What a home inspector looks for

[John A]

We're getting ready to put our home up for sale and were hoping to get some information in case the home is inspected.

Can you tell me what usual things a home inspector looks for?

[home improvement guy]

For a complete listing of what's inspected go to www.ashi.org and search for "Standards of Practice."

Here is a shortlist:

- Older worn roofs that are 15 years or older and maybe two or more layers.

- Overhead electrical wires that are too close to the ground. They should be 10 feet out of reach at their lowest point of access.

- Loose toilet bowls and/or plumbing leaks. In a basement or crawl space check for stains under the bathrooms and kitchen.

- Plumbing cross connections. The drains from a water softener or water heater cannot be inside a sewer opening.

- Homeowner wiring repairs that are not safe. This includes wiring that has been added, open junction boxes and wiring that has been improperly spliced. I also check the electrical panel to insure the service is adequate for the home. Older 60-amp panels should be upgraded.

- A wet basement or crawl space.

- Bedroom windows that do not open easily or will not stay open. This is very important for emergency egress.

- Look for tempered windows near a tub or shower drain or windows that are so large and are so easily accessible that they are required to be tempered for safety.

- An older furnace, air conditioner or water heater that is near the end of its useful life expectancy.

- Copper gas lines that need to be replaced. This is a regional problem due to the nature of the gas in certain areas.

- Steps either inside or outside where the risers are too small or too tall or are not uniform in height.

- Improper and unsafe handrails and guardrails.

- Unsafe wood deck support posts, floor joists and fastening systems.

- Cracked concrete that could be a trip hazard.

This is a brief list of things you may be able to inspect yourself. Prior to placing your home on the market, it would be wise to have the home professionally inspected by a qualified and experienced ASHI home inspector.