The Importance of Building Inspections
So many different things can go wrong during a building inspections project. A building inspector knows the standards a house has to meet and can spot flaws that others may miss.
Contrary to popular belief, not all building inspectors are unscrupulous city employees. They are dedicated to ensuring all buildings adhere to the appropriate standards.
Inspections of the Exterior
The exterior of a building can be one of the most essential parts of a structure. This is why inspectors will typically examine the body’s condition, including the yard, landscaping and other facilities like garages or sheds. This will include reading wall-covering materials and checking for deterioration, cracks, paint bubbling, and rust. Inspectors will also examine the integrity of the roof (including gutters and chimneys) and the general state of the grounds, including if there is adequate surface drainage.
The outside of a commercial building is just as important as the inside. Often, investors will order building inspections and reports on property they are considering buying before making a purchase decision. These inspections can highlight problems that might be overlooked, allowing the investor to make an informed buying decision and negotiate with a seller for the best price.
Understanding the differences between a home inspector and a building inspector is essential. A building inspector is a government employee tasked with ensuring that new construction meets all local code requirements. This is done by visiting construction sites, examining the work for compliance and shutting down projects that do not meet standards. On the other hand, a home inspector is a private third party who performs a more comprehensive visual examination of a house. This may include examining roofs, chimneys, walls and siding for signs of deterioration and identifying problems like wood rot, insect infestation and rodent damage.
A well-trained home inspector can help prevent many problems before they start. In addition to a detailed written report, the inspector can advise on fixing problems and when they are likely to occur. If a problem is caught early, it can be repaired before it becomes costly for homeowners.
Inspections of the Interior
When a building inspector is inside the structure’s walls, they will also examine the internal systems. The plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems will all be checked. In addition, the walls will be inspected for cracks or other issues that could compromise the structural integrity of the building inspections. They will also look for signs of moisture, such as stains or mould, and inspect windows and doors to ensure they can open and close properly. If there are any emergency exits, they will be checked to ensure that they are easily accessible in an emergency.
A building inspector will also be responsible for several other duties, such as reviewing building plans, issuing permits and preparing inspection reports. They will also be required to maintain detailed inspections and code compliance records. They may also educate stakeholders and the general public about building codes and regulations.
A building inspector’s most critical responsibilities are those related to the safety and health of the people who inhabit the buildings they inspect. For example, a fire inspector will focus on the fire safety of the building and its inhabitants, while an accessibility inspector will evaluate a building’s compliance with accessibility standards. Other responsibilities include testing and monitoring the function and fitness of various building inspections systems such as elevators, backflow valves, petroleum bulk storage units, fire alarms and sprinkler systems, facades, water towers and energy benchmarking.
Inspections of the Roof
A roof inspection is an integral part of a home improvement project. It’s best done by a professional inspector who can identify problems from the ground, like missing shingles or a crooked chimney. It’s also essential to identify potential leaks before they become an issue. It’s also necessary to check that there are no gaps in the flashing.
A good roof inspector will also look at the conditions of any penetrations on the roof, such as vent pipes, chimneys or skylights. They will ensure they are adequately sealed with boots, sealants and flashing. They will also check the flashings’ condition, usually made from metal or plastic. They can be corrupted, disconnected or damaged, allowing water to penetrate your roof and cause structural damage in the home. They will also ensure that the top has proper ventilation to help extend the life of the roofing materials.