Crawl Spaces
- Excessive Moisture. If your crawl space is extremely wet or has standing water, there’s a good chance the house will have significant problems.
- Debris and Ventilation. A home inspector is going to want to make sure that the crawl space is well ventilated. ...
- Mold Is a Problem. ...
- Past Activity Such as Renovations. ...
- Animal Habitation. ...
Can a home inspector perform a crawl space inspection?
When you hire a home inspector to perform a crawl space inspection, they’ll have to be able to enter the crawl space. Ductwork and small spaces may prevent them from inspecting your crawlspace. Typically, they require a space to be 24″ wide and 18″ tall in order to inspect it.
What do they look for in a home inspection?
The inspection also makes sure drains are draining, showers are spraying, and tubs are securely fastened. Plumbing: Inspectors are evaluating pipes, drains, water heaters, and water pressure and temperature. Beyond plumbing issues, they may also look for water damage.
Is your crawl space causing problems in your home?
Problems that originate in your crawl space can lead to problems in the rest of your home. If you have water or excess moisture in your crawl space, it can cause mold and mildew. This can quickly spread throughout your home and put your health at risk.
How much space do you need to inspect a house?
Typically, they require a space to be 24″ wide and 18″ tall in order to inspect it. Provided that your space is big enough, it also has to be safe to enter.
What should you check in a crawl space?
What Happens During a Los Angeles Crawl Space Inspection by The Elite Group?Moisture damage like damp insulation and warped wooden beams.Floor damage.Signs of pest activity including rodents and insects.Mold and mildew.Foundation damage like cracks, shifting, and settling.Issues with the wiring and electrical system.More items...•
Is it normal to have a little water in a crawl space?
While a small amount of moisture in your crawl space can be normal, especially if you live in a humid climate or a region with high annual rainfall, it is not a good idea to allow it to remain there.
What are the most common problems found in home inspections?
The 10 most-common home inspection problemsProblem #1: Rundown roofing. Asphalt shingle roofs last 15 to 20 years. ... Problem #2: Drainage issues. ... Problem #3: Faulty foundation. ... Problem #4: Plumbing problems. ... Problem #5: Pest infestations. ... Problem #6: Hidden mold. ... Problem #7: Failing heating systems. ... Problem#8: Electrical wiring.More items...•
How do you inspect a small crawl space?
0:072:10Small Tight Crawl Space Inspection - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd it's just so tight but again if you're going to do this yourself take your time crawl on yourMoreAnd it's just so tight but again if you're going to do this yourself take your time crawl on your belly. If you can see me I'm just laying down and you're going to get dirty.
Will a crawl space dry out on it's own?
It's not enough to let the crawl space dry on its own. You'll need to make sure all moisture and humidity leave the space. Use large fans to dry the surfaces of your crawl space. This helps create airflow throughout the area to encourage a thorough drying process.
Will a fan help dry a crawl space?
Fans are an incredibly effective way to dry out an area that has condensation and moisture. Using fans in your crawl space drain system will help dry out the area thoroughly and quickly, and will help prevent the growth of mold. Afterward, be sure and have a dehumidifier in place to keep the area dry.
Should I be nervous about home inspection?
As a seller, it's common to get nervous during the home inspection process. You don't want the deal to fall through, nor do you want to be stuck with the cost and burden of repairs if your buyer requests them as a contingency.
What is typically found in a home inspection?
The inspector evaluates and reports the condition of the structure, roof, foundation, drainage, plumbing, heating system, central air-conditioning system, visible insulation, walls, windows, and doors. Only those items that are visible and accessible by normal means are included in the report.
What does a home inspector look for?
A home inspector will look at the interior and exterior parts of home like the foundation, structural components, roof, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems, then provide a written home inspection report with results.
How many vents are required in a crawl space?
One vent should be installed for each 8 to 10 feet of foundation wall. Most building codes require 1 square foot of open ventilation area for every 150 square feet of crawlspace. Generally, Automatic Foundation Vents have 50 inches of net free area per vent.
How do you grade a crawl space?
Here are some additional specifics:The moisture content of the wood in the crawlspace must remain below 17%. ... Ideally, the grading around the perimeter of the building is at a 5% slope going away from the foundation (6 inches within the first 10 feet). ... All lawn sprinkler flow must be directed away from the home.More items...
What is crawl space encapsulation?
Crawl space encapsulation refers to the addition of a heavy-duty moisture barrier to the floor of your crawl space, sealed foundation vents, insulated walls, and a crawl space dehumidifier. Crawl space encapsulation is most effective when you seal the space completely.
What do inspectors look for in plumbing?
Beyond plumbing issues, they may also look for water damage. Electrical systems: Inspectors will check if the visible wiring and electrical panels are in good shape, light switches and the HVAC systems work correctly, and there are enough outlets in each room.
