Home Inspection (Page 3)

28Jan
What is Looked For In a Basement Inspection

What is Looked For In a Basement Inspection

A basement is one of the key parts of any home. It serves as the underbelly of a house and can be the first place to look to determine if there are any troubles. Whether it’s visible foundation cracks or signs of pests, your basement is one of the best locations to get a look at the condition of your home. When an inspector examines a basement, it helps them get a sense of a home’s overall health. However, you may be unfamiliar with what elements are examined. Here is a look at what inspectors look for during a basement inspection.

Foundation Damage

When damage appears in a foundation, it could be a sign of larger issues. If left untreated, it could lead to water damage, flooding, or even structural damage. For homebuyers or sellers, it’s why having an inspection is so important. An inspector checks to examine if cracks appear within the walls of the foundation. These cracks may appear in numerous forms, including horizontal, vertical, diagonal, and stair-step. In addition, they look for gaps preventing windows and doors from closing as well as uneven ceilings and roofs.

Moisture and Water Damage

When it comes to basements, they can be a source of leaks and excess moisture. This is especially true of unfinished basements. When an inspector looks at a basement, they inspect the elements that could cause water damage. This includes leaking pipes, water that is seeping through cracks or windows, and if past flooding or damage has occurred. Similarly, some inspectors will look at the plumbing as a whole. Pipes that are exposed to excess moisture, especially in an unfinished basement, may also be a source of potential damage.

Sump Pump

A sump pump moves water from your basement out of your home. The pump itself resides in a basin underneath the main surface of your basement floor. If you have one, it’s good to have an inspector check it to ensure there are no clogs or any signs of damage. When a sump pump is damaged, it can prevent water from being able to leave your home, as well as lead to the chances of damage to your yard. If your pump has been working slower than usual, be sure to bring this up with your inspector.

Appliance Functionality and Basement Inspection

Your basement holds numerous pieces of equipment that are key to your home. Whether it’s an HVAC system, boiler, or electric system, it’s important to ensure they are all working at optimum condition. A basement inspector will check each of these to make sure that they work correctly. In addition to the potential impacts they can have on your home due to malfunctioning, they also could impact the total market value of your home.

Plumbing and Insulation

You likely know that a leak in your plumbing can be a sign of potential major damage. This is especially true when it comes to your basement. If a leak goes undetected, it could be a sign that your pipes could experience damage. This is where inspectors come in. They will check over the pipes and joints in your home to check for any signs of dampness. This also looks for signs of excessive moisture. In addition, your home’s insulation is reviewed for damage. If the insulation has problems due to dampness or a leak, there is the possibility that it could hold mold particles.

Schedule a Basement Inspection With Us

When you schedule an inspection for your basement, you want to make sure that it is as thorough as possible. By having a qualified inspector examine the basement, you can be certain they will examine every aspect to ensure that it is structurally sound. Contact us today to have us complete your basement inspection.

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14Jan
Why You Should Consider a Condo Inspection

Why You Should Consider a Condo Inspection

Many people know that having a home inspection done is a key step in the home buying process. By getting one completed, you are made aware of any potential problems with your home. In addition, you are able to have these issues resolved before you buy. What people may not be aware of is that condo inspections are just as important if you are in the market to purchase one. While there are some differences between the two, the process of having a condo inspected is largely similar to a normal home inspection. Here is what to know when scheduling a condo inspection.

What to Ask Before a Condo Inspection

During a condo inspection, the majority of the cost is up to the buyer. This means that it’s important to research and find a quality inspector. Doing so saves you money in the long run. There are specific things you can ask an inspector about before selecting one. For example, you should ask if technical audits exist for the community the condo is a part of. There are specific criteria most condos need to meet to have FHA loans accepted, and an audit will list issues that could result in future repair costs.

In addition, ask your inspector to review documents from previous meetings the condo has. When a condo’s board has a meeting, the minutes are recorded for posterity. You want to get access to the last year of these minutes.  They will note any exterior problems or maintenance issues that need to be addressed. You can also ask an inspector to review HOA finances, to ensure that should major issues arise, they have enough capital to make repairs.

