A slab-on-grade foundation is a type of foundation consisting of a structural concrete slab poured onto the ground, but usually, there is a layer of gravel and a vapor retarder between the ground and concrete. View illustration of a slab-on-grade installation. No accessible space exists in slab-on-grade construction. Slab-on-grade foundations are popular in areas where there is a high water table. For example, there are very few full basements in Southern Florida. In general terms, a slab-on-grade foundation is poured on the grade or ground. complements of InterNachi @ www.nachi.org

This is often seen by the home inspector as the supply conduit to outside installations, such as air-conditioning compressors.

Circuit Breaker Panels

These are probably the most common type that home inspectors will come across, as they have replaced fuse panels over the last 40 years or so. As we saw for fuse panels, breakers are far from foolproof and require some particular checking.

Remote Distribution Panels

Although this topic is covered in other areas, because the emphasis is on safety, it's important to review.

The purpose of bonding is to ensure the electrical continuity of the fault current path, provide the capacity and ability to conduct safely any fault current likely to be imposed, and to aid in the operation of the over-current protection device.

Plumbing Vents

Depending on location, there are primarily two different types of plumbing vent flashing. The most common in northern climates is the neoprene or metal boot. In Florida and in many other southern states, a lead flashing, which also protects the plastic vent pipe from ultraviolet damage, is more common. The stack vent is provided for the waste stack. The stack vent is the extension of a soil or waste stack above the highest horizontal drain that is connected to the stack. This is the main commonly-observed pipe that is observed penetrating the sloped roof surface, and it may also be visible in the unfinished attic space. This is an inspection image of a stack vent pipe penetrating the roof covering surface.