When it comes to houses, people may not consider the garage important, considering it’s usually not a living area. However, garages can have many safety issues that, if gone unchecked, can cause problems for the home’s residents. Since it provides storage for vehicles, gasoline containers, and household chemicals, it must be included in the home inspection process. Let’s take a look at what a home inspector looks for in a garage.
1. Cracks or Settling in the Garage Floor
A home inspector inspects the garage for any signs of cracking or settling. These issues are indicative of a structural problem. In addition to cracks and settling, inspectors will ensure the floor slopes toward the overhead door, as it’s important for any spilled products, such as gasoline or anti-freeze, to flow toward the garage’s exit and not pool indoors.
2. Low Fire Rating Between the Garage and the Living Space
Homes require a certain level of fire separation between the garage and living space. The drywall used in modern-day homes features a burn-through rating that qualifies it as an appropriate means of fire separation. However, older homes might not adhere to municipal building codes.
3. Damage to the Garage Door
Home inspectors will look for damaged door panels and tensions springs in poor condition. They’ll also ensure the door tracks are aligned and the auto-reverse devices are operating and installed properly. A garage door needs to be powered by a GFCI-protected circuit, so that’ll also be inspected.
4. Water Stains in the Garage
Water stains on the floor of the garage may be indicative of water penetrating the door or coming up through cracks in the floor. It may also be a signal that the floor has absorbed hazardous chemicals from a spill. A home inspector will note if the garage is filled with an overabundance of possessions and hazardous waste.
5. Improper Water Heater or Furnace Placement
Some houses store their water heater and furnace in the garage, especially if there is no basement. The danger of having these appliances in the garage is that they’re at risk of being struck by a car. To prevent this from occurring, a barrier should be placed around these appliances, such as a securely anchored steel support post.
While not a living area, the issues a home inspector looks for in a garage can prove quite dangerous to current or future residents. This is why it’s crucial that you contact the right home inspector to get the job done. At Homeinex Corporation, we include garages as part of our home inspection services. If you need a home inspector to visit your prospective new home, contact us today.