Recommended Home Inspection Books

Summary: Having some home inspection books at your disposal prior to looking at a prospective house can be helpful.  Barring that, my best advice is to keep the basics of home building in mind while looking at the home with an objective eye.  You'll be able to rule out a lot of homes this way before calling in, and spending the money on, a professional home inspector.

Dear Curtis:  When my wife and I go to look at houses I'd like to know things to keep an eye out and watch out for to rule out big things before we make an offer an hire a home inspector.  Are there any home inspection books that you'd recommend?

My Answer: Honestly, what passes as a home inspection for me is probably different than the next guy and isn't formal in any way.  Early on when I started looking at houses I'd get too caught up in the looks - rather than focusing on what's going on behind the sheetrock, wiring, plumbing and foundation.

It's not that I didn't know better, it's just human nature.  You have to remind yourself that before you go and look at something you almost have to emotionally detach yourself from it and be very objective.

With that in mind I've really used my experience working in various trades and helping tradesmen over the years.

For example, my father-in-law has been a long time flat work concrete contractor.  Once in a while I'd help him set up and pour.  He taught me a lot about flat work and even foundations.  So, when I go into a house or a garage I'm looking for big cracks and slope of the floor.

So, for books I don't have a real strong recommendation.  I poked around online and one of the more popular books that comes up is The Complete Book of Home Inspection by Norman Becker.  If you read the reviews it's not perfect.  Some of the reviewers said it was dated (last published in 1993).  But, for the average Joe looking at a home it would probably be a pretty good overview of the basics - which is the important thing.  You can get a good used copy for less than $5 minus shipping and handling.

If you want something a little more updated and detailed you may want to opt for Marcia Darvin Spada's The Home Inspection Book: A Guide for Professionals.  Yes, it's designed for professionals.  But, if you have a general understanding of the basics of construction it should be helpful.  In addition, it was published in 2007 which will make it more helpful in regards to new advances like tankless water heaters and so forth.  Also, it has a lot of helpful pictures and diagrams.  The downside, it's a little more expensive.  Expect to pay $20 to $30.

Outside of that I think if you focus on the basics you'll also get a good idea of whether or not the house is worth pursuing.  Here's my quick, 35,000 foot view advice.

Foundation

Go in and look with a discerning eye.  Is it above grade and offering good drainage?  I speak from experience here.  My first renovation involved a house where we put in a sidewalk that went almost up to the bottom edge of the siding because there wasn't enough grade.  We were able to get enough slope from the side walk that it wasn't a huge concern, but that just gives you an idea.

If there is a basement look for cracks and water stains.  Obviously, if it's a finished basement this will be impossible - but you can still look for evidence of water damage like discoloration and mold-like smells.

Roof

What kind of shape are the shingles in.  Get in the attic and look for any kind of water damage or leaks.  Also, while you're up there remember to look at how much insulation is in the attic.  Depending on your area of the country you might have to have some insulation blown in or lay batts.  Is it properly vented?  How about the soffit vents?  If there is a chimney make sure to double check for leaks there and to be sure it's not pulling away from the house - this is a area a lot of folks overlook.

Flooring

A lot of times you'll go into a house with the intent of remodeling.  That usually includes flooring.  If you lay tile or hardwood you want nice flat surfaces.  In a lot of instances you can put down a self leveling compound - but it's also nice if you can avoid that.

If there is any tile do you see cracks?  For linoleum, any wear, tear or lifted corners?

Electrical

Honestly, this is the area I'm least comfortable with.  But you can get a good general idea of what you're tackling by taking a look at the junction box and also look at the wiring and how old it appears to be.

Also, the cover plate on your junction box will reveal a lot.  Usually, there are two to four screws holding the plate in place.  Don't worry, unscrew them and then visually look at all the wires.  Don't touch anything in the junction box as it is live - but you can certainly look.  You'll be able to spot frayed wires - which is a fire hazard - right off the bat.

Windows

These are easy to overlook because, well ... you're looking through them rather than at them.  Are they old single pane's?  If so, count on replacing them - at least in my neck of the woods because they'll be way to inefficient during the cold winters and hot summers.

Spend some time working the windows.  Do they open and close easily?  Do the cranks work well?  How about the caulking and sealant around the windows?  Pay attention to overall appearance.

Walls

I know guys who take squares into houses and put them up the corners to check for warps and so forth.  I just get down at one end of the wall and look flush down the wall.  If there are any irregularities you'll likely be able to see them with the naked eye.  If you can't, then it's likely small enough that you can deal with it if something comes up.