Tag: blog home property

A significant step towards a happy life is good health and it can only be achieved in a healthy environment. Seepage/Leakage/Damp is quite a common problem which the majority of Indian houses/offices must have had experienced at some point of time. The moisture and dampness due to this can result in fungal and bacterial growth which in turn could cause various allergies and other serious health-related problems to the residents.

The effects of water damage on your property (home, office, retail, school, etc) as well as on health can be extensive, and it may have massive damage. Therefore, ensuring that your home is free from any possible leakage and dampness has become one of the most significant factors to understand and take care of.

Common faults while dealing with Seepage/Leakage problems

Most of us usually approach waterproofing or paint companies or related vendors (plumbing/civil) to fix the seepage/damp/moisture problems. Painters or Waterproofing vendors or others usually fix the problem of seepage, wall paint peel off or dampness on the wall simply by removing the existing plaster/putty/paint and applying waterproofing solutions on the affected areas and repainting it again. This is indeed one of the most common mistakes done to solve this problem as it will solve the issue temporarily and the problem will occur soon again after a few days.

Reason is the root cause of seepage or other related problem has not been fixed. The primary step to solve the seepage/leakage problem is to find the source of the problem in the property. By employing thermal imaging technology / tools along with trained team, the source of seepage problem can be found out without damaging the property and can save you from the problems arising due to this Invisible Silent Killer.

How Home Inspection can help Waterproofing or other related vendors?

Waterproofing companies face the problem that after doing the treatment of damp/seepage/leakage affected areas, the problems often re-occur. Let us understand how home inspection helps and solves the problem faced by them:

• Home Inspection Detects the actual source of Moisture: Waterproofing or other vendors usually consider a set of reasons for damp or seepage in an affected area of home/property. For instance, in case of seepage at the adjacent wall to the bathroom or other wet areas, they try to take few factors like tile grouting and waterproofing treatment. But there can be other important factors which are hidden like leakage in concealed pipeline, damaged AC drain pipe or due to improper pipe outlet termination (in this situation, it will damage ceiling of below storey) etc, etc.
• Curbs expenditure on the treatment: Home Inspection experts diagnose the problem areas, identify the exact source of seepage/leakage and provide long-term solution. This reduces the cost of treatment that differs from other vendors which suggests the solution without understanding the issue properly. You can go through this case study https://macj-abuyerschoice.com/classic-case-mystery-water-seepage-false-ceiling-non-identifiable-source/ where a recurring – destructive – high cost problem was solved in minutes with virtually no cost once the exact source of the seepage was identified by home inspection.
• Provides Third-party assurance: There are instances where the client requires surety regarding treatment to waterproofing or other vendors and this assurance is provided by home inspection professionals. Being experts in the advanced technology, third-party assurance is welcomed by clients of the waterproofing companies. This adds to the credibility of waterproofing companies.
• Works Below ground level: For below ground level areas like basement, Waterproofing or other related vendors/contractors prefer the advice of home inspectors to know the correct scope of work and criticality of affected areas. As these types of areas are large in size, it is better for waterproofing companies to understand the actual area of work along with the source of problem.
• Prevent from unforeseen costs and future problems: Getting a professional home inspection done to look for potential issues along this exact source helps to prevent future problems and thereby will save unforeseen costs. Home / Property Inspectors will look out for all areas to find any hidden problem (along with its cause) which can removes future hassles for clients.For instance, according to home inspection professionals below are some possible reasons for seepage:
  1. It can happen due to faulty internal plumbing which are mostly concealed:
     • Leaky drainage pipes or plumbing fittings at home
     • Outflow in the water supply pipes
     • A leakage in the neighborhood property’s internal plumbing (eg – Leakage from the Bathroom or Kitchen on the Floor Above.)
  2. Water dampness and seepage happens when the exterior walls are not plastered properly or due to the use of poor-quality plastering materials. And it can also happen through exterior walls from gaps around the window frame or cracks in the walls.
  3. Seepage of water through floor tiles in bathrooms/kitchens of floor/flat / terrace above.
  4. Poor waterproofing at the time of construction.
  5. Others – it can happen due to AC condensation, damaged AC drain pipe, drain pipes not properly terminated in the outlet, etc.
• Health & Safety Factors: Home Inspection (Health & safety checkup of homes and other types of properties) is a third-party professional service, provided by certified trained home inspectors who determine the present condition of the home’s components. Home inspection professional also detects the unsafe areas of the home. Safety is one of the key aspects that a home inspector focuses on during an inspection. It is the need of the hour to have safer homes.

