Editor's note: This story is adapted from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Residential Rehabilitation Inspection Guide, 2000. Click here for other stories in this series.
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| The bow in this brick wall resulted from years of water damage to the structural members of the house. A house inspection will reveal such defects, their causes, and possible fixes. |
Before the inspection
Before visiting the site, check with the local jurisdiction to determine:
- The site's zoning, setback, height, and building coverage requirements,
- Grandfathered uses and conditions, proffers, liens, and applicable fire regulations.
- If the site is in a seismic zone.
- If the site is in a hurricane or high tornado-risk region.
- If the site is in a flood plain or other flood-risk zone.
- If there is any record of hazards in the soil or water on or near the site.
Conducting the on-site inspection
Once at the site, conduct a brief walk-through of the site and the building. Note the property's overall appearance and condition. If it appears to have been well maintained, it is far less likely to have serious problems. Note the building's style and period and try to determine when it was built.
Next, examine the quality of the building's design and construction and that of its neighborhood. There is no substitute for good design and sound, durable construction. Finally, assess the building's functional layout. Does the building "work" or will it have to be significantly altered to make it usable and marketable?
Look for signs of dampness and water damage. Water is usually a building's biggest enemy and a dry building will not have problems with wood decay, subterranean termites, or rusted and corroded equipment.
The formal inspection
After completing the initial walk-through, begin the formal inspection process:
- Inspect the site, building exterior, and building interior
- Record pertinent information as needed.
- Inspect the structural, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems
- Record the size, capacity, and other relevant information about each system or component as needed.
While most inspections consist of observing, measuring, and testing building elements that are exposed to view, there are conditions that require the removal of some part of the building to observe, measure, or test otherwise concealed construction. Such intrusive inspections require some demolition and should be performed only with the permission of the owner and by experienced, qualified mechanics.
Record general building data and site layouts, elevations, and floor plans first. This information will form the basis for later rehabilitation decisions. Then record the size, capacity, and condition/needed repairs information for each building component. This will highlight what needs to be repaired or replaced. The inspection may be completed in one visit or over several visits, depending on the property's condition, the weather, problems of access, and the need for testing or expert help.
Click here for sample inspection forms on:
Site inspection | Building exterior | Building interior | Structural system | Electrical system | Plumbing system | HVAC system
