Areas inaccessible/not visible due to height, design, materials: Some areas are inaccessible and/or not visible due to height, design and materials. Therefore, the inspection is limited.
Painted/sealed cracks hide evidence of moisture intrusion: The foundation has been painted. Paint can seal cracks and/or obscure evidence of moisture intrusion. Therefore, the inspection is limited.
Covered with insulation: The foundation is covered with insulation. Therefore, the inspection is limited.
Finished areas, no view behind walls, above ceilings, or other obstructions: Finished areas limit the inspection. The inspector does not inspect behind walls, above ceilings, or other obstructions which obstruct the inspector’s view.
Maintained by local association, not inspected: The foundation appears to be maintained by local association and, therefore, is not inspected.
Expansive soils prevalent: Expansive soils are prevalent in this geographic area. Expansive soils, often referred to as marine clay or shrink/swell soils, can affect a home’s structure because changes in moisture content in the soil cause expansion and contraction with enough force to move and damage foundation walls, slabs, and driveways. We inspect visible areas of the structure. We do not determine if movement occurs because of expansive soils nor do we conduct soil testing. To determine the presence of expansive soils, hire a geo-technical engineer to conduct a soil test.
Wood foundation, estimating service life is difficult: There is a wood foundation. Estimating the service life of a wood foundation is difficult. Pressure treated lumber is expected to have about a 30-year ground contact rating, but this is dependent on the grade and treatment of the construction materials. Drainage issues are critically important for homes with wood foundations. Periodic maintenance of surface and roof water drainage components, such as proper surface grading and gutter systems, is required.