FOUNDATION, BASEMENT, & CRAWLSPACE

FOUNDATION, BASEMENT, & CRAWLSPACE

The foundation is one of the most crucial components to the structural integrity of a home or commercial property. The foundation is meant to support the weight of the building and keep it stable. Any potential moisture or structural deficiencies in the foundation pose a serious threat to a building and should be repaired immediately.

The foundation is one of the most crucial components to the structural integrity of a home or commercial property. The foundation is meant to support the weight of the building and keep it stable. Any potential moisture or structural deficiencies in the foundation pose a serious threat to a building and should be repaired immediately.

During Your Inspection

The foundation has three primary functions in regards to commercial and residential properties:

  • Bear the weight of the building,

  • Stabilize the building in the wake of natural forces such as earthquakes

  • Protect the building from ground moisture

During Your Inspection

The foundation has three primary functions in regards to commercial and residential properties:

  • Bear the weight of the building,

  • Stabilize the building in the wake of natural forces such as earthquakes

  • Protect the building from ground moisture

FOUNDATION OVERVIEW

Most foundations are composed of two components; the foundation bed and the foundation walls. Both are normally made from concrete (blocks or poured). However, depending on the style of building, foundation beds and walls can also be made from stone, brick, clay, or treated lumber.

While inspecting the foundation, the inspector will be checking for:
Direct Soil-to-Wood Contact, Indications of Active Leaks, Cracks, and Unlevel Floors. 

Two common types of foundation found in homes and commercial properties are basements and crawl spaces.

Basements

A basement is a partial or fully underground area that exist between the ground and the first floor of a home. A full basement allows for an accessible space between the ground and the first floor of a home.

While inspecting the basement, the inspector will examine all visible surfaces and take notice of a variety of possible hazards. These include:

  • Blocked access to the entrance

  • Signs of water or moisture intrusion (water stains, standing water, efflorescence, rust, etc.)

  • Cracks

  • Walls, piers, or columns that are not upright

  • Sagging floor joists

  • Mold or fungus

  • Rotted wood components

  • Poor ventilation

Crawlspace

Crawlspaces can be a cost-effective building alternative to a full basement. Crawl spaces are designed to allow air to circulate beneath a house by building the floor off the ground similar to a basement. However, crawl spaces are normally too short to provide additional livable space. Crawl spaces can, however, provide a convenient and inconspicuous way to store and access plumbing, electrical wiring, and HVAC components.

Due to the fact that crawlspaces are mainly unmonitored, they are breeding grounds for hazards. While inspecting the crawl space, the inspector will be looking for signs of:

  • Mold and fungus

  • Pests

  • Asbestos insulation

  • Standing water or sewage

  • Structural collapse or deterioration

OUR WARRANTIES & BENEFITS

With Sterling Inspection Group, you not only get an outstanding home inspection, you get the professionals you can depend on after the job is done. Each of our warranties is included with every successfully completed home inspection and add-on inspection services!

READY TO SCHEDULE?

We’ll give you a call and schedule the best time for you!

The Sterling Difference

With the Sterling Inspection Group, you have the leading inspection team on your side – flexible scheduling, competitive rates, and over $100,000 worth of warranty coverage FREE with every inspection. Our reports are thorough, detailed, and delivered to you within 24 hours of inspection.

Our team is dedicated to providing superior service and attention to detail that both first time home buyers as well as seasoned property investors can appreciate. Helping people for over 20 years in the home inspection industry, you can feel confident we have the experience to provide peace of mind!

The Sterling Difference

With the Sterling Inspection Group, you have the leading inspection team on your side – flexible scheduling, competitive rates, and over $100,000 worth of warranty coverage FREE with every inspection. Our reports are thorough, detailed, and delivered to you within 24 hours of inspection.

Our team is dedicated to providing superior service and attention to detail that both first time home buyers as well as seasoned property investors can appreciate. Helping people for over 20 years in the home inspection industry, you can feel confident we have the experience to provide peace of mind!

READY TO SCHEDULE?

We’ll give you a call and schedule the best time for you!