The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) Standards state that the inspector is required to describe the methods used to inspect the under-floor crawlspaces, but the inspector is not required to enter under-floor crawlspace areas that have less than 24 inches of vertical clearance between components and the ground or that have an access opening smaller than 16 inches by 24 inches.
Can a crawl space fail a home inspection?
Provided that your space is big enough, it also has to be safe to enter. If your crawl space has exposed nails or electric work, standing water, or smells of mold, it’s possible that the inspector will deem it unsafe for entering. This means you automatically fail the inspection.
Can a home inspector go under your house?
“If the inspector has access to attics, basements, crawl space, can go under house, they most likely will do so,” says Stewart—and that’s really in everyone’s best interest. Be open to even the bad news. “The job is not to sugarcoat,” notes Bridges. “If you ask what that horrible smell is, and we think it’s from mold, you’re going to hear about it.
How often should you have your crawl space inspected?
Having your crawl space inspected should be a regular item on your to-do list. It should be inspected as often and as vigilant as your roof, basements, attic, or gutters. That’s how important it is.
Is there a pass or fail grade on a home inspection?
There is no pass or fail grade given on a home. A home inspector is not allowed to make a buy or not buy determination for a client. A home inspector simply examines the home and notes in their inspection report any items that are damaged or not functioning as intended in their professional opinion.
How do you inspect a crawl space?
11:4119:21Tips for Inspecting Your Crawl Space - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf you got a solid duct. There's actually about every 12 to 18 inches there's a collar that you'reMoreIf you got a solid duct. There's actually about every 12 to 18 inches there's a collar that you're supposed to do but this one the only place you have to make sure it's air sealed is at the boot.
What do inspectors look for in foundation?
During a foundation inspection, The inspector will crawl the perimeter of the crawl space and walk the inside of the house. Some of the things they are looking out for are earthquake bolts, sheer panels, foundation cracks, spalling, wet crawlspace, piers off their supports, and grade beams.
Is it safe to go in crawlspace?
Never enter a crawlspace without proper personal protective equipment. Crawlspaces are notorious for the nasty discoveries made there by inspectors, and it isn't hard to figure out why; for one thing, their cool, dark environment attracts undesirable pests and can promote dangerous conditions.
Can you get sick from working in a crawl space?
It's usually the result of increased humidity and moisture in the crawl space, typically from the ground in the basement, a leak, or inadequate ventilation. Mold can be toxic, creating various health hazards including difficulty breathing, upper respiratory infections and other.
When should you walk away from foundation issues?
Horizontal or diagonal cracks measuring more than 1/4 of an inch is a good reason to walk away.
What are signs of foundation issues?
10 Warning Signs of Foundation ProblemsExterior Cracks. ... Interior Sheetrock Cracks. ... Doors Out of Square and Uneven Floors. ... Door Frame/Window Frame Separation from Brick. ... Rotten Wood – Pier & Beams. ... Bouncing floors – Rotten Wood. ... Tile Cracks. ... Expansion Joint Seperation.More items...•
Why are houses built on crawl spaces?
The two primary reasons homes have crawl spaces are cost and accessibility - since crawl spaces work by allowing outside air to circulate beneath the house. By building the floor of a home off the ground (as opposed to on a concrete slab-on-grade), there are several benefits, including: Cost-effectiveness.
Should you wear a mask in a crawl space?
For safety, when entering the crawl space always wear a breathing mask that is approved to protect against airborne microorganisms.
Is crawl space under house safe during tornado?
A crawlspace is an area under the house between the ground and the first floor of the building. It's a limited space that's hardly enough to crouch. It's left to provide underground access to powerlines or plumbing. Ideally, crawl spaces are safe during a tornado.
Can black mold in a crawl space get into house?
Infestation is likely to worsen if the crawl space is vented or not sealed or encapsulated. As well as entering your home through open doorways, mold can also find its way in through windows and your HVAC systems. Mold from the outside can also attach itself to pets, shoes, clothing and get inside your home.
What should you wear in a crawl space?
Protective clothing Gloves, knee pads and a tyvek suit or jump suit will protect you from nails, rodent droppings and other hazards. Protect your head from nails and sharp objects. It's not always practical to crawl around with a hard hat so a padded hat may help protect your head.
