Home inspections identify potential problems and hazards.
Voluntary real estate home inspections examine structural and cosmetic flaws in a property. Inspectors hired by either the buyer or seller typically examine the plumbing and electric systems, as well as the roof, foundation, sewer and water systems. Residential properties in California have specialized inspection demands due to the area's unique development, weather and seismic activity. Does this Spark an idea?
Termite Infestations
Termites damage wood foundations and structural timbers while subterranean termites invade foundations and drywall. California's warm climate provides a year-round breeding ground for termites. The University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program recommends hiring a licensed professional inspector to conduct an examination of the home. Significant structural damage can occur if termites are not eradicated.
Foundation Damage
Examining the foundation is an important component of a home inspection. Most residential construction in California after the 1960s is built on concrete slabs. Inspectors are trained to check for minor cracks and fissures in concrete slabs manufactured with sand or stone chips to evaluate damage from earthquakes. While most foundation cracks are minor, a major movement of the slab or cracks in the thick concrete foundation can cause a house to shift on the foundation or create cracks in the walls of the home.
Hazardous Chemicals and Materials
The State of California Department of Real Estate report "Disclosures in Real Property Transactions," suggests inspecting a home for radon gas, formaldehyde, asbestos, chemical storage, contaminated soil and water and lead-based paint. California leads the nation in mandating disclosures for these hazards. Allergies, and in rare cases, cancer, are linked to the presence of these dangerous substances in homes.
Sewage
Most urban California homes are connected to public sewer systems, but many people living in unincorporated areas annexed to larger cities before the 1960s still use septic tanks to treat sewage. Commercial title reports and tax records for these areas often fail to note the correct sewer systems. A home inspection verifies the method of sewage disposal. Connecting a home to the public sewer system is expensive. Failing to identify a home that uses a septic tank may leave the new buyer responsible if the system fails or the city mandates all residents to connect to a public sewer system.
Electric
Electric upgrades are required by mortgage companies to meet new safety standards when home ownership is transferred. But antiquated fuse systems and wiring problems may not be identified when a home sale is administered by a private party. Many houses built during California's residential housing boom in the 1960s and 70s used inexpensive aluminum wiring. An inspection can quickly identify this type of wiring that has been linked to home fires, according to certified residential code specialist John R. Schneider. Modifications to the plugs, or in some cases complete rewriting, is required to safeguard a home.
Tags: public sewer, concrete slabs, public sewer system, sewer system, sewer systems