Now let us understand more about home inspection services.

What does a home inspection service include?

Home inspection is a third-party property inspection service that home buyers opt for to make a complete analysis of the condition of the property. The analysis covers health, safety and other quality aspects of the property one is about to buy or already staying. It is a complete assessment of property considering various factors. To understand read What is Home Inspection? Learn the Basics of It!

Home Inspectors use advanced technology scanning devices to carry out such elaborate yet non-invasive home inspections. Based on their reports, waterproofing company and their clients can get idea about necessary repairs and prevent you from future potential problems. Home inspection has become an essential part of living.

How MACJ – A Buyers Choice Home Inspection Would Benefit You – Waterproofing/Other Vendors and Home owners?

With the help of home inspection, Waterproofing companies will work in a better way as they will have the complete idea about the actual source of the problem, the scope of work, necessary repairs & solutions, and can additionally guide their clients to prevent the potential problems and safety hazards.

In the case of a Homeowner, he will be more assured about the work being done, overall expenditure will be reduced, and will get additional advantage from home inspection coverage.

Through this article, our objective was mainly to make you aware of how a home inspection can help waterproofing or other related vendors by satisfying the requirement of their customers in the long run.

What could be more exciting than buying a new home? The experience of a new community, new neighbours and friends, and perhaps even a new outlook on life can certainly prove to be extremely fulfilling. You have a whole new place to call your own; you can decorate it the way you want and take care of its minutest needs. However, this experience can be short-lived if you are not careful enough while taking the handover. Whether you are moving into a previously owned house or a new house, it is important to know its actual condition in order to reduce the risk of surprises after moving in.

What things can come as a surprise after moving into a new house?

Well, the list can surprise you too! Here are some of the most annoying ones that can make you think, “I wish I had detected them before moving in”:

1. Small damp patches on ceiling and corners, especially after a couple of rain showers in the monsoon
2. Cracks in the ceiling or freshly painted walls
3. Sudden slowing down of the water pressure
4. Old models of faucets getting rusty or causing leaks
5. Flickering lights and frequent dark-outs
6. Dysfunctional switchboards
7. Improper functioning of doors and windows
8. Water stagnation on the floor or roof
9. Worn out Joint Fillings

And this is not all! There can be many more surprises waiting for you.

Now let us take each surprise at a time and see what does it indicate:

3. Inefficient plumbing

Inefficient plumbing can cause wastage of water. This issue is more common in previously owned houses. There could be blockage or clogs in the pipes if the plumbing is not done properly. One small leak can waste a lot of water. As the water comes out drip by drip, it adds up. It only takes 4000 drips to waste one litre of water. One drip per minute from just one faucet in your home adds up to about 1440 drips per day! Plumbing leaks not only affect your pipes and water pressure but can also cause dampness. A leak that goes undetected, especially under a sink or in the wall behind the WC, can lead to dampness/moisture problems and algal growth.

5. Electrical power overload

Electrical power overload² can occur due to poor wiring in the house or lightning strikes. Voltage fluctuations are common and last for a microsecond only but if you experience frequent fluctuations then it is due to the poor wiring system in the house. This could lead to appliance damage as well.

The on/off switches of your house can stop working all of a sudden when the switches are overridden by heavy electrical current. Dysfunctional switches can be dangerous for small children if the switches are within their reach. An old or damaged switch can also create problems.

Why cry over spilt milk? Get Your Home Inspected Before Moving In?

The above issues if not inspected before moving in can become a terrible nightmare for the buyers. Therefore it is very important to do a thorough health & safety check-up of all the components and systems from floor to the ceiling, walls, plumbing, electrical work, water and sewage, evidence of rodents, fire and safety, etc by using modern technologies and tools through some reliable and trusted home inspection professionals.

Inspection can include various checkpoints like:

What could the ‘surprises’ turn into?

There can be nothing more frustrating than spending your life’s savings on a home and then lamenting over skipped inspection. So, opt for a complete home inspection before moving in, as it will:

• Give you the peace of mind of knowing you have made a sound buying decision.
• Reveal the repairs and investments you will need to make.
• Reduce the risk of unwanted “surprises” after you move in.

