Your home inspector will inspect the electrical components of a home you are planning to buy. Many people wonder what the inspector will be looking at. Here is what you can expect from the electrical part of the home inspection.

1. Panel Box – The panel box will be inspected to determine the size in a amps, the location of the main disconnect, and if the panel has fuses or breakers. All defects will be reported in the inspector’s report.

2. Wiring – The inspector will identify the type of branch wiring utilized in the home to take electricity to the light fixtures, switches, and outlets. All visible defects, like frayed, grounding or double taps, should be described in the home inspection report.

3. Service To The Home – There are two types of service to the home, overhead and underground. The inspection report will outline which service type the home has and if any problems exist.

4. Grounding Cable – The home inspector will locate and determine the type of grounding cable used for the home. In some cases, particularly underground service, the grounding wire may be inside conduit and not visible.

5. Fixtures, Switches and Outlets – The home inspector will test a selective number of accessible outlets in the home to verify they are grounded properly. The home inspector will operate the light switches to verify light fixtures are working properly. Any light fixture that doesn’t respond to the operation of the light switch will be noted in the home inspection report.

6. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) – The home inspector will find out if GFCI breakers and outlets have been put in and what areas in the home are protected by a GFCI outlet or breaker. The home inspector will also test these outlets and breakers with an electrical tester to affirm they are working correctly.

7. Smoke Detectors – The home inspector will determine if smoke detectors are present in the home and garage.

To protect the inspector and to not damage the home you are considering to buy, there are a few limitations to the home inspectors examination.

1. Insert tools or testing devices into any main or auxiliary electrical panels.

2. Engage an electrical system or branch circuits that are not on at the time of inspection.

3. Not to move furniture, equipment or appliances to gain access electrical components.

4. Inspect equipment that is not readily accessible.

5. Tear apart equipment for any reason.

6. Test all switches, receptacles, or fixtures.

7. Take off switch or receptacle cover plates.

Hubert Miles performs Home Inspections in South Carolina. If you are searching for a Charleston Home Inspection see what Patriot Home Inspections can offer you.

When you buy a house, one of the areas that will be inspected is the roof. But do you know what the inspector is looking for? In this article I’ll discuss seven components of the roof that the inspector will be inspecting.

1. Roof Style – In the home inspection report the inspector will comment on the roof style. Homes have many styles such as gable, hip, shed, etc. Sometimes homes will have multiple configurations.

2. Roof Covering – The roof covering refers to the outer material that is installed over the roof sheathing. Types of roof covering include asphalt, wood shake, standing metal seam, slate, concrete tile, etc. Each component has an estimated lifespan and the inspector will likely estimate the remaining life of the roof provided proper maintenance is performed. This figure is only an estimate is usually based on the current condition of the material and the age of the roof.

3. Visible Flashing – When the inspector examines the roof one of the things he will be looking for is the roof flashing. If the flashing is visible, the inspector will comment on it’s condition. Occasionally the flashing is not visible. If this is the case, the inspector will make a note in the report that the flashing could not be inspected due not being visible.

4. Roof Penetrations – Roof penetrations are common sources for leaks. These areas include plumbing sacks, gas vents, and roof vents. As the flashing or rubber boot ages around these areas they tend to develop leaks that can be found from inside the attic.

5. Chimneys – During the home inspection, the inspector will comment on whether or not a chimney is present. If the home has a chimney the inspector will examine the flashing and the height of the chimney to be sure it is in working order.

6. Skylights – If there are skylights installed, the inspector will examine the flashing around it to verify that the skylight is not leaking.

7. Gutters and Downspouts – If the home has had gutters and downspouts installed, the inspector will determine if they have been installed correctly, are secure to the house, and are not clogged from debris.

In Closing

Most inspectors examine the roof on the ground by using a pair of binoculars. Other methods include using a ladder at the eaves or through an open window. Due to insurance company regulations, most inspectors are not permitted to walk on the roof.

