Inspecting a House

by CAULDWELL, REX

• ISBN13: 9781561584628
• ISBN10: 1561584622
• Format: Trade Paper
• Copyright: 2001-01-01
• Publisher: Taunton

Summary

This pro-level guide to inspecting a house is a tool for evaluating property inside and out. It includes a discussion of current building materials, heating, electrical and plumbing systems, foundations, and more. This book can help anyone determine the soundness of a house.

Author Biography

Rex Cauldwell is a master plumber, master electrician, building inspector, and licensed general contractor with over 25 years of experience

Table of Contents

Introduction	2	(2)
The Inspection Process	4	(13)
Professional Courtesy	5	(1)
The Rules of the Profession	6	(2)
Creating a System of Inspection	8	(3)
Tools of the Trade	11	(6)
The Service Inspection	17	(31)
The Service Entrance	18	(12)
The Service Panel	30	(18)
Siding, Doors, and Windows	48	(32)
Siding	48	(23)
Doors	71	(4)
Windows	75	(5)
Roofs, Gutters, and Grading	80	(20)
Inspecting the Roof	81	(12)
Guttering	93	(5)
Grading	98	(2)
Foundations, Structural Supports, and Decks	100	(14)
The Foundation	100	(9)
Decks	109	(5)
Garages, Driveways, and Walkways	114	(18)
Types of Garages	114	(3)
Inspecting the Exterior	117	(13)
Driveways and Walkways	130	(2)
Basements and Crawl Spaces	132	(22)
Types of Basements	133	(2)
Basement Water Damage	135	(6)
Basement Lighting	141	(1)
Basement Structural Inspection	141	(2)
Basement Electrical Inspection	143	(1)
Basement Plumbing Inspection	144	(8)
Crawl Spaces	152	(2)
Utility Room Appliances	154	(20)
Water Heaters	154	(14)
Dryers	168	(3)
Clothes Washers	171	(2)
Water Conditioners	173	(1)
Heating and Cooling Systems	174	(30)
General Inspection	175	(5)
Gas Burners	180	(6)
Old Burners	186	(2)
Electric Forced-Air Furnaces	188	(1)
Electric Water Furnaces	189	(1)
Electric Baseboards	190	(3)
Wood-Burning Stoves and Fireplaces	193	(5)
Heat Pumps and Air Conditioners	198	(4)
Geothermal Heating	202	(2)
The Kitchen, Bathroom, and Other Rooms	204	(25)
The Kitchen	205	(15)
The Bathroom	220	(7)
Bedrooms and Hallways	227	(2)
Water Supply and Septic	229	(19)
The Water Source	230	(14)
Septic Tanks	244	(4)
Appendix CROSS-CONNECTIONS	248	(13)
Common Cross-Connection Points	252	(9)
Index	261