Foreclosure Inspection - Garage Inspection
Inspection of garage connection and material
Types of garage and carports: -- Single-car -- Double-car
Connection: -- Attached to property -- Detached
Garage floor material: -- Slab -- Other floor
Garage frame: -- Seems strong -- Sagging --> Inspection by structural engineer required
Inspection of garage walls and columns
-- Structurally sound, no visible damage -- Water, termite damage at bottom of the walls or columns touching the floor --> Servicing by a licensed termite inspector needed □ Are walls perfectly plumb and flat? (hold your flashlight parallel to the wall to check)
Garage level: -- Below grade -- Above grade --> Carbon monoxide poisoning danger, serious health hazard!
Garage support: -- Good support for living space upstairs -- Weak support --> Should be inspected by structural engineer
Inspection of structural status of garage
Wood component and siding on the garage walls are not at least eight inches high above the ground --> Potential damage by termites and other wood-destroying insects
Floor condition: -- Even -- Uneven, settled, raised (tripping hazard) --> correction required -- Moisture (especially at on-grade garages) --> Find origin of water/moisture penetration and take preventive measures
Structural status: -- Cracks (due to settlement) --> Seal minor cracks □ Heaved garage (especially in high water table areas)
Efflorescence, discoloration on the walls (due to moisture, water penetration) --> Not a serious structural or safety issue in most cases
Does floor seem to be painted recently? -- No -- Yes --> Examine locations that may have not been covered (remove boxes, buckets, and other materials) to detect water stains. See if painting was done to cover up water problems and damage
Hazardous contents: -- None -- Flammable material --> Fire hazard!
Garage walls and ceiling: -- No damage observed -- Holes drilled to install/hold tools, bicycles, etc. --> Serious fire hazard, must be sealed and repaired -- Water marks on the walls --> Find origin of water penetration and fix
Inspection of garage drainage and ventilation
Garage drainage: -- Sufficient -- Insufficient --> Expect water and termite damage if not fixed
Garage ventilation: -- Sufficient -- Insufficient, blocked, vents covered by boxed, materials --> Remove obstructions, clear vent areas
Attic hatch: -- Fire-rate -- Not fire-rated --> Serious safety issue -- Unknown