Hubert Miles is a Home Inspector in South Carolina and the owner of Patriot Home Inspections. If you are searching for a Camden Home Inspection see what Patriot Home Inspections can offer you.

During the process of the home inspection, the home inspector will examine the garage to determine if any defects and potential safety hazards are present. Here is a list of five areas inside the garage the home inspector will look at.

1. Kind of Garage – Initially, the home inspector will determine what kind of garage the home has and how many average sized cars the garage will hold. There are many kinds available such as attached, detached, built-in, basement, or carport.

2. Structure – The structure of the garage is defined as the materials it is constructed out of. Most garages fall into the most common types which are masonry and wood frame. The inside of the garage will either be unfinished or finished. An unfinished garage has exposed wall studs, wiring, plumbing etc. A finished garage will have the walls insulated and covered with either wood paneling or drywall. The home inspector will also examine the garage floor for cracks and settlement problems.

3. Electrical – The home inspector will test any electrical outlets to determine if they are wired correctly and if they are GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) protected. The home inspector will determine if the electrical panel box is located in the garage. Additional electrical information will be available in the electrical section of the home inspection report.

4. Garage Doors and Openers – The garage doors will be examined for any visible signs of defects. If the garage doors have an automatic garage door openers installed, the home inspector will test them to see if they are operating correctly. Automatic garage door openers should have a safety feature called auto reverse installed that does not allow door to close on someone.

5. Plumbing – Any plumbing fixtures like sinks, and washer connections will be examined. If the hot water heater is located in the garage, the home inspector will check for defects and verify it is installed correctly based on the fuel source used. If the water heaters are gas heated, it should be installed at least 18 inches off the ground on a secured platform. The home inspector will also test any sinks or plumbing fixtures.

Garages vary in size, type, and amenities. This article is a general overview of what the home inspector will look for. Additional items may need to be inspected based on equipment installed and the home inspectors findings.

Hubert Miles performs South Carolina Home Inspections and the owner of Patriot Home Inspections. If you are searching for a Mount Pleasant Home Inspector see what Patriot Home Inspections can offer you.

Constructing an outdoor fireplace or fire pit creates an inviting environment for families and friends to gather. These structures turn your backyard into an outdoor living space which is an extension of your interior living space. Covered porches and screened porches make excellent locations for outdoor fireplaces, while patios make great locations for fire pits and can be situated around the most scenic section of your yard.

When looking to design an outdoor fireplace or fire pit, consider what you will be using the area for. Will you be entertaining friends and family or seeking a more intimate seeking for you and your spouse?

Be sure that when designing your fire pit that you make it large enough so that all your guests can gather around without feeling cramped. Layout the area with the chairs to verify the size before you begin digging the footers.

For a more intimate arrangement you can choose furniture such as over-sized outdoor couches and chairs that seat two people comfortably and allow you to sit back and enjoy a bottle of wine by a warm fire.

Fireplaces built outdoors are much like those built indoors. The chimney has to be tall enough to clear any roof lines by the appropriate setbacks and provide a strong draw. You should consider consulting a professional contractor before beginning construction, but there are some kits that can be purchased that can be installed by someone with minimal carpentry skills.

Fire pits can vary in size depending on your needs as stated above. Fire pits are built out of fire rated brick veneer over concrete block with a reinforced steel concrete footing. The floor of the fire pit is made out of fire rated brick with a sand base to allow easy leveling. You can add options like a gas fuel line can be added for igniting the fire and a plumbing drain line can be added for easy cleanup with a water hose.

You can always choose to purchase a portable fire pit made of metal. These should be placed on a non flammable area such as a brick paver or concrete patio and clear of any roof overhangs.

In Closing

No matter what you decide to do, installing an outdoor fire pit or fireplace will be a great addition to your backyard and will provide you and your family many enjoyable evenings.

Hubert Miles is a SC Licensed Myrtle Beach Home Inspector and the owner of Patriot Home Inspections. If you are looking for a Myrtle Beach Home Inspection see what Patriot Home Inspections can do for you.