Crawlspaces

Access openings must be a minimum of 18 inches high by 24 inches wide. Access to all under-floor spaces must be provided with access openings through the floor not smaller than 18 inches by 24 inches (457 mm by 610 mm).

Check for downspouts diverters not discharging water far enough away from the house. Check floor lawn irrigation systems spraying water against the house foundation, and check for gardens or planters that are up against the house. These may be causing wet soil pressure problems for the structure.

Hydrostatic pressure refers to the pressures caused by water pushing against slabs and foundations, particularly underground concrete block or poured concrete walls of foundation and crawlspaces. Water is dense and weighs about 60 lbs. per cubic foot of volume and is therefore capable of generating immense hydrostatic pressure on anything that restricts its natural movement or flow.

The weight and pressure of the dry soil may affect and crack a foundation. There is wet soil that can exert a force against a foundation.

A crack that forms a V-shape may indicate heaving. The illustration above shows a V-shape open crack in a foundation wall indicating heaving from the ground under the foundation footing. The ground in the illustration is expanding and pushing upward on the footing and foundation, causing a crack. This observation by a home inspector would be reported as a major structural concern and defect with correction and further evaluation & repair by a licensed foundation contractor or structural engineer

inspectors should look for and note:

nearby vegetation

The inspector is required to report vegetation growing near the home according to the Home Inspection Standards of Practice. The home inspector should note the existence of any trees near the home, because the roots may affect the foundation or underground drainage pipes. Plants growing next to a house could raise the soil level too high against the foundation.

There are two common styles of wood framing: balloon and platform. The main difference between balloon and platform framing is apparent at the floor lines. The balloon wall studs extend from the sill of the foundation all the way to the top plate of the second floor. The platform framed wall, on the other hand, is independent for each floor.

Common Structural Terms

In this section of the course, let's learn about some common terms or phrases that are used in the construction and building industry, particularly related to a residential building. Understanding construction terminology and knowing the purposes of building components and framing members (for example, studs, plates, load-bearing walls) will help a home inspector to do a better home inspection. Even though most building components are not readily accessible and are not readily visible to a home inspector performing a home inspection on an existing (already built house), it's important to know how buildings and homes are built. Sometimes defects can be seen by a home inspector, because the hidden, covered, or inaccessible system or component has a problem.

What's an Arc Flash?

An arc flash occurs when a flashover of electric current leaves its intended path and travels through the air from one conductor to another, or to neutral or ground. It often happens unexpectedly and can be explosive but brief, or it can last seconds and be rather visually spectacular. It can cause a little damage or it can disable a system and require the replacement of equipment. An arc flash of any size is quite dangerous because its path is unpredictable; it will be attracted to the nearest item with the greatest conductivity, such as an unsuspecting rodent or house pet, or a person. An arc flash can cause a serious electrical burn or even fatal electrocution.