Reference links used:
1. https://edensstructural.com/ceiling-cracks-and-what-they-tell-you-about-your-foundation/
2. https://www.thespruce.com/what-is-electrical-circuit-overload-1152861

A good house has all its components in the perfect place, and well-maintained doors are synonymous with its safety and security. A door not only gives access to the inside of your household but is also the first thing one comes and notices in your apartment. Hence, doors should be given top priority in home maintenance. Whether it is a serious issue like a broken lock or a minor disturbance like a squeaky noise, nothing should be ignored and left unattended.

Here are a few common defects of doors which you should be vigilant about and which are given importance during home inspection too.

1. Wood Attacking Pests

Termites, beetles and carpenter ants attack woodwork in a house and render them porous thereby making them weak and brittle. They primarily attack wooden doors and eat away the frames. But locating these pests inside the door frames is quite tough. Sometimes before you even identify the pest attack, the wood is hollow from within and conditions are really tough to manage. Termites attack damp, organic wood and stay there and bore through the woods. They are attracted to cellulosic objects in general. They can destroy doors completely. These doors are not safe; they can just collapse or break anytime. You can detect the presence of these pests by looking at:

• Termite signs: Termite mud, cracks on door frame or corners, hollow-sounding wood, discarded wings, etc.
• Borer signs: Holes and powdered wood. Boring beetles are not visible from outside. You can only gauge their presence by knocking on the door parts having tiny holes. If dust comes out, you will know the door is infested by borers.

To know how to protect your doors from these menaces, click here.

6. Peeling off Paint or paint deterioration

Paint is extremely important for both the door frame and panel. Paint not only gives your door a good finish and look, but also saves it from wear and tear for a longer time period. It saves the wood from coming in direct contact with moisture and dust. Moisture will lead to further damage to wood. Paint is extremely helpful in keeping off microbial infestation in wood. Paint also prevents colonization of termites and other pests in wood.

Now the question is why paint deteriorates or peels off the doors? There can be many reasons but it occurs mainly due to either of the following problems:

• Presence of excess moisture in the wood
• Inadequate treatment of the wooden door before painting
• Non-adherence to the paint manufacturer’s specifications

7. Defects in Manufacturing

Sometimes there are manufacturing defects in the latch, lock, stopper and other fittings. These defects lead to improper functioning of the door. Proper fittings related to door installation should be purchased or else there will be future problems.

13. Separation Crack around Frame with Painted Wall

Separation between masonry walls and door frames is another major problem in households. Basically, these cracks occur due to the different co-efficient of thermal expansion² of wood and masonry wall i.e. brick masonry. A gap occurs between them as expansion and contraction of both is different during change in temperature, which we identify as cracks.

14. Loose Fittings and Improper Lubrication

Proper lubrication is extremely important for doors or else they will not have a free movement and squeak. Lubrication keeps the hinges rust free and the door movement is without hindrance. Providing periodic lubrication to fittings can help to keep your doors function smoothly. Paying attention to tower bolts, locks and hinges, leads to noise free, smooth and easy operations. In case of tight fittings, there will be trouble in closing and opening the door and in case of loose-fitting, there will be gaps left around which will lead to unwanted stuff entering the household.

These problems mentioned above often lead to the weakening of doors in the house. They may become dysfunctional and collapse anytime. Their durability may be so much compromised that any external force of slightly bigger magnitude will be able to break them thereby putting your property’s security at stake. Hence, you need to pay the utmost attention to door problems and defects. Professional home inspection services accurately identify all these problems and suggest the best possible solutions. If you are opting for one such service, listen to their advice and fix the problems as soon as possible.

Reference links used:
1. https://www.asianpaints.com/products/wood-and-metals/metal-enamels/trucare-knifing-paste-filler.html
2. https://gharpedia.com/blog/separation-cracks-masonry-walls-door-frame-joints/

Home Inspection – this small two-word concept is more multi-dimensional than anyone can imagine. In India, both in urban and semi-urban areas, one cannot neglect home inspection any more.

Because there happens to be multiple aspects of a home inspection, it is useful not just to the homeowners; it is an indispensable solution for the real estate professionals, the interior designers, the home sellers, and the financial institutions. In the era of 5G Internet Of Things, the purview of a home inspection is getting expanded further.