What does crawl space mold smell like?
A musty smell may indicate mold. The humidity levels can get particularly bad in crawl spaces with dirt floors, and the mold can get into wooden structures like floor joists. So, while the mold itself won't always have a distinctive odor, the rotting wood that it creates will produce the nasty odor of mildew.
What can I expect from a home foundation inspection?
What Should I Expect From A Home Foundation Inspection?The Interview. ... Floor Elevation Survey. ... Visual Observations of the Interior, Exterior and Surrounding Terrain. ... Test Walls and Doors for Plumbness. ... Forensic Analysis. ... Conclusions and Recommendations. ... Engineering Report Delivery.
How do you inspect foundation problems?
How to Spot Foundation Issues Around the HouseTest Doors and Windows. ... Look for Sagging Floors or Ceilings. ... Investigate Those Musty Smells in the Basement. ... Inspect Sources of Mold. ... Check for Gaps Between Exterior Windows and Walls. ... Examine Any Bowed Walls. ... Pay Attention to Your Chimney. ... Look for Nails Popping Out of Drywall.More items...•
How much foundation movement is acceptable?
The most common allowable are a tilt of 1% and a deflection of L/360. In other terms, a tilt of up to 1 inch in 100 inches and a deflection of 1 inch in a length of 360 inches are acceptable.
What should an inspector look for when checking a foundation quizlet?
The home inspector should check the walls and floors for signs of water penetration, such as dampness, water stains, peeling paint, efflorescence, and rust on exposed metal parts. In finished basements, look for rotted or warped wood paneling and doors, loose floor tiles, and mildew stains.
When Was Your Last Crawl Space Inspection?
A crawl space inspection shouldn’t be a consideration only for buyers and sellers of homes. Like a basement or attic inspection, it’s something that should be checked regularly. This is especially true considering that so many of your home’s problems can originate in your crawl space.
Why is crawl space inspection important?
A crawl space inspection is a good idea for any homeowner. It tells you whether your home is safe. It can also reveal potential health risks that you didn’t know about. If you’re buying or selling a home, a crawl space inspection should be completed before the sale closes.
What can go wrong in a crawl space?
There are a lot of things that can go wrong in a crawl space. An inspector will be looking at the following: 1 Termite damage or burrows that could lead to damage 2 Damage caused by moisture (damp insulation, condensation, warped materials) 3 Mold and mildew (this can be identified on walls, stored items, as well as by smell) 4 Plumbing issues (including waste and supply lines) 5 Electrical issues and wiring 6 Foundation issues (cracks, settling, shifting) 7 Asbestos 8 Urea-formaldehyde 9 Floor damage (including the framing and supports) 10 Pests, vermin, and other animals 11 Adequate and clear ventilation 12 Vapur and water barriers 13 Sill plates 14 Amateur repairs
Why is my crawl space at the bottom of my house?
Because the crawl space is typically at the bottom of your home, it’ easy for bugs and other pests to find their way in. If pests and vermin are getting into your home from the crawl space, they have access to the rest of your home.
What happens if you have water in your crawl space?
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. Water and moisture in your crawl space may also be causing significant damage to your insulation and your home’s supports.
How big is a crawl space?
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. If your crawl space has exposed nails or electric work, standing water, or smells of mold, it’s possible that the inspector will deem it unsafe for entering.
What is a home inspector?
Home inspectors are certified and licensed professionals. They do more than shine a light into your crawl space and have a peek. They’re trained on what to look for in a crawl space and even to get under your home to look for potential issues.
What are some common issues, mistakes and misses related to crawlspace inspections?
Many potential defects are often located between the floor joists, on structural components, around plumbing or otherwise located above the inspector. Rot, potential mold growth, water staining and improper joist notches/cuts are among some defects that can be easily missed by not paying attention to what is above your head.
What are the most common defects in crawlspaces?
Water damage is the among the most serious (and common) defects we are looking for in a crawlspace. This includes efflorescence on the walls, signs of active or past leaks, moisture on the soil/floor/vapor barrier, potential mold growth, mineralization, rust stains on any furnaces, water heaters or steel structural members.
