| Giving You Knowledge & Power To Buy And Sell Real Estate. |
Your-Real-Estate-Resources.com |
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
| 21 Point Home Inspection Report Checklist For Buying Or Selling A Home Continues... |
15. Self Closing Door Connecting The Garage.
In many countries the regulations require that a door from the garage to the house needs to have self-closing
hinges to preserve the integrity of the firewall. The hinge is designed to ensure that the door will shut and latch
automatically. It is true that people often wedge this door open to make it easy to get in and out of the garage, but
this can be a fire hazard. Fires often start in a garage, so without a self-closing door, a fire could spread quickly
into the house.
16. Breach of Firewall
The wall between a garage and the rest of the house can be critical in slowing the spread of a fire into the main
house. The door from the house to the garage should be a solid core door. This is different from internal doors in
the rest of the house which are often hollow doors.
The integrity of the firewall between the garage and house can be destroyed when holes are cut in the firewall to
run cables, or when a hole is cut in the solid core door to allow pets to go in and out.
In many countries the regulations require that a door from the garage to the house needs to have self-closing
hinges to preserve the integrity of the firewall. The hinge is designed to ensure that the door will shut and latch
automatically. It is true that people often wedge this door open to make it easy to get in and out of the garage, but
this can be a fire hazard. Fires often start in a garage, so without a self-closing door, a fire could spread quickly
into the house.
16. Breach of Firewall
The wall between a garage and the rest of the house can be critical in slowing the spread of a fire into the main
house. The door from the house to the garage should be a solid core door. This is different from internal doors in
the rest of the house which are often hollow doors.
The integrity of the firewall between the garage and house can be destroyed when holes are cut in the firewall to
run cables, or when a hole is cut in the solid core door to allow pets to go in and out.
| Terms and Conditions, Privacy Statement, Disclaimer © Copyright Market Leaders Ebooks. All Rights Reserved. |
 | |  | |  | |  | |  |
 | |  | |  | |  |
17. Pool/Spa/Jacuzzi
When buying a house with a pool or spa, make sure cleaning/filtering system works properly. Test the thermostat
and check for leaks or cracks.
18. Hazardous Materials
A home inspection report will normally point out findings of asbestos and lead.
19. Pests and Termites
A home inspection report will advise of termite/beetle holes in wooden supports and under house. The home
inspector may also check attic vents for hornet/wasp nests. He or she may also check for rodent droppings in
cupboards and under house.
20. Electrical
Before buying a house test outlets, light sockets and switches to ensure they work properly and check that they
comply with regulations. Test light fixtures too. Note: electrical wiring can be a complex subject so you may need
to seek specialized professional advice if you are in any doubt as to the competence or safety of the wiring.
21. Smoke Detectors
These may not be mentioned on a home inspection report, but always have adequate smoke detectors
strategically positioned throughout the house. And, check the effectiveness of smoke detectors at least twice a
year. The batteries don't last forever and the smoke alarms are useless if they don't work. Most smoke alarms
have a testing button so check if they are working or if the battery needs changing.
In summary, a home inspection report can be a valuable tool when buying or selling a property. However, the
report will only be as good as the person doing the inspecting. Some home inspectors rush inspections when a
thorough inspection would normally take an hour or more to complete. There are also home inspectors who lack
the knowledge or experience to inspect a home properly, however in saying that, most home inspectors are
thoroughly professional and will do a great job.
As a final note, please be aware that your home inspection report may not cover all the points mentioned above
and it may include other factors like: septic systems, radon, land boundaries, abandoned in-ground oil tanks,
asbestos, mold build-up etc. This is a guide only so always seek professional advice from a home inspector in
your area.
Back to previous page with Home Inspector points 4 to 14
When buying a house with a pool or spa, make sure cleaning/filtering system works properly. Test the thermostat
and check for leaks or cracks.
18. Hazardous Materials
A home inspection report will normally point out findings of asbestos and lead.
19. Pests and Termites
A home inspection report will advise of termite/beetle holes in wooden supports and under house. The home
inspector may also check attic vents for hornet/wasp nests. He or she may also check for rodent droppings in
cupboards and under house.
20. Electrical
Before buying a house test outlets, light sockets and switches to ensure they work properly and check that they
comply with regulations. Test light fixtures too. Note: electrical wiring can be a complex subject so you may need
to seek specialized professional advice if you are in any doubt as to the competence or safety of the wiring.
21. Smoke Detectors
These may not be mentioned on a home inspection report, but always have adequate smoke detectors
strategically positioned throughout the house. And, check the effectiveness of smoke detectors at least twice a
year. The batteries don't last forever and the smoke alarms are useless if they don't work. Most smoke alarms
have a testing button so check if they are working or if the battery needs changing.
In summary, a home inspection report can be a valuable tool when buying or selling a property. However, the
report will only be as good as the person doing the inspecting. Some home inspectors rush inspections when a
thorough inspection would normally take an hour or more to complete. There are also home inspectors who lack
the knowledge or experience to inspect a home properly, however in saying that, most home inspectors are
thoroughly professional and will do a great job.
As a final note, please be aware that your home inspection report may not cover all the points mentioned above
and it may include other factors like: septic systems, radon, land boundaries, abandoned in-ground oil tanks,
asbestos, mold build-up etc. This is a guide only so always seek professional advice from a home inspector in
your area.
Back to previous page with Home Inspector points 4 to 14
Real Estate Appraisals Explained >> House Prices \ Home Inspection Checklist \ Home Appraisals \ Home Inspection Report
Property Appraisals \ Appraiser Inspection \ Home Improvement Ideas \ Home Inspector \ Home Inspection
Property Appraisals \ Appraiser Inspection \ Home Improvement Ideas \ Home Inspector \ Home Inspection