Things to Look For in an Inspector

It can be challenging to find the right condo inspector to review your property. However, the main points to consider are similar to finding a traditional home inspector. You can go through recommendations from people such as your realtor or any friends or family members that have gone through the inspection process. In addition, sites like Yelp or Angi can also suggest inspectors. They also give you a chance to read reviews before choosing.

In terms of traits you should look for in an inspector, they are pretty straightforward. You want someone that will appear at the scheduled time to complete the inspection. Also, look for an inspector that has a history of completing reviews of condos and is familiar with what to look for.

What Do Inspectors Look For?

The first thing to know is the areas that inspectors look at during an inspection. From an interior standpoint, floors and ceilings are looked at to ensure there are no signs of potential problems such as water leaks and other types of damage. Kitchens and washrooms are also looked at. This includes checking appliances as well as any fixtures to make sure there are no gaps or hollow spaces in caulking. In addition, electrical systems and the HVAC unit are also inspected to ensure they are in working order.

Condo inspections are not only focused on what’s inside. There are many exterior elements that are checked as well. An inspector will check to make sure there are no stains, cracks, or signs of water damage on the walls of the unit. Also, exterior lighting is reviewed to see if it is at appropriate levels. For condos that offer amenities like fitness centers, swimming pools, or meeting rooms, these are checked to ensure they are clean and well-maintained.

Why a Condo Inspection is Important

There are many reasons getting a condo inspected is a necessary step for buyers. First, it provides detailed information on any issues within the unit. Some homebuyers opt to simply review a condo’s status from the seller. However, this doesn’t provide insight into the overall health of the unit. By having an inspection done, you know about potential problems within the condo. Also, you can work out a plan to have them resolved before they turn into major issues.

For those that are buying a condo, scheduling an inspection is a necessary step for numerous reasons. In addition to knowing that your condo is structurally sound, it also helps ensure that there are no major issues that could develop, saving you time and money.

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31Dec
Roof Inspection: What You Need to Know

Roof Inspection: What You Need to Know

A roof is one of the most integral parts of your home. It serves as the first line of defense against rain, snow, and extreme weather. Often, homeowners don’t think about issues with their roofs until a leak occurs. However, a leak could be a sign of more significant problems, ranging from mold growth to structural damage. Scheduling an inspection of your roof is important to prevent these issues. These inspections are also important for potential homebuyers so they can factor in needed repairs into the cost of a home. Here is everything you need to know about roof inspections.

How Often To Inspect

Before you schedule an inspection, it helps to know the frequency you should do so. Typically, experts recommend having an inspection done by a professional twice a year. You can do self-checks as well in between these visits to see if you notice any issues. In addition, you should schedule if you recently purchased a home and the roof hasn’t been inspected since installation. In terms of timing, the best times to have an inspection completed are during the spring and fall months. This helps ensure your roof is ready for the more extreme weather that arrives during the summer and winter.

Roof Inspection Benefits

Scheduling a roof inspection is beneficial to your home in numerous ways. To start, inspecting a roof detects leaks and small holes earlier, preventing the possibility of worse damage. Some inspectors also do tests to pinpoint specific problems and their causes. These include water grade testing, termite testing, and strength testing. In addition, inspectors look for potential hazards that may be on your roof. For example, if there is debris that can become a fire hazard, inspectors will clear this and notify you of any issue.

Another key benefit of a roof inspection involves the drainage system. If a roof is water-logged, it increases the chance of leaking as well as moisture penetration. By cleaning your roof regularly and scheduling inspections, objects that can clog your drains are cleared out. This ensures proper drainage. Inspectors will also inspect gutters to make sure they are clear and free from blockages.

