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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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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