A standard practice that you should follow when buying a new home is Foundation Inspection. In the process, a home inspector will come to inspect the house and will be able to identify possible problems in the foundation.
Image by Tumisu
Buying a house is a sort of investment and a structural engineer will offer an inspection report based on valuable information that will help you in taking the right decision. Now you must be wondering if there is a difference between a Foundation Inspection and a Home Inspection. Well, yes there is, let’s find out how:
In the home inspection, the analysis is done by the home inspector whereas in foundation inspection the analysis is done by the structural inspector. A home inspection covers electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and the complete safety of the property. Although the goal of this sort of inspection is to regulate if the basic base of your home is structurally sound.
The Steps Involved in an Inspection
- The Exterior Parameters
Normally, walking the interior of the house is the first step. Find out the area where there is a bulge as this will indicate the uneven load on the substructure. It is said that the home and substructure walls must be leveled and flushed otherwise there are some foundation problems in it. In concrete, the experts can also find cracks and water damages. It may be an indication of a pipe leakage in the home.
- The Interior Parameters
The interior wall of the home will be checked by the inspector to evaluate any damages. You require substructure repairs when there are cracks and separations in the interior of the house. Sometimes there are no visible cracks but you can notice that the walls are not in place because of the shifting base.
In case the floors look uneven that indicates that the floors are shifting and then the specialized will test to build whether balls will roll when settled on your home’s floor.
- Doors and Windows
Windows and doors will be checked by a specialist. As the doors and windows should smoothly get closed and open. Your foundation has moved if they are jammed.
- The Crawl Space
Ensure that checking is done on the crawl space in your house. The wood support can get damaged with mold and moisture hence, the expert looks for it. For rotting the inspection of supports also be done.
- Pipes checking
Substructural problems can be experienced by you if there is excess moisture in your house. To examine the leakage, the pipes must be inspected. Hire a professional if the pipes have been leaking for a longer period of time.
Final Words
It’s always a good option to go for an inspection of your house, not only when you are selling it or buying a new one, but on a frequent basis. This will increase the worth of your home as well as living in a well-maintained home makes you feel good. As when you live in a home that is cleaner, problem-free and doesn’t have any leakage or moisture issues, you yourself will be proud of your home. Home or foundation inspection must be done within 2-3 years so that the maintenance of the home is done and the worth increases.