What is Done During an Inspection

While it may vary depending on the inspector, a roof inspection typically involves four specific aspects. First, there is a structural inspection. This includes making sure the roof is structurally sound, with no uneven planes or sagging. They also inspect the gutters and fascia to make sure there are in working condition. For homes with masonry included, such as a chimney, they are checked for cracks and potential grout issues. The next area monitored is materials. Inspectors look for loose or missing shingles, as well as stains and missing fasteners. They will also check seals around vent pipes to make sure there are no gaps or deterioration.

Next, inspectors look at the roof’s interior. This means checking various elements for water stains or mold. These include interior ceilings and walls, plus your attic. Finally, there is workmanship. Inspectors look for anything that may cause damage in the future. They check for any flashing around roof penetrations, such as skylights, vent pipes, and chimneys.

Inspection Styles

In recent years, the number of ways roof inspections are done has increased. Traditional physical inspections, where someone climbs the roof, are the simplest type. From a cost standpoint, physical inspections are usually the least expensive option. However, there are also drone inspections for when it’s too dangerous to physically be on the roof. For these, a drone flies around the house, recording images and videos. There are also infrared inspections. They are typically the most expensive compared to other methods. With these inspections, infrared technology is used to look for damage that is otherwise invisible to the naked eye, such as cracks and leaks.

Having a roof inspection done is something that homeowners and potential home buyers should consider. It is a great way to know about potential issues with your roof and prevent them from leading to significant damage.

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10Dec
Home Inspection Tips for Buyers

Home Inspection Tips for Buyers

Dot Your I’s And Cross Your T’s: Home Inspection Tips for Buyers

So you’re buying a house? First, congratulations are in order. Give yourself a big old pat on the back. Are you done? Alright, now it’s time to get down to business. The first, and debatably only, thing you really need to know when buying a house is that there’s an assortment of steps you need to take before you can finally rest. One of these tedious steps is getting a home inspection.

Now, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that a home inspection isn’t the most exciting thing in the world. Far from it, actually. But when it comes to either buying or selling a home, it is an absolute necessity. The idea may seem daunting, especially if it’s the first time having a home inspection. But there’s no need to fear because when you break it down into smaller pieces, the process of a home inspection is as simple as ABC.

It’s Official!: Making The Home Inspection Legitimate

Nothing is official until it’s in writing. This is a universal truth that is used within every form of business. So, of course, the same goes for home inspections. It is absolutely imperative that you make sure it is written into some form of contract when having a home inspection. Most of the time, buyers will edit this into their contract as something that’s called a contingency clause. This essentially is an action or condition that must be met to be binding for the contract.

This clause is also beneficial to the buyer of the house because it can give them a specific time frame to have a home inspection on their prospective house. The clause makes the home inspection official and accountable, but it allows the buyer to use it as leverage for negotiating price. And who doesn’t want to save a few bucks when they can?

Reach For The Stars. Or, on Second Thought Don’t: Keep Expectations Low

Everyone wants the perfect home. It’s what we all dream of when we grow up and plan out our futures. But unless you find the home of Tony Soprano or Don Draper, you’re more likely going to end up with something more like Roseanne’s. This is why it’s important to keep realistic expectations when it comes to your home inspection. The worst mistake any potential buyer can make is expecting their home inspection to go flawlessly without a single flaw noticed. This is almost never the case.

There’s also the notion of the home inspection itself not covering every square inch of the house. While most home inspections are incredibly detailed and thorough, they don’t always capture every nook and cranny that the house holds. Sometimes they miss something as minuscule as a section of paint peeling from the bedroom wall, or maybe they miss the tiny faucet leak in the guest bathroom. No matter what it is, don’t expect every home inspection to be airtight.

Ask, Ask, Ask: Asking Questions Through Your Home Inspection

Everyone always made fun of the kid who asked question after question in seventh-grade biology. But you want to know a little secret? That kid made a higher grade than the rest of the class. It’s because they asked all those questions and learned from all those answers. If you don’t ask questions about topics you don’t know about, how do you expect to ever learn about them? This is why it is essential to ask question after question during your home inspection.

