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A certified Home Inspector will tell you there's a lot to consider when inspecting a basement, but he'll also stress that the number one priority is water damage. It's estimated that up to 95% of basements will experience water penetration at one time or another. So, if you want to become a home inspector, then you better develop a keen eye for signs of moisture.
Basements come finished and unfinished, and in addition to serving as personal storage areas, they commonly house HVAC systems, electrical panels, and plumbing controls. The most pressing issue for licensed Home Inspectors is standing pools of water, but usually the problem is more subtle, involving water stains on the walls or floors. Yet this must be distinguished from normal stains, scruffs and other marks, as well as the normal damp odor that affects most cellars during the humid months of the summer.
Most people fear that water stains indicate structural problems. It's important to understand that cracks appear in most foundation walls and do not necessarily point to a cracked foundation. A licensed Home Inspector is someone who can make a call on this kind of issue. Another concern with water stains is that they point to a potential problem with mildew or mold, which for people with allergies can lead to serious health problems.
A home inspection job also includes a check of the floor joists. Any sagging, termite damage or visible mold on these wood joists will reveal a wealth of information about the house. Some basements contain a submersible pump (sub pump), which must be in good working order. It also goes without saying that support columns must be inspected carefully; it's important to see if any of the columns have been replaced. If there are any sinks, faucets or drains in the cellar, home inspection training will help the inspector evaluate them just as he would plumbing fixtures in the kitchen or bathroom.
Certified Home Inspectors don't inspect homes during heavy rain storms, so you'll have to rely on your Home Inspector training to detect the clues that might point to a moisture problem. In the end, a career in home inspection will present many challenges and areas for growth, but don't be surprised if you sometimes find yourself doing a Sherlock Holmes routine as you inspect water stains in the basement.
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