Is crawl space inspection important?
theInspecting crawlspaces is typically not the what most home inspectors would consider their favorite part of an inspection. But inspecting the crawlspace is one of the most important parts of a inspection and is one area of the home the clients and agents don’t normally explore prior to closing. They are paying you, as the home inspector, for your expertise to crawl under the home and find defects that they can’t see just by doing a standard walk-through.
Do you need a gas detector in a crawlspace?
Don’t forget to thoroughly evaluate any gas lines present in the crawlspace as well. These can be easily missed due to their typically dark color. Make sure to use a reliable gas detector and include a picture of your meter in your inspection report. This can and will help prevent missed leaks and future customer complaints.
Do you have to inspect a crawl space?
Inspectors are not required to enter any crawlspace that is not safe and/or accessible so you do want to exercise the appropriate amount of caution to make sure you aren’t running the risk of personal injury. Always make sure you have safe access and proper clearance. You do not want to put yourself in danger or get injured in a crawlspace. If for any reason that you do not inspect the crawlspace make sure that you document the reasons that it was not safe or the reasons that it was not accessible and include this in your report. It is critical that this is detailed in written format accompanied by photographic documentation. Typically, a home inspector will not move personal belongings out of the way but if the personal item or obstruction has a very low risk of being damaged by moving it to the side, it may make more sense to move the item rather than not inspecting the space. (Just think of the complaint you may receive if we excluded a crawlspace because a folding chair was obstructing the entrance.) This will need to be a judgement call on the part of the inspector. Another good practice if/when a particular space is not accessible during the home inspection is to contact the appropriate real estate agent and make them aware of the reason (s) you are not able to inspect the space. Given enough time, they may be able to have the obstruction removed or grant permission to move certain objects. This can also help set the expectation that there will be a charge applied if a request is made to come back and re-inspect the space. The same would apply for access to any other system or space in the home. The agent can call the homeowner and they can arrive at the inspection and move items that may be blocking access or provide access to any locked space (like a utility closet, garage, electrical panel, etc.). Know that when we enter the crawlspace for an inspection we want to make sure that we have a good flashlight (700-900 lumens) that throws a beam all the way across the crawlspace and allows you to fully inspect all walls and components in the space. It is best practice for a home inspector to walk/crawl the entire perimeter of the crawlspace to make sure that we can see from corner to corner, all areas of the crawlspace along with any center supporting walls, beams or columns. If for any reason you do not have proper access or components are blocked from you by insulation or vapor barrier, make sure to document these items very clearly and explain in your report that you didn’t have full access or that certain components were not visible at the time of the inspection and could not be fully evaluated. It’s also critical to include language in the report if an area/system/component could not be fully inspected and that a qualified contractor should fully evaluate and repair and replace any items that were in accessible or not visible at the time of the inspection prior to the inspection objection deadline.
What are the problems with a dirty crawlspace?
Dirt crawlspaces are susceptible to water seepage, which can create a host of problems, such as microbial growth, odors, damage to stored belongings, and risk of electrical shock.
Why vent a crawl space?
However, many building professionals now recognize that ventilated crawlspaces allow a great deal of heat loss in the winter and moisture intrusion in the summer from moist air.
What are the dangers of crawlspaces?
Just like pests, mold and fungus can grow rapidly in crawlspaces. They are both a health concern as well as a cause of wood decay, which can require a costly repair. Airborne mold spores can potentially enter the living space from the crawlspace.
Can termites live in crawlspaces?
Dirt crawlspaces provide the environment that is enjoyed by ants, termites, and various other pests. Termites cannot survive long outside of their mud tubes, which you may see on foundation walls and piers. Carpenter ants should be plainly obvious as well, and both of theses pests can cause structural damage.
Can a crawlspace be crushed?
It is easy to become pinned, trapped or even crushed by unstable crawlspaces. Make sure someone knows that you are inspecting the crawlspace before you enter it. improper wiring. Watch for loose wiring, open junction boxes, or wiring that has become loose and fallen to the floor. source of energy waste.
Can mold spores enter a crawl space?
Airborne mold spores can potentially enter the living space from the crawlspace. Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants and, in some cases, potentially toxic substances called mycotoxins. Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Can you enter a crawlspace without a protective gear?