No matter how small or big your question is, it’s always important to know what is wrong with your potential house and what it is you’re exactly paying for. You wouldn’t waste money on a movie you hadn’t seen the trailer for, would you? This is the same principle when it comes to buying a home and having a home inspection. Don’t be afraid to annoy your home inspector, either. It’s their job to walk you through the process step by step.

 

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24Nov
What And Where: Understanding The Process Of A Home Inspection

What And Where: Understanding The Process Of A Home Inspection

It’s no secret that there’s a substantial amount of money that can be made when it comes to flipping houses. Yes, some may be self-destructive money pits, but most are well-established homes that can be flipped for a lucrative profit. While the prospect of flipping one’s home for a profit may sound enticing, it’s actually a painstakingly long process that requires a lot of work and a lot of patience. 

 

One of the necessary components in flipping a home is the purchase of a home inspection. Just as its name suggests, a home inspection is simply just an in-depth inspection of one’s property. This allows for any problems or issues the house may have to be properly examined and fixed. But what actually goes into the process of a home inspection? 

 

Back To The Basics: What To Expect From A Home Inspection 

There are many components that come with a home inspection. Professionals are careful to pay attention to things such as a home’s heating system or central air conditioning system. While the inspector won’t tear apart your home, it’s important to give them as much room and space to work with in order to get a more in-depth report on the ins and outs of your home. Think of your home inspector as a doctor for your house. 

These inspections usually last around three or four hours, and it is absolutely crucial that you attend the inspection so you can get a better understanding of your home. During these inspections, the inspector will take into account a multitude of factors, such as the viability of the home’s walls, roof, and even floors. This allows for a more thorough inspection and a more conclusive report. 

 

Batteries Not Included: What All Comes With A Home Inspection 

A home inspection is an in-depth process that includes many moving pieces. During a normal home inspection, the inspector will analyze both the home’s interior and exterior, drawing conclusions on multiple factors such as water damage, structural issues, and even piping and plumbing. While there are multiple aspects that a home inspector takes into account, they do not examine any cosmetics of the home unless they find it to be a safety hazard. For example, inspectors will report on cracks or water stains but won’t report something such as paint peeling. 

 

Ultimately, a home inspection evaluates the safety of the home while also determining the home’s worth and overall value. Through this simple yet demanding process, the homeowner is able to truly understand the worth of the home they are planning to sell. 

 

Under The Magnifying Glass: What To Look For During A Home Inspection

A home inspection is an incredibly important part of flipping a home, so it’s absolutely crucial that you are completely hands-on when it comes to your home inspection. By being present for your home inspection, you are allowing yourself to see firsthand everything you need to fix or change in order to sell your home successfully. You will also be given a chance to ask any questions or raise any concerns to the inspector. This will give you a better understanding of what you need to fix about your home.

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16Nov
Home Inspection Tips for Sellers

Home Inspection Tips for Sellers

When it comes to selling your home one of the last major hurdles is the home inspection. Once you have an interested buyer, they will have a home inspector come take a look at the property. 

A basic home inspection includes an evaluation of 10 different areas of the home: structure, exterior, roofing system, plumbing system including the water heater, electrical system, heating system, air conditioning system (HVAC system), interior, insulation and ventilation, and fireplaces.

This process can be a little daunting for the homeowner so here are a few tips to make sure you are prepared and ensure the process moves smoothly.

 

Step One:

Prepare the interior of your home. The home inspector will check everything inside your home. Ensure that the home inspector can access everything in your home. Check to see if there are any large pieces of furniture, boxes or other clutter blocking access to things like the water heater. Inspect your light bulbs make sure none of them have gone out. Make sure your smoke detectors are working properly. Plug in all of your appliances. Make sure your HVAC filter has been recently replaced. Check for leaky or dripping faucets. It’s also helpful to do a general cleaning of your home, dust surfaces, vacuum the floors and put away any extraneous clutter. 

