Mobile Home Inspection - Burlington, Vermont

Exterior

A roof that is starting to age is a more subtle defect that the experience home inspector can uncover. If a roof will need to be resurfaced in the foreseeable future, this may be a negotiable item. Similarly, the siding of the house should be carefully inspected because residing a house will cost thousands. Appraisal of old windows, rotten trim, fascia boards and venting issues can help eliminate problems before they become yours, after purchase, is smart. Don’t overlook the obvious. Properly graded foundations, along with solidly built foundations need to be reviewed and accepted.

Interior

Basements that flood need to be found out about. If a house needs waterproofing measures, this can cost thousands. The basement areas of the home need to be thoroughly checked for signs of water intrusions, mildew, odor of dampness, efflorescence on the walls and floors and damage caused by water. In addition sump pumps and waterproofing systems can reduce risk and give the home owner confidence his basement will be dry.

Proper insulation and venting in a home should not be overlooked. Inadequate ventilation in an attic can result in an accelerated deterioration of the structural roof deck. Ice dams are the main concern with improper venting. Insulation saves heat cost, is there enough? Lead paint in homes built before 1978 should be verified, this is an issue to consider.

Structural

Bulges, deflections, and other irregularities in the roof framing, exterior wall framing and interior framing, or cracks in the foundation wall may indicate a serious problem. The home inspector has the experience, education and expertise to evaluate structural problems.

Electrical

The size of the service should be determined to see if it meets current standards. Looking for problems, such as burned wires, over fused circuits, improper wiring connections, openings in the panel, home owner installed wiring, etc. Number of outlets, opened grounds and wiring reversal conditions need to be checked and verified.

Plumbing

Be wary of old galvanized supply piping. The inspector should check for type of materials and condition looking for deterioration, incompatible piping materials and leaks. All fixtures and faucets are checked for proper operation. Tiled bathrooms and shower enclosures are also checked for integrity. Mold - nobody wants to deal with it.

Heating

Old heating clunkers consume fuel faster than you can feed it. If it’s not a modern efficient heating system, plan on replacing it. Other problems include defective furnace heat exchangers, leaking boilers, duct work, piping and controls should be looked at carefully to determine function and safety.

Maintenance

A handyman’s special is best acquired by a handy man. Homes where deferred maintenance is clearly evident proceed with caution. If there are obvious problems, imagine what you can’t see. Be careful of homes where there is obvious plumbing and electrical work as well as structural additions and renovations, that were not professionally installed, but by the home owner. Typically the well intentioned home owner has no clue regarding proper construction, trade practices and or codes. For a professional, identifying “home-made” work will be obvious.