor is an observation. Engineering experience helps determine what it may be connected to and what should happen next.
BuyingUnderstand the building before closing.
SellingIdentify concerns before they become surprises.
MaintainingPlan repairs and upgrades with context.
New constructionDocument deficiencies at key handover stages.
Related engineering services.
A home inspection covers the accessible property broadly. Use these services when a defined structural condition or formal professional document needs its own scope.
Home inspection FAQs
Answers about inspection scope, reports, engineering review and the tools used during the visit.
What is an engineer-led home inspection?
It is a visual inspection of the accessible home and major systems completed by a structural engineer. The inspection connects structural, moisture, roof, exterior, electrical, plumbing and HVAC observations and records them in a photo-rich report.
How is this different from a structural assessment?
A home inspection reviews the property broadly for a purchase, sale, maintenance or handover decision. A structural assessment focuses on one defined structural condition and may issue a separate engineering opinion or report.
Is a drone roof review a separate service?
Not as a primary home-inspection service. Aerial imagery is one tool the engineer may use to document roof areas that cannot be safely walked, when weather, site conditions and applicable operating rules allow.
Does the inspection include thermal imaging?
Thermal imaging and targeted moisture review can support the inspection by identifying temperature patterns that deserve context. They do not see through materials or prove the cause of every anomaly without further investigation.
What does the inspection report include?
The report organizes photo-documented observations around safety, major repairs or further review, maintenance and practical next steps. Testing is limited to components that are visible, accessible, safe and available on the inspection date.
Can an inspection guarantee there are no hidden defects?
No visual inspection can guarantee every concealed or future condition. Finishes, stored items, weather, occupancy and access limit what can be observed. The report states relevant limitations and recommends further review where evidence supports it.
Can Kernel inspect a new home or PDI?
Yes. Kernel supports new-construction, pre-delivery and warranty-stage inspections within a defined scope. Builder procedures, warranty deadlines and access arrangements remain the owner’s responsibility.
What should I send to book an inspection?
Send the property address, inspection type, timing or condition date, property type, known concerns and any available listing, disclosure, renovation or prior inspection information.
Plan your inspection.
Send the property address, timing and any concerns you already have. An engineer will confirm availability and the inspection scope.