 

Step Two:

Go ahead and check the gutters and the roof before the inspector comes. It’s a good idea to clean debris from gutters and check for any roof damage. Make sure to fix things you may have temporarily repaired and check for any obvious, visible damage. It’s also a good idea to do a general walkthrough of your home to spot any water damage.

 

Step Three: 

Prepare the exterior of your home for the inspector. Make sure there is around a foot of clearance between the siding and shrubs, bushes, or vegetation. Visually inspect your home’s siding and trim and repair any damage you spot. Check the operation of any exterior doors, locks and deadbolts and double check that your garage is functioning as normal. If there are any holes or gaps on the exterior have them fixed. Also check for any exposed nails or other exterior hardware. Remove any stored items that are kept against the side of the house, as with the interior, make sure the home inspector will be able to access and inspect everything they need to. 

 

Step Four:

Be on time. The inspector will be there on time and so should you. It’s best to not create any delays because you aren’t prepared for their arrival. Also, don’t stick around. The homeowner should not be present during the inspection. It’s best if you leave the potential buyer and inspector to themselves so that they are able to point out potential defects and the buyer can ask any questions. Also be sure to bring your furry friends with you so they aren’t in the way!

 

With these tips you can make your home selling process move smoothly! The inspection can be a nerve-wracking time, but if you know what to expect, and take these tips to heart it will help put you at ease. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and be sure to make the process easy for everyone involved!

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29Oct
Benefits of a Home Inspection

Benefits of a Home Inspection

You may be wondering, why do I need a home inspection? Home inspections are used to provide an opportunity for a buyer to identify any major issues with a home prior to closing. It is essential for the buyer to uncover any problematic issues.

Homes inspections can be used as a contingency in your contract with the person selling the home. A home inspection contingency is an addendum to the offer contract that allows the buyer to conduct an inspection and then back out of the deal if they are unsatisfied with the findings. In a competitive sellers’ market, buyers can waive their right to an inspection to make their deal more appealing.

It’s good practice to always get a home inspection.

Home inspections will cost a little time and a little money, but can save you from many other problems down the line. Home inspections also afford you the opportunity to learn more about the home you are purchasing as many inspectors will allow you to accompany them as they inspect your home.

For problems large or small, you can ask the seller to fix them, reduce the purchase price, or to give you a cash credit at closing to fix the problems yourself. In this way, home inspection often can pay for themselves. Most every inspection will uncover a few issues, even new builds will have small problems that need to be remedied.

Inspections typically cover:

  • Exterior (including grading drainage and vegetation impacting the dwelling}.
  • Roof and gutter system (including the attic)
  • Kitchen (All appliances will be inspected and operated where applicable)
  • Bathrooms
  • All interior rooms
  • Basements and/or crawlspaces
  • Plumbing system
  • Electrical system
  • Heating and Air conditioning systems
  • Structural and foundation system
  • Ventilation and exhaust systems

Why do impending home sales fall through?

If a home inspection doesn’t go well, can a home still sell? A home inspection isn’t pass/fail and the seller is not obligated to fix any issues uncovered. However, if the inspection uncovers issues that the buyer feels are too extensive — such as mold, foundational issues or roof damage — they might use a home inspection contingency to back out of the deal.

It’s good practice to consider making big updates prior to listing your home for sale. You can also increase your chances of closing if you disclose major issues upfront.

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16Oct
 7 Tips for Choosing A Home Inspector

 7 Tips for Choosing A Home Inspector

Finding the right home inspector for you can be a difficult decision. Below are seven tips to make the process easier and less overwhelming.

 

1. Get a reference

 

It is always worthwhile to ask for references when you are hiring a service, and home inspectors are no exception. First, you can go to friends and family for recommendations. Ask them who they went to for home inspection and what their experience was like. Another great resource for choosing  a home inspector should be your Realtor. Do you know your real estate agent well and trust them? If so, realtors can be a great asset for recommendations. Chances are they have seen many people go through the home buying process and may have great advice when it comes to selecting a home inspector.

