We inspect the walls, ceiling, floors, windows, and doors.
While it may seem like a small thing, examining the trim and function of the windows, doors, and other openings in a home is a good way to assess the overall quality of the home, and to ensure that it is free of drafts and other insulation issues which may raise your power bills.
Examining these areas also provides the home inspector with a better idea of the craftsmanship of the home. If the doors and windows are crooked or warped, this may be a sign that the house is settling excessively or was built using sub-par materials.
We inspect for handrails at steps, cabinets, counter tops, and other storage areas. We inspect the garage including firewalls, mechanical door openers, and safety devices.
We report on signs of water leaking into the house. Mold and mildew are often looked for by home inspectors. There is usually an additional fee for a full-scale mold test. However, mold and mildew are still quite easy to detect during the home inspection process. Home inspectors will look for signs of mold and mildew when they are in areas of the home which are typically damp – such as basements, bathrooms, utility rooms, and even garages, in some cases.
Mold and mildew can be extremely costly to remove, so if your home inspector does think that mold is present, it’s best to get some mold testing done – and use this as leverage to negotiate a better price for the home you’re interested in buying.