The foundation is the most important component of home or commercial real estate. Before buying a new home or acquiring a new business space, insurance companies are increasingly demanding home inspections to protect customers from potentially expensive repairs in the future. So, what exactly is a home inspector looking for when evaluating the basis of a property?
The first thing they do is take a look at the foundation itself and other support components. If the foundation collapses or is replaced and cracked over the years, this can be troubling. A solid foundation is crucial to the structural integrity of the property. Bases can move or swell or even float, which means that the soil below was not properly packed before the foundation was laid and now settled, leaving the foundation parts literally floating in the air. The type of soil under the property can also affect the stability of the foundation. The soil can be packed or moved, or if the sprinklers are close to the house, water damage can slowly destroy the foundation. As part of the foundation inspection, the trimming of wood from the soil will also be considered.
Another component to pay attention to is whether an addition has been added to an existing home. If so, how is the current structure supported. Has the entire foundation been replaced or was there a new foundation that was based solely on expansion support? If the patio was built without a plate or stand, what does this structure support?
Floor ventilation is checked to ensure that it meets specifications. Floor profiles must be ventilated. This occurs through the holes in the outer walls of the foundation. They must provide cross-ventilation and have 1 square foot for every 150 square feet under the floor. Each hole should have a corrosion-resistant wire mesh with holes of at least 1/8 inch. There must be access for people to wade at least 18 "x 24." According to Scribd.com, the area under the floor should not be blocked by obstacles or air ducts.
Drainage systems, sewage lines and sump pumps will be checked as they are located inside the foundation. As buildings change over time, pipelines leading to and from the house can be compromised.
In California, in particular, the elements of seismic binding and fixing will be studied, and they must comply with the code to ensure the safety of the property in the event of an earthquake.
Although inspecting a foundation is just a small part of what a home inspector does, he is cruel.
