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Many conditions inhibit the observation of the foundation, including, but not limited to, vegetation, soil, and storage around the exterior; parked vehicles, furnishings, and storage in the garage; and furnishings, storage, and floor coverings (carpets, vinyl, tile, etc.) in the structure interior. Inspectors do not move furnishings and storage in the garage or the structure interior, and floor coverings are not lifted or removed to inspect the subfloor or foundation in the interior. The foundation was observed to the greatest extent possible at the exterior sides of the structure, from inside the structure, from the garage interior (if present), from the crawl space opening and from inside the crawl space (if present).
Many of our older homes have crawl spaces. Typically located in those crawl spaces, along with the foundation support, of course, are water, gas, and drainage lines. Access to the foundation typically is through an opening constructed in the foundation wall. These openings should have a cover on them which should be attached to the structure and latched similar to that shown in picture. The cover and latch help to prevent access to the crawl space by pets, unwanted wildlife, and inquisitive children. |
Type of latch useful for keeping out the inquisitive young while still providing quick emergency access. Sometimes, finished basements impede our ability to view the foundation and walls and floor structure of the house. When this is the case, understand that cracks, damage, pest infestation, etc. may be present, but were not viewable. |
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