When hiring a home inspector there are various components to the house they will be looking at to determine the condition of the home. In this article we will be focusing on the foundation and what the inspector will be looking for.
Initially, the inspector will need to find out what type of foundation the home has. There are three different types of foundations - basement, crawl space, and concrete slab. The foundations are different and each are inspected differently.
If the home has a basement, there may be some limitations to the inspection based on if it has been finished. The inspector is trying to determine if the basement presently has or has had a moisture problem in the past. For an unfinished basement is there any water staining on the concrete? For a finished basement, is the carpet stained, is there a mildew smell, or is the hardwood flooring separating, curling or cupping at the seams?
While in the basement, the inspector will also look at the walls and trim for signs of moisture intrusion from the basement walls. The inspector will also examine any exposed framing, electrical switches, outlets, or panels, plumbing pipes, and any mechanical devices such as water heaters and HVAC systems. The inspector will also report on the existence and condition of a sump pump.
If the home has a crawl space, the inspector is not required to inspect it if the head space is less than 18 inches in height. If the inspector can not evaluate the crawl space due to height restrictions they are required to report it within the report.
When inspecting the under the home the inspector will be looking at the piers and the foundation walls for stability and any cracking. The inspector will look to see if there is any insect damage to the exposed wood framing. Also, the inspector will look to see if the dryer vents to the exterior, if there are enough wall vents, if the ground is wet from condensation or a plumbing leak, the condition of the HVAC ductwork, and if there is insulation present between the floor joists.
When inspecting a concrete slab, the inspector will be limited in what he can look at, especially if the flooring has already been installed. On the exterior the inspector will be looking for cracks in the slab and if the land is graded away from the home correctly.
Final Thoughts
Every home is different. Some houses also have a combination of two or even all three types of foundations based on the terrain the home in built on. Fully discuss the foundation with the inspector before they visit the home so that they are fully prepared for the inspection.
Initially, the inspector will need to find out what type of foundation the home has. There are three different types of foundations - basement, crawl space, and concrete slab. The foundations are different and each are inspected differently.
If the home has a basement, there may be some limitations to the inspection based on if it has been finished. The inspector is trying to determine if the basement presently has or has had a moisture problem in the past. For an unfinished basement is there any water staining on the concrete? For a finished basement, is the carpet stained, is there a mildew smell, or is the hardwood flooring separating, curling or cupping at the seams?
While in the basement, the inspector will also look at the walls and trim for signs of moisture intrusion from the basement walls. The inspector will also examine any exposed framing, electrical switches, outlets, or panels, plumbing pipes, and any mechanical devices such as water heaters and HVAC systems. The inspector will also report on the existence and condition of a sump pump.
If the home has a crawl space, the inspector is not required to inspect it if the head space is less than 18 inches in height. If the inspector can not evaluate the crawl space due to height restrictions they are required to report it within the report.
When inspecting the under the home the inspector will be looking at the piers and the foundation walls for stability and any cracking. The inspector will look to see if there is any insect damage to the exposed wood framing. Also, the inspector will look to see if the dryer vents to the exterior, if there are enough wall vents, if the ground is wet from condensation or a plumbing leak, the condition of the HVAC ductwork, and if there is insulation present between the floor joists.
When inspecting a concrete slab, the inspector will be limited in what he can look at, especially if the flooring has already been installed. On the exterior the inspector will be looking for cracks in the slab and if the land is graded away from the home correctly.
Final Thoughts
Every home is different. Some houses also have a combination of two or even all three types of foundations based on the terrain the home in built on. Fully discuss the foundation with the inspector before they visit the home so that they are fully prepared for the inspection.
About the Author:
Hubert Miles is the founder of Waterfront Houses USA, an online marketing service that provides Lake Real Estate in the US and Canada. Find Colorado Lake Real Estate For Sale.
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