Does a Home Inspector check the crawl space?

Don’t let your dream home become a nightmare, let’s explore why a crawlspace MUST be inspected.

We understand the importance of a thorough Home Inspection which most definitely includes the crawlspace, a space issues often go unnoticed since it can be difficult to access. We believe that a comprehensive Home Inspection is not complete without inspecting the crawlspace.

The dark truth

Silent But Deadly Threats: Moisture issues are a common culprit in crawlspaces, whether that be from ground moisture, or leaky pipes. Left unchecked, they can lead to mold growth, which if it gets into your home, can cause issues such as respiratory problems.

Excess moisture can also cause structural deterioration and wood rot.

Your Foundation: Crawlspaces house the foundation of your home, whether your home is an older home or a brand-new mobile home, it may have a crawlspace. When checking the crawlspace your Inspector will be able to check for cracks, settlement issues, and other housing components (electrical, plumbing, etc.). We have seen instances where the crawlspace was never inspected and the foundation had major structural issues, including wrong materials being used (the house just sitting on bricks or pallets), DIY repair work, etc. These issues can be expensive to fix and disruptive to your living situation if found further down the line. It’s best to understand your crawlspace before buying a new home.

Some Call it Home: Crawlspaces are the perfect place for unwanted guests. Rodents, snakes, and even insects (depending on your climate) can find easy access into your home through gaps in your crawlspace. They may also create nests or breeding grounds in the crawlspace itself. This can create a health hazard as well as causing potential damage to your home’s wiring, or insulation, really anything that is found in your crawlspace.

Skipping a crawlspace inspection is like buying a car without checking under the hood. You might get lucky, but the potential for hidden problems is simply too high.

Here’s what you might be missing if your crawlspace goes uninspected:

Early detection of costly repairs: Identifying potential problems early allows you to address them before they become major problems. Catching missing heat tape could save the pipes from freezing in the winter.

Peace of Mind: The nice thing about a crawlspace is it gives you a good glimpse of what the condition of a home’s major components look like- plumbing, electrical, etc. Before buying the home, you know what the condition is, allowing you to make an informed decision about your future investment.

Bargaining leverage: If the inspection reveals problems in the crawlspace, you can use this information to negotiate repairs or price adjustments with the seller.

So, what can you expect from Just Call Joe Inspections?

Accessibility and safety first: We assess the crawlspace for safe entry and won't compromise our safety or yours. However, we'll exhaust all reasonable efforts to access and inspect it thoroughly. If we cannot enter the crawlspace (which is not often) we will use other technology to assess it.

We use specialized equipment: We come equipped with tools like moisture meters, probes & picks, and thermal imaging cameras to get a clear picture of the space, even in low-light conditions.

We provide detailed reports: Our inspection reports clearly outline our findings in the crawlspace, including any potential issues and recommendations for further action.

By taking the time to inspect the crawlspace, we give you the information you need to make informed decisions about your home. At Just Call Joe Inspections, we believe in going the extra mile to ensure your complete satisfaction and peace of mind.