No matter whether it's for yourself or for business use, an inspection will provide vital protection of your investment. A skilled inspector can detect issues you or your contractors might overlook - saving both money and hassle in the process.

Some home inspections occur during construction while others take place afterwards. Here are five types of inspections you should know about.

Exterior

Home inspectors take great care in inspecting a house's exterior as this element helps withstand weather conditions and gives an indication of its overall condition. An exterior property inspection examines both its outer elements - roof, walls, foundation, masonry systems and under-floor systems as well as decks patios porches or stairs present - from far away and up close.

An inspection specialist will present their report with both detailed and general descriptions, as well as photographs taken both from a distance and up close that clearly highlight any issues that are identified during their examination.

Some inspectors take time to examine details that may slip by unnoticed, such as cracks or dampness in concrete, while others focus on electrical systems to make sure all circuit breakers are working correctly. If they detect any potential issues with electrical systems, building inspectors might recommend hiring a repair specialist to restore it back into tip-top condition.

Building inspectors perform numerous other types of inspections, some mandated by local governments. For example, some cities mandate footing inspections before pouring concrete (known as footing inspection) and final inspections once construction is complete. There are also specialized inspections for petroleum bulk storage units, fire alarms, backflow valves, facades and water towers.

Building inspectors are employed by cities or municipalities and have the authority to stop construction projects that do not meet code requirements. They frequently collaborate with contractors, architects, engineers and property owners during construction to address any concerns while offering guidance; in some cases they might even need to climb ladders or enter restricted spaces during an inspection.

Interior

An inspection of an interior space also needs to be performed carefully, in order to identify any safety-related issues and pinpoint renovation needs. An inspector typically examines items like walls, floors, bathrooms, offices and kitchen spaces during their examination of commercial property's plumbing and heating systems.

Handrails on stairs should also be secure and safe, windows and doors need to open smoothly with fire rating intact, and that the laundry room has an effective dryer exhaust system in place. Finally, professionals will assess any laundry room to make sure it has one.

Building inspectors need the appropriate tools for their task, such as a checklist that helps them recall all items they must inspect. This will make the entire inspection process more efficient while decreasing any chance of forgetting something important.

As construction takes place on a building, inspectors must perform various types of inspections to verify compliance with local code requirements and confirm all work has been completed correctly. Depending on the specifics of each project in progress, specific inspections could include foundation and pre-drywall checks before concrete pouring begins; and an overall comprehensive home check once construction is complete.

Some projects require more specific inspections such as shear wall inspections or roof diaphragm nailing inspections, which require professional engineers, technicians or building inspectors who specialize in these fields to conduct. An inspector specializing in such areas can use more advanced techniques and equipment to thoroughly examine buildings for defects or deficiencies.

Foundation

Anyone can identify hairline cracks that expand and bow walls, but only structural or foundation engineers are equipped to understand what this may portend for the building's stability. With years of education under their belts and an in-depth knowledge of force, gravity, load-bearing beams and more; structural engineers can also help homeowners understand their exact situation as well as offer solutions like waterproofing materials or even jacking foundations as needed.

At a home foundation inspection, professionals begin by walking around and inspecting the house, looking for any telltale signs of problems such as door that stick or floors that slant, along with foundation type details and history of construction of building. Furthermore, these inspection tools may include visual inspection, soil analysis, level surveys, water tests, infrared thermography imaging and core sampling to conduct this evaluation process.

If a structure has been constructed on a slab, an inspector will examine both its exterior and interior surfaces to see if any signs of settlement or foundation cracking have occurred. This could indicate that ground beneath is shifting or the concrete cannot support its weight anymore.

Raised homes typically include a crawl space underneath them and require the inspector to explore it thoroughly. They will look out for signs of moisture or musty odor, which are telltale indicators of foundation issues, as well as damage or rot on piers, beams and joists as well as potential utility lines or exposed pipes that require testing.

Plumbing

There are various kinds of plumbing inspections. These may involve checking drinking water systems, industrial piping or even disposing of waste in an efficient manner. They can also include general checks that cover new construction or renovation projects.

Home inspections are essential for potential home buyers who wish to ensure they're investing in safe and sound properties. Trained officials conduct visual inspections and take pictures to assess structural quality; additionally they examine roofing, carports, interior and exterior walls, kitchen facilities, as well as any other elements present on a property.

Commercial building inspectors have the skills needed to inspect an array of documents, from planning applications and construction documentation, environmental studies and fire safety certificates, through to fire safety certificates issued for the structure in their jurisdiction. Furthermore, they can test compliance with local building, electrical, fire, and specialty codes that may apply.

Structural building inspections can help identify any issues that could compromise the integrity of a building over time, such as foundation cracks or rot. Furthermore, inspections may prevent accidents or injuries that might otherwise arise from these issues.

People familiar with property purchases often are aware of "pre-purchase building inspection." This type of examination, conducted by professionals before purchasing an existing property, involves non-exhaustive visual examination of components and systems readily accessible at the time of inspection, including readily visible components or systems such as plumbing or HVAC. Engineers or technicians specializing in specific fields often recommend this inspection process in order to gain in-depth expertise about components or systems being inspected.

Electrical

Electrical inspectors provide an essential service to society, much like firefighters and police officers who protect us from harm and danger. Although their work may not be visible to the general public, it remains just as critical. People assume their home's electricity will always run properly and problem free; hence inspections become crucially important.

New installation inspections are an integral component of any construction or renovation project, serving to ensure all wiring adheres to industry standards and is properly installed. In addition, this is also an opportunity for electricians to identify any potential issues which need addressing prior to selling or using their building for sale or use.

As soon as the rough-in electrical inspection has been completed, the final electrical inspection will follow. At this time, an inspector will verify that all wiring is covered with insulation or sheet rock; additionally they will check that GFCI protection for outlets located near sources of water like sinks is active; additionally they will make sure kitchen small appliance outlets have AFCI protection in place.

Electrical safety inspections can detect energy inefficiencies in your home, helping reduce its energy costs over time and contributing to both environmental sustainability and wallet efficiency. Plus, inspections could qualify you for energy rebates!

Electrical fires can be far more destructive and expensive than other forms of fires, making electrical inspections all the more essential. By identifying any potential issues early on and fixing them before they turn into emergencies. A commercial inspection must take place prior to starting operations at your business and should then be scheduled periodically afterwards.