A foundation crack can strike panic in the heart of a homeowner... however, it's important to note that not all foundation cracks  are indicative of structural problems. Commonly seen in foundations, some vertical cracks can be the result of simple contraction or typical settlement of a home. Diagonal or horizontal cracks are another matter entirely and can often indicate an important condition. in some cases, a structural engineer may have to be consulted to further investigate the foundation, and/or other non-visible areas which cannot be fully evaluated in the scope of this visual inspection

A visual inspection will evaluate the existing condition and serviceability of the following points:

SLAB / FLOOR: basic arrangement (on grade, basement floor, or crawlspace floor etc.), type (earth, concrete, wood sub-floor, etc.) any major or typical cracking, standing water, uneven areas, settling, moisture stains, patches or repairs, spalling, efflorescence, lack of vapor barrier

RAISED FOUNDATION: type (concrete, brick, concrete block, column or girder etc.), any major or typical cracking, moisture stains or damage, spalling, efflorescence, poor ventilation, mortar deterioration, patches or repairs, loose bricks, lack of insulation, deteriorated posts, column walls out of plumb, settling, earth to wood contact, finished or unfinished

CRAWL SPACE: type (concrete, brick, concrete block, column or girder etc.), loose insulation, any major or typical cracking, damaged or missing vents, moisture stains or damage, lack of insulation, efflorescence, poor ventilation, mortar deterioration, patches or repairs, loose bricks, decayed posts, columns / walls out of plumb, settling, earth to wood contact

SILL: moisture damage, crushed sections, previous repairs, sagging, decay, stained insulation

GIRDERS: twisted, moisture damage, sagging, cracking, large holes/notches, decay, uneven, column shims displaced, previous repairs

JOISTS: decay, damage, crushing, large holes or damage, sagging, missing bridging, unevenness, loose hangers, moisture damage, sagged cantilever

STRUCTURE: the type of materials used (wood, metal etc.) in ceiling joists, floor joists, trusses or rafters, and walls

GENERAL: Any obvious immediate condition that may appear to impede efficiency,  cause premature failure, or pose a health or safety risk.

NOTE: If any point of a regular inspection is concealed, or not accessible to the inspector it will not be included in the inspection.