Home Inspection finds out faults, defects, damages and dangers in the building or a unit (and around it) before they become too tough to handle.

Look at these three news headlines

• Mahad Building collapse: ‘Building started developing cracks three years after it was constructed’ (Indian Express¹, August 2020)
• Notice issued to the builder for latent defects in the building after the owner notices leakage during the rainy season. (Case Mine², 2013)
• Paint factory in Mandhana gutted in fire due to electrical short circuit, loss of lakhs. (Times of India³, October 2020)

Home Inspection: A Blessing for The Home Owner/Buyer

Imagine you worked hard, exerted yourself for 10 years to buy your dream house. But just after three years, you notice that your dream home has started developing cracks or dampness. All your dreams would come crashing down.

Home Inspection helps the home buyer assess the condition of the house they are about to buy. This will make sure that the buyer does not get any rude shock after a few years of buying the house. The importance of home inspection increases manifolds if the buyer is buying an old house from a seller.

Even if you are already living in your house for years, it is necessary to inspect your home to ensure the safety of your family and to increase the longevity of your house by identifying the areas where prior repair work or an annual maintenance is needed.

How Home Inspection Benefits the Buyers and Owners?

• With Home Inspection, the buyer can identify if any part of the newly made building / flat is not built properly. It can identify areas where cracks are likely to appear in the future, it can identify if the house is prone to moisture damage. In short, Home Inspection will help buyers to get value for money.
• Home Inspection examines the nuances – it will examine if the bathroom floor and terrace are slanting enough to allow proper drainage of water. It will ensure if any part of the house (old) is covered with paint to hide moulds. It will also ensure that the exterior part of the house – including the ground – is up to the mark. Read here what exactly do we do during Home Inspection.
• By identifying areas where immediate repair work is needed, Home Inspection ensures the safety of the residents.
• Above all, Home Inspection saves you a lot of money by identifying the areas of repair that can be quite expensive to repair if they are left neglected for a few more years. Time is money – early detection and correction of damages will be beneficial for your purse.

Home Inspection: A Seller’s Friend

The seller of an old house will also benefit from Home Inspection. In fact, Home Inspection will give the sellers a better bargaining proposition. Here’s how:

• The moment you buy a house, its value starts depreciating. A well-cared house, with regular Home Inspection to find and repair damages, will have a lesser depreciation rate than a not so well maintained house.
• A well-maintained house can help you ask for more money from the buyer.
• With Home Inspection, you can avoid severe damage by taking care of the small damages in time.
• A seller who can truthfully show the pros and cons of the house will get respect from the buyer. Also, the seller can avoid any lawsuit in the future by truthfully showing the outcome of the Home Inspection.

Home Inspectors: The Eyes and Ears of the Real Estate Developer

The developer / promoter cannot be present during the building development process. However, it is essential to supervise the development / construction of the building in order to ensure satisfactory artistry and usage of quality building materials.

The importance of Home Inspection has increased manifold after the passing of RERA Act that rules that the developer has to repair any damage to the newly made house if it develops any damages within 5 years from the date of handover.

• Home Inspection can find faults during the development of the building. Identifying a fault before a building is made will result in correcting that problem by spending less amount of money than what you would have spent if the building was in a ready-for-possession state.
• With the Home Inspectors present, the developer himself will not have to micromanage the building development.
• Home Inspection will save real estate developers from the clutches of the RERA Act by ensuring superior workmanship and usage of quality building materials.
• Home Inspection works as the third-party audit of the building which gives the buyers peace of mind and enhances the reputation of the developer.

Home Inspection: A Smart Tool for Smarter Real Estate Agents

Any responsible real estate agent would like to stay true to his words. Home Inspection will help him do just that.

Real Estate agents do not build the house – they are there to find a customer and sell the house to the customer. However, there is a huge trust deficit when it comes to the relationship between the buyers and the agents. A smart real estate agent would love to amend this trust issue.

Here is how Home Inspection Enhances the Image of The Real Estate Agent:

• A real estate agent who can furnish the proof that the building is inspected and passed by a registered Home Inspector will be trusted by the home buyer.
• Any issue identified by the Home Inspector must be revealed to the buyer. If the real estate agent does that, he will be respected by the buyer for his truthfulness.
• Real estate agents can avoid lawsuits and breach of contract, by informing the buyers beforehand about the issues concerning the house.

