THE FOUNDATION The foundation is often viewed as the most important part of a dwelling. It supports the entire home, its contents, and the live load in it (people). The type of foundation is noted and then inspected for cracks, settling, water leaks, and overall condition. Different types of foundations are prone to different problems, but all foundations have the same major job, to hold up the building. All visible and accessible portions of the foundation are inspected carefully for defects. POURED CONCRETE FOUNDATIONS Poured concrete walls should be steel reinforced. When poured, the footing will have a V-shaped groove at the top with rebar from the footing- exposed to tie the wall steel. The concrete wall should be 8 inches thick and it should be poured in a single pour. The inspector will evaluate the condition of the concrete foundation and examine any cracks or other defects, signs of water seepage, etc. Any problems, severe or otherwise, will be brought to the attention of the buyer and recommendations made to correct these problems. STONE FOUNDATIONS Stone foundations are usually seen in older homes. They were seldom used in construction dating after WW II. Stone foundations can be prone to settling and water seepage. A unique problem to stone foundations is that the foundation itself can be a source of Radon gas, which is an environmental hazard. This type of installation is also prone to such problems as settling and water seepage. A stone foundation when maintained well is a very aesthetically appealing installation, but must be inspected carefully. Joints wear quickly because they are usually not smooth and uniform. Shifting or settling can occur because of the uneven nature of stones. SLAB FOUNDATION Slab-on-grade foundation is used when the structure is built directly on the ground. Monolithic slab-on-grade foundations require a wide base and steel reinforcement. A floating slab is a reinforced slab placed between two walls and footings. Aside from the usual defects (cracking, seepage) the inspector will be looking for, slab foundations are more susceptible to termites and other insects. Slab homes are difficult to inspect because almost all of the entire structure is enclosed and not visible. Other areas will be inspected more carefully for indications of problems related to slab-type construction BRICK FOUNDATIONS  Brick foundations are usually seen in older homes. It is no longer cost effective to install brick foundations and this type of foundation is often not as durable compared to other modern installations such as poured concrete or cement block. A brick foundation is installed in much the same way that a solid brick house is built except it is below grade and should rest on a solid footing. It is not uncommon however that some of these foundations were not placed on footings and now may be settled badly. Brick foundations are inspected carefully for the particular defects that they are prone to such as, settling, water seepage and deterioration of the bricks themselves. Many brick foundations have been sealed with wire lathe and cement stucco giving them a look of a poured concrete foundation FRAMING SYSTEMS The many components of the framing system make up the support system for the floors, ceilings, walls, and roof. Most homes are constructed using timber framing and a small percentage using metal. The buildings basic design and location will dictate the type of framing used. In some parts of the country, buildings must be designed with special resistance to earthquakes, winds, or heavy snow. All structures should be built to reduce the effects of shrinkage, warping, fire, and water damage. The majority or sometimes entire framing system is often hidden by the finished materials on the walls, ceilings and floors. The finished materials are inspected carefully to see if they give clues to defects which may not be readily accessible. There are two basic types of framing systems. Both systems must be inspected very carefully for defects such as poor installation, settling, rot, insect damage, and more.