Crawlspaces are host to a large number of conditions that may harm the house or inspectors. Never enter a crawlspace without proper personal protective equipment. Crawlspaces are notorious for the nasty discoveries made there by inspectors, and it isn’t hard to figure out why; for one thing, their cool, dark environment attracts undesirable pests ...
Why do home inspectors have to inspect the home?
The home inspector has a responsibility to perform a non-invasive, visual examination. This means the home inspector can only examine the readily accessible areas of the home.
What to do if a home inspector finds evidence of damage?
If a home inspector finds evidence of damage, they can examine it in a non-destructive manner and note the damage in an inspection report with a recommendation for the area to be examined by a licensed contractor.
What is the name of the organization that certifies home inspectors?
They are the International Association of certified home inspectors (InterNACHI or NACHI for short) and the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI).
What is a home inspection?
A home inspection is defined as a non-invasive, visual examination of a residential property that is designed to identify material defects within a home's structure, systems, and components. So you may be wondering, what are home inspectors not allowed to do in a home inspection?
What school did I attend before becoming a home inspector?
Prior to becoming a home inspector I attended real estate agent school. One of the things that we were taught there is that real estate is only worth what someone else is willing to pay for it.
Why is it important to have a home inspector?
It’s important for a home inspector to respect the sellers and their property by treating it with the utmost respect and professionalism. This includes leaving the property in the exact condition it was found.
Can a home inspector provide a certificate of occupancy?
A certificate of occupancy can only be provided through an electrical inspection from the local building code enforcement office. Home inspectors are not allowed to provide this service because they lack the legal authority to do so from the local building code enforcement office.
How long does it take to inspect a house?
Inspector Stewart isn’t sure why people think inspections go quickly when, in fact, a good inspection of most residential properties will take anywhere from between two and four hours. Things that affect the time taken include the size of the house, whether the property has a pool or a pond, and access. “If the inspector has access to attics, basements, crawl space, can go under house, they most likely will do so,” says Stewart—and that’s really in everyone’s best interest.
What to do before a home inspection?
Make sure every light fixture has a working bulb, test all electrical outlets, repair holes and cracks in drywall, have your carpets and air ducts cleaned, test your smoke detector, and have your HVAC system serviced.
What does a good furnace inspector do?
A good inspector will also show you how to change the furnace filter, and where to find the main plumbing trap, electrical disconnect and water shutoff valve. If your inspector doesn’t want you there for the inspection, that’s a red flag. Don’t miss these surprising costs that every first-time homeowner should be aware of.
How many hours do you have to take to become a home inspector?
In Miller’s home state of Maryland, for example, home inspectors are required to take a 72-hour class before getting licensed. In New York, licensing requires a 140-hour class.
What to do if you have an attic door in your closet?
And if you have an attic door in your closet, move your clothes out of the way. I’m not going to move your stuff, so if you don’t make it accessible, it may hold up your deal because I’ll have to come back another day.
What to do if you are selling a house and are not sure of the condition?
If you’re selling and are not sure of their conditions, get a professional to evaluate them ahead of time— and make sure tree limbs are trimmed far away from the roof to prevent damage. See these home maintenance myths you’ll wish you knew sooner.
What is wrong with new construction?
We find a ridiculous amount of stuff wrong in new construction: leaks, electrical issues, improperly installed washing machines, clogged pipes because the tile guy cleaned his tools in the sink. You NEED to see these construction fails that you should definitely not try at home.
Can low floor rot?
This isn't an alarming issue. But you should try to look at it in whatever way you can. Floors that low to the ground can have dry rot, retain water and can create thermal issues in some climates. It really depends if it was done right and insulated.
Do UK houses have crawl spaces?
This isn't an authoritative answer, BUT, over here in the UK the vast majority of houses don't have accessible crawlspaces.
Should I tear up the floor when buying a house?
Inherently this is a bad thing and should make you think about the value of the home but it certainly isn't a deal-breaker when buying a house. (Mike Holmes would tell you to dig it down and pour concrete - but it just needs to be insulated really)
Is it a crawl space if you can't crawl?
1. If you can't crawl in it, it isn't a crawl space - PERIOD. This isn't an alarming issue. But you should try to look at it in whatever way you can. Floors that low to the ground can have dry rot, retain water and can create thermal issues in some climates. It really depends if it was done right and insulated.