Next, you can ask for references from your home inspection candidates’ prior clients. Ideally, you want to get new references from at least a few different clients. You can ask each customer about his or her experience with the inspection company. Did the inspector seem knowledgeable? Did he or she turn up on time? Was the report comprehensive and relatively easy to understand?

 

2 . Verify that the inspection company only does inspections – not home repairs and renovations.

 

Hiring someone that just does inspections is an important tip for finding the right home inspector. It is important to try an avoid any conflicts of interest. If your home inspector also sells repair and renovation services means they may have motive to invent problems where there are none. 

Your home inspection should be an objective process. You should expect your home inspector to provide their opinion on the state of the house, not a soft sell on renovation or repair services. 

 

3. Verify that you can accompany the inspector while he or she goes through the home.

 

While you are not required to go along for the inspection, it is in your interest to do so. A good inspector will want prospective owners to be present at the inspection. They can explain your house’s systems and how they work. This will be helpful once you receive the inspection report. Tagging along will also offer you an opportunity to ask questions and get clarifications.

 

4. Ask about  overall experience. 

 

Enquire how long the home inspector has been in the inspection business. Also ask for a ballpark on how many homes they have inspected. Experienced home inspectors won’t be offhand or blasé about their knowledge and you want to make sure that they are informed and well-versed in their subject. It can also be valuable to ask about their experience with different types of homes. If you are looking at historic homes or any type of specialty home, try to find an inspector with some experience in the type of home you are buying. 

 

5. Check to see if they are certified by professional organizations.

Hiring someone who’s certified by a professional organization can give you a bit more assurance that the inspector is knowledgeable. 

Certifications are just a small part of being a good inspector. But you should ask if the inspector is a member of ASHI, NAHI, InterNACHI or any other professional inspectors group. Among the requirements for certification from ASHI, for instance, candidates must pass an in-person National Home Inspector Examination and document that they’ve done at least 250 paid home inspections. 

At Sound Structure Home Inspection, we have numerous licenses and certifications related to inspection and construction.

 

6. Verify what will not be included in the inspection and how to find the condition of those items 

 

Different home inspectors have different policies and items that they guarentee to inspect. Make sure you ask what won’t be included and how to find out the condition of those items. The worst can happen if you were under the impression that something was inspected and find out down the line that it was not. Problems that arise after the fact can be costly and time consuming.

Also, a great home inspector will also go over general maintenance of the major components in the home. While their primary function is discovering significant structural and mechanical defects, a home inspector can be a fantastic resource for educating you on how a home should work properly.

 

7. Research

Do your research and don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions of prospective inspectors. A great home inspector will take the time to explain their policies and process to you.

 

At Sound Structure we feel that a home inspector should have extensive construction and trade background before moving into inspections. Twenty years of construction, maintenance management and HVAC before opening in Florida in 2000. After 5000 inspections, we are now located in Georgia. The time it takes to perform a thorough inspection varies by size, age and type of home. We take our time in performing the inspection, explaining our findings to the customer and preparing the report.

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01Oct
Common Problems Found During Home Inspections

Common Problems Found During Home Inspections

Buying a home can be a stressful and exciting time. Once you have gone through the process of near endless house hunting you may be tempted to skip the home inspection. However, many homes that look aesthetic on the surface could be hiding a whole host of problems underneath. Whether it’s a brand new build or a fixer-upper, getting a home inspection is one of the most important processes a new homeowner will undergo. Below we’ve detailed some of the most common issues uncovered during a home inspection.
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15Sep
Welcome & Introduction
Welcome & Introduction
Welcome & Introduction

Welcome & Introduction

As an inspector that had construction and trade experience before I opened my inspection company, I have paid attention to this argument over the years. In a perfect world the potential buyer would bring a Mechanical Engineer, General Contractor with structural experience, Master electrician, Master plumber, WDO (Termite) inspector, Pool contractor, Roofer, Air quality inspector and most importantly a highly skilled Administrative Assistant to take the information from all these and place in one easy to comprehend report.
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