The illustration above shows the difference between an S-trap and a P-trap. S-traps are not permitted due to siphoning problems....

Truss Uplift A home inspector may observe during a home inspection a crack in the corner of an interior ceiling made of drywall. The...

Unvented Crawlspaces In most climate zones, conditioned crawlspaces perform better than vented crawlspaces in terms of safety, health,...

Notches in the middle third of a floor joist are not permitted. Holes are not permitted to be located within 2 inches of the top or...

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...

Check for downspouts diverters not discharging water far enough away from the house. Check floor lawn irrigation systems spraying water...

Hydrostatic pressure refers to the pressures caused by water pushing against slabs and foundations, particularly underground concrete...

BASEMENT for smells! Check both concrete walls and concrete slab floors for any indications or evidence of cracking. As a general rule,...

A crack that forms a V-shape may indicate heaving. The illustration above shows a V-shape open crack in a foundation wall indicating...

nearby vegetation The inspector is required to report vegetation growing near the home according to the Home Inspection Standards of...

steep slope The home inspector should note if a home is on a steep slope and, therefore, subject to erosion or movement. The maximum...

There are two common styles of wood framing: balloon and platform. The main difference between balloon and platform framing is apparent...

A slab-on-grade foundation is a type of foundation consisting of a structural concrete slab poured onto the ground, but usually, there is...

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...

All electrical systems require a means of disconnection so that the service can be shut down quickly if any dangerous conditions exist....

Many people use the name Romex® when referring to type-NM cable. Romex® is a trademarked name that has come into common usage for...

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

Wire types for North American wiring practices are defined by standards issued by Underwriters Laboratories, the Canadian Standards...

Knob-and-Tube Knob-and-tube wiring is so named because of the porcelain fittings used to support and insulate the conductors from the...

The purpose of bonding is to ensure the electrical continuity of the fault current path, provide the capacity and ability to conduct...