18
Feb
2016

A Thorough Evaluation: What a Home Inspector Looks For

February 18th, 2016

There are many sound arguments for getting a professional to inspect your home, perhaps the most compelling of which are keeping the structure sound to protect your investment from everything from wood-rot to fire, and avoiding the health problems associated with damp and mould. A building inspection can also be a good starting point for knowing what maintenance or building work needs prioritising, and what needs addressing before warranties expire. 

IR Camera for Home InspectionsA building inspector from Surrey will know every corner of the British Columbia building code. A professional buildings inspector also has all the necessary tools to go beyond what even an expert eye can see. Infrared technology can detect moisture, faulty heating, and ventilation equipment as well as hot spots in electrical systems. Air samples can be sent away to measure air quality and screen for toxic moulds, likewise swabs from damp and discoloured areas. This is particularly important given the rainy Vancouver climate. 

The inspection will go from top to bottom and inside out, but it also looks between, behind, and under. Every inch of roofing, including the eaves, skylights, chimneys (and everything related to fires), and guttering and downspouts is examined for leaks, poor insulation, and adherence to building codes. Eaves, insulation, soffit and fascia are examined. Grading and drainage are taken into account, especially when examining for water penetration and foundation movement. Basements and crawlspaces are also checked. Additional features such as decks, stoops, porches, walkways and railings are examined, particularly if the house has a history of suffering from amateur DIY. This is never more important than with electrical systems – where even professionals can make dangerous mistakes. This also includes water heating and cooling systems, all plumbing, including main water valves, drainage sump pumps and their floats, where accessible, as well as electrical service lines, service amperage, panels, breakers and fuses. Garage doors and safety sensors are less common in townhouses, where the integrity of adjoining features will come under scrutiny.