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What does the property inspection
include? The quick answer is, we look at anything that is visible.
The only limitation is to areas that can't be seen without moving the
occupants furniture or equipment, or a space that is too small to enter.
An inspection includes:
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Electrical |
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Roof |
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Wiring is very important so the
inspector opens the electrical panel and inspects it for defects. He
does a random check of outlets and switches. Wiring in the attic and
basement or crawl space will be inspected for less than
professional, or unsafe conditions. |
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Roofing material is a big expense item if it’s in poor
condition or installed incorrectly and it's probably the second-biggest
source of defects. The inspector will mount the roof, if it is safely
accessible, to estimate age and condition of the roofing. Chimneys, if
present, will be examined. The gutter system will be inspected as
well. |
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Exterior |
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Interior |
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A lot can go wrong outside
especially if it has not been well maintained, or from improper
installation. The inspector will be looking at the siding,
windows, and soil grade around the building. He will be looking
for rot to the building—or conditions that could cause it. Rot is
very common here in the NW and probably counts as the biggest
money eater to correct. |
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The inspector will carefully
inspect every wall, every door, and every ceiling for
significant damage. He will check for defects to the seals and
operation of the windows. Remember, the inspector is detailed
and the interior will be scoured for existing and
potential problems. |
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Plumbing |
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Crawl
Space |
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No doubt about it, plumbing is a
big deal. If it has been plumbed wrong, many times the signs are in the crawl
space. In addition to active leaking, the inspector is looking
for conditions that are ripe for leaking soon. |
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The crawl space is one of the most import aspects of a
home inspection. Defects go unnoticed for long periods of time
and large sums of money are spent to get things right. It is
inspected for flooding, mold, rot, plumbing leaks, construction
debris, structural defects and electrical defects. Also,
improperly installed heating ductwork is often found in the
crawl space. |
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Attic |
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Heating
System |
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Attics can really be a big deal.
Everything from mold, rodents, dry rot, leaking, and improper
ventilation. This is where the inspector can see how check the
contractor's framing work. We can’t overstate how important
viewing the attic is as part of a complete and comprehensive
inspection. |
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The heating system is inspected for
defects to the components, cleanliness, improper installation of
the heating plant and ductwork. Problems here can cost big money
in lost energy, replacement and repairs. |
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