How to help a home inspector?
How you can help the during a home inspection. Bring any and all red flags about your real estate property to your inspector before he begins, so he’ll keep a sharp lookout for possible problems. If the seller has disclosed damage, give your inspector a heads-up about that, too.
What is the minimum clearance between siding and earth?
Exterior: A home inspection checks for siding and attic cracks, rot, or decay; cracking or flaking masonry near the basement; cracks in stucco; dents or bowing in vinyl; blistering or flaking paint; and adequate clearing between siding and earth, which should be a minimum of 6 inches to avoid damage from moisture (although dirt can be in contact with the cement foundation).
What can a home inspector check for?
A home inspector can check for major flaws that might need to be fixed. After all, even if a house looks like it’s in great condition, appearances can be deceiving.
What are interior rooms concerned about?
Interior rooms: Inspectors are concerned about leaning walls that indicate faulty framing ; stained ceilings that could point to water problems; adequate insulation behind the walls; and insufficient heating vents that could make a room cold and drafty.
What is the purpose of a bathroom inspection?
Bathrooms: The goal here is to inspect toilets to see that they’re flushing. The inspection also makes sure drains are draining, showers are spraying, and tubs are securely fastened.
What is a home inspection?
A home inspection consists of a checklist of potential problems connected to your real estate. While we won’t list all 1,600, here’s a version of a typical inspection:
What do inspectors look for in a home?
The foundation and any crawl spaces attached to it will get inspected. They’ll look for several key things in the crawlspaces and foundations of a home.
How many homes have crawl spaces?
Crawl Spaces. In the United States, 15% of homes have crawl spaces. This means that almost two out of every ten houses will have a crawl space installed. They have advantages and disadvantages compared to slab or basement foundations.
What is a crawl space repair service?
A professional crawl space and foundation repair service can provide you with tools that’ll help you meet the expectations that home inspectors have. They offer services and solutions to problems that are common in crawl spaces. Many of these services also offer to clean the crawl spaces for you.
Why is it important to ventilate a crawl space?
Ventilation is important because it helps to evaporate the water that naturally collects in a crawlspace. Debris in a crawl space can be dangerous. Flammable debris can cause fires to start underneath the house.
What is a crawl space?
A crawl space can be a time capsule into the history of your home. Past renovations and home improvement projects will often leave traces in the crawl space. The crawl space will also reveal the age of many vital parts of the home.
What happens if a crawl space is wet?
If a crawl space is not protected correctly, the water that is trapped inside will not be able to escape. Standing water is the worst, as it can cause damage to the structure of your home.
How many home inspections are done every year?
Every year, there are over 4 million home inspections done. Home inspections are often part of the home buying process. Professional home inspectors tour the home and check for safety and structural problems the house may have.
What type of foundation do I see in a home inspector?
As a home inspector, I see all foundation types & combinations: Basements; Slab on Grade; Crawlspaces; Stem-Walls; Piles; Piers; & alternative types. Out of all of these, a crawl space inspection can be a home inspectors’ greatest nemesis as they are faced with crawling around under the house where anything from rodents to mud to human waste can sometimes be found.
What is a crawl space?
Crawl spaces are generally dark places that lack ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can rapidly inactivate the virus.
What is a crawl space susceptible to?
STANDING WATER OR SEWAGE – Dirt crawl spaces are susceptible to water seepage, which can create a host of problems, such as microbial growth, odors, damage to stored belongings, & risk of electrical shock. And you would be surprised about the times I’ve entered a crawlspace to find a leaking pipe (of all types).
What are the dangers of crawl spaces?
CRAWL SPACE DANGERS. INFESTATIONS – Pests such as rodents and bugs are undeniably creepy. They’re also surprisingly common to find in crawl spaces. They can reproduce quickly, filling your crawl space with creepy crawlies. Bear in mind that where there are pests, there may also be pesticides, perhaps improperly applied.
Can bees be in crawlspace?
SNAKES, WILD ANIMAL HOMES, SPIDERS, BEES, & MICE may also be lingering in crawlspace, & they could even start to borrow into your ductwork to look for heated spaces or food.
Can crawl space be unmonitored?
And since crawl spaces are mostly unmonitored, hazards can breed there unchecked for long periods of time. The following are some of the more common dangers discovered during a crawl space inspection. . .
Do you need an inspector to inspect a crawl space?
The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) requires the inspector to inspect the crawl space, and describe the type and location of the access to the under-floor space. But the inspector is not required to enter any crawlspace that is not readily accessible, or where entry could cause damage or pose a hazard ...
Is a crawl space inspection required in Florida?
But the Standards of Practice for inspectors in the State of Florida, along with the two national home inspector associations, each put slightly different limits on what is expected of an inspector when examining a crawl space. And it is all based on inspector safety. Florida Standards state that the inspector is not required to enter ...
