What Does a Home Inspector Check During a Basement Inspection

When it comes to a home inspection, the basement is a critical area that you need to put eyes on. It’s undeniably an important aspect to identify existing or potential issues and ensure structural integrity. However, an unprofessional or common person cannot see what a professional inspector can. The basement inspectors dig into every aspect of your basement, from identifying foundational cracks to highlighting any system failures.

The basement of your home might be subject to several issues. For instance, leaking pipes, standing water, mold or mildew growth, water damage, or foundational cracks. This is where a professional basement inspection helps you. The inspectors will identify basement problems, report their findings, and suggest practical solutions.

Elite Group Inspection brings you this blog to discuss what does a home inspector checks during a basement inspection. We’ll also go through some factors affecting the basement inspection costs. By the end of this blog, you’ll be able to understand the whole basement inspection process.

What Does a Home Inspector Check in Your Basement

A basement inspection process covers checking various aspects, like looking for any leaking pipes. The inspectors access every corner of your basement. And look for signs of mold, mildew, water, or moisture damage. Let’s go through the checklist of what does a home inspector checks.

Leaking Pipes

During a basement inspection process, the inspectors will closely check the basement’s pipes. From examining their structures to finding any signs of leaks, inspectors do it all. The leaking pipes can lead to water damage or weaken foundations if left unchecked over time.

Standing Water

The inspectors look for standing water in your basement. The water pooling is a sign of poor drainage systems or plumbing leaks. This situation can get worse and cause foundation issues, water damage, and more. The basement inspectors will check the source of this standing water and suggest proper drainage solutions.

Mold and Mildew

Lower areas like basements are usually moist and humid. This condition creates a favorable environment for mold and mildew to grow. That’s why the basement inspectors assess the overall humidity levels and signs of mold and mildew. Timely inspections will save you from compromised structural integrity and potential health risks.

Damaged Flooring

The professional inspectors will also assess the basement’s floor condition during the basement inspection process. They will check for cracks, water damage, or other wear and tear. They’ll check if the basement floors are tattered. The damaged floors are a sign of water intrusion or other structural problems.

Electrical Problems

During the basement inspection process, the inspectors will sift through your basement’s electrical system. They will check the electrical systems for any faulty wiring, panel upgrades’ needs, and more. They’ll also assess outlets, switches, and wiring to ensure ultimate safety.

Foundational Cracks

If there are cracks in your basement’s foundation, it can compromise the structural stability of the whole house. That’s where a professional basement inspection helps you. The inspectors will look into the foundation’s condition and the severity of its cracks – inside and out of the basement.

Rodent and Insect Activity

Basements are places that can hide several unnoticed issues like creepy crawly rodents or insects. For this, the certified basement inspectors examine your basement for these tiny intruders. They’ll identify the entry points, droppings, and nests of rodents and insects. They’ll also look for any chewed materials and extent of damage caused.

Moisture or Water Damage

The inspectors will probe your basement for the presence of moisture or water damage. They’ll use specialized tools to detect moisture levels on the walls and floors of the basement. If their levels are beyond a limit, they can lead to mold growth, rotting, or compromised structural integrity.

Peeling of Paint or Water Stains

During the visual basement inspection process, the inspectors will look for peeling paint. If the paint is peeled off, it indicates water infiltration. They’ll also inspect the basement for water stains, assessing the type or extent of damage on your basement walls. This will also help them identify potential water entry points.

Damaged Basement Window Wells

Window wells are a source of proper ventilation and natural light in your basement. The inspectors will check for any damage to window wells. And ensure they are properly sealed and functional. It’s important because, in otherwise cases, damaged basement window wells can cause many issues, including water infiltration.

Factors Affecting Basement Inspection Cost

We expect you have now understood what does a home inspector checks during the basement inspection process. Let us take you through some factors affecting basement inspection costs.

Location

Basement inspection costs can vary depending on where you live. Inspectors in major areas tend to charge more than those in rural areas due to higher demand and cost of living.

Basement Size

The larger the basement, the more time and effort it will take to thoroughly inspect it. Larger basements will incur higher inspection fees.

Type of Property

Inspecting a basement in a commercial building or multi-family home will generally cost more than inspecting a single-family home. More complex properties require more time.

Accessibility

If there are lots of stored items or finished spaces in the basement, the inspector will have to work around them. Limited accessibility can add time and cost.

Urgency

Requesting a faster turnaround time for an inspection report will likely mean paying a premium rate. Routine inspections are the most cost-effective.

Overall Condition

Heavily finished or remodeled basements take longer to inspect than unfinished utility spaces. Poor condition or signs of prior water damage can also add inspection time.

The Bottom Line

A basement inspection is an investment that pays off in the long run. By identifying potential issues early, homeowners can save both money and stress down the road. In this blog, we gave you detailed insights into what does a home inspector checks during a basement inspection process. Now, you’ll be able to understand what to expect from basement inspectors. We also guided you through the factors affecting basement inspection costs. Based on that, you can separate and manage your budget beforehand for a meticulous basement inspection process.

We suggest you don’t ignore the condition of your basement. And neither do overlook its inspection’s needs. This will help you make more informed decisions and maintain a stable living in the long run. So, don’t wait for your basement problems to spread and cause a vicious cycle. Instead, seek professional help. Also, explore our blog section to check more informative content on various inspections.