The foundation is quite literally the base that your entire home rests upon, so any cracks, settlement, or structural deficiencies are a big deal. Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to spot foundation problems from just walking around. A building inspector will closely examine both the interior and exterior of the foundation looking for signs of settling or cracking. They’ll check for inward bulges, stair-step cracks, or any unevenness that could indicate differential settling between sections of the foundation. Inside, they’ll look for cracked drywall, uneven floors, sticking doors/windows, and any other symptoms of foundation movement.
Electrical problems
Outdated electrical systems or substandard electrical work create potential fire hazards and safety risks within a home. A building inspector knows exactly what to look for when evaluating a property’s electrical components. This includes checking the electrical panel for any hazards like double tapping, overloaded circuits, or incompatible aluminum branch wiring. They’ll also look at exposed wiring, outlets, and light fixtures, and make sure there are ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) in areas like kitchens and bathrooms where required by code check out the post right here about the building inspections Sydney.
Roof defects
The biggest protective barriers stand between your home’s interior and the harsh outside elements. So any leaks or defects lead to major moisture problems over time if not addressed. Building inspectors will closely examine every area of the roof surface looking for any cracked, curled, missing, or damaged shingles/tiles. They’ll check flashings around vents, skylights, and chimneys, and look for any sagging that could indicate structural issues. Inside the attic, they check for any moisture stains or light penetration indicative of leaks.
Moisture and Mold
Excessive interior moisture not only enables mold growth but also leads to the deterioration of building materials and creates an environment ripe for future structural damage inspectors spend a lot of time looking for any sources of moisture intrusion and checking for visible mold growth as well. Beyond just visually searching, they may also utilize specialized equipment like moisture meters to detect elevated moisture levels within walls, ceilings, or floors. Any abnormally high readings could suggest hidden leaks or moisture accumulation that requires further investigation.
Poor renovations or additions
If a previous owner performed unpermitted home renovations or additions, there’s a chance shoddy workmanship or code violations could be hiding beneath the surface. An untrained eye might not spot these issues, but an experienced inspector knows exactly what to look for. During an inspection, they’ll examine aspects like room additions to check for proper permits, adequate structural supports, and that everything was built to code. They’ll look for any electrical or plumbing work improperly done and any signs of safety hazards created by unpermitted work.
Window and door issues
Windows and doors not only provide insulation from exterior temperatures, but they also serve as important barriers against water intrusion from rain and moisture. Inspectors will methodically examine every window and door to look for any deficiencies that could compromise these protective functions. On windows, they check for cracked/fogged glass, improper installation, deteriorated glazing/seals, and any signs of leaks or moisture penetration. Door inspections involve verifying proper operation/installation, and checking weather-stripping, thresholds, and flashing details to prevent water infiltration.