What To Expect In Your Inspection

 The roof is a key component to every home.  It is extremely important to get an up-close view of the entire roof. If we are unable to walk a roof, we have several other methods available to complete the inspection. 

Any penetration through the roof can be a potential weak spot for water to leak through and should be examined closely to ensure the roofs integrity.

For example, inadequate flashing can cause leaks, which left untreated, will eventually cause water damage.  This can lead to microbial growth and wood rot. Catching problems like this early on can potentially save you thousands of dollars in future repairs.

Most homeowners rarely (if ever) go into their attic or crawlspace.  This means that problems may not be found until much later on, once something breaks. 

Penetrations to a crawlspace are also a common weak spot. Vents of any kind should always be directed outside, not underneath the home. This TPR valve from a water heater is being vented underneath the home. If it were to function as intended, it would create standing water in the crawlspace, which may go unnoticed for a long time.

A home has many important components, the foundation is one of them. Some minor cracks in the foundation are to be expected in most homes; however there are certain characteristics that will determine if more serious foundation problems are present.  Foundation issues can be the most difficult and costly parts of a home to fix, but ignoring those problems could be dangerous.

Alot of older homes have been remodeled or updated over the years.  But a lot of the time the electrical panels are not. This means they may not be able to support "modern" household needs.

Electrical DIY's can be very common but should never be a permanent fix.  This presents a major fire hazard to your home, which is why it is so important to have your panels inspected properly.

Receptacles should always be tested, along with lights, fans and other switches throughout the home. Although a receptacle may seem to work properly, there may still be wiring problems that can pose a shock or fire hazard.

Every homeowner will deal with a clogged or slow-draining sink/toilet at some point. However small clogs can lead to leaks, broken pipes or major backups if left unchecked.  

It's important to run water at the home to check that water is flowing properly, drains are working, and that there are no visible leaks at the faucet and underneath at the time of the inspection.

Not all leaks are easy to see. Some may be hidden under flooring or inside the walls.

Any appliances present at the time of the inspection will be checked. Its important to know if the appliances included in the home are functional or if recommended replacements should be made.

The exterior of the home will be thoroughly inspected. Insufficient gutters and downspouts can cause water to pool near the foundation of the home. The grading around a home can also be a major factor in site drainage, and establishing a defensible space for fire hazards.

It is important to inspect any decks, exterior stairs or landings on a home. Improperly spaced or missing balusters, hand rails or risers can be a safety hazard to everyone.

Patios and walkways will also be checked. Although it usually does not pose a direct threat to the structure of a home, it may be a safety or tripping hazard that should be addressed.