When Home Inspection Meets Interior Decoration – a Marriage made in Heaven

Interior Decorators who perform Home Inspection will go a long way in their career. There is more than one reason how conducting a home inspection before starting and also during the decoration work can help the interior decorators.

• Suppose an interior decorator has to stick a nail to the wall. As he starts hammering down, a big chunk of outer plaster falls off. The homeowner will obviously blame the interior decorator. But actually, that portion of the wall was weak due to too much moisture. A prior home inspection would have revealed this issue. So, Home Inspection keeps the decorator safe from unjust blames.
• A faulty area of the house is not the liability of the interior decorator. It is the homeowner who should spend money to repair the damage. Home Inspection can thus help decorators avoid spending money on things that they are not supposed to be in the purview of the decorator.
• If any portion or accessory of the house gets damaged during the decoration work, it can unnecessarily delay the work of the decorator. Home Inspection acts as a detection tool for the interior decorator. It can help the decorator estimate the overall structural condition, detect invisible dampness and potentially weak areas of the house. This knowledge can help the interior decorator serve clients in a much more comprehensive fashion.

This is just the tip of the iceberg. With the advent of sensor-based home-devices, the importance of Home Inspection will be felt much more strongly in the coming years. Home Inspection is a must for anybody who is dealing with a house.

FAQs

1. Home Inspection – Is it worth it?
Ans. Home Inspection is really worthwhile. Just like you cannot see the viruses that can make you sick, you cannot see all the dampness, moulds or small cracks that can severely damage your house in the future.

A Home Inspection Today Will Save Your Money Tomorrow.

2. What happens in a Home Inspection? What should you expect?
Ans. Home Inspection is not one thing – it is a group of tasks. Home Inspectors:

• Look for leaks and seepage of water from the pipes, tanks and other areas.
• Thoroughly check for hidden dampness/seepage that can be detrimental to the health of both the house and its inhabitants. With modern infrared detectors, home inspectors can now forecast areas where you can expect moisture-related problems within a few areas.
• Check if there are any cracks in the wall and the ceiling.
• Check the drainage system in the bathroom, on the terrace etc.
• Look for damages to the window and the door.
• Look for unsafe wiring and electrical equipment.

… and much more …

3. Can I find Home Inspection service near me?
Ans. Yes, Home Inspection is gradually becoming a popular term in India. Please visit this page to know where to find Home Inspection service near you.

Reference links used:
1. https://indianexpress.com/article/india/mahad-building-collapse-building-started-developing-cracks-three-years-after-it-was-constructed/
2. https://www.casemine.com/judgement/in/59f94c514a932658e9cc1ed3
3. https://m.timesofindia.com/city/kanpur/paint-factory-in-mandhana-gutted-in-fire-loss-of-lakhs/amp_articleshow/78502713.cms

Ravi and Malvika are a newlywed couple. They have recently bought a house where they plan to move in along with his parents. The whole family is happy. Ravi takes a good look at his brand new house and says “So, we don’t have to worry about the home for a long time… ah, finally!”

Days pass and within a few months, Ravi notices that the wall in one of the bedrooms has developed dampness. He thinks, it is temporary and does nothing. Soon the paint and the plaster start coming off – just after one year of construction! A frantic Ravi starts looking for a solution when a civil engineer friend advises him to look for the cause first. Ravi visually checks the window sides, the exterior walls, the ceiling and the roof but finds no crack / gap whatsoever in any possible place of leakage / seepage. He could not find the source.

And this is not all! Frequent tripping of circuit breakers starts giving his family the feel of living in a haunted house. What could be a happy one year completion of living in a new house turns out to be a matter of frustration for Ravi. After all, he had invested his hard-earned money in this house of his dreams.

Small damage in the house can turn out to be a big headache later. This kind of damage or potential safety issues can be detected well in advance (even after buying a house or if you are building a new house) with the help of Home Inspection. The importance of home Inspection is multiplied when the house is several years old.

What Is Home Inspection?

A house has multiple components. There are so many rooms and passages. In each unit of space, there are so many elements and accessories. All these are essential for making a house an ideal place for living. Each of these elements is connected to each other (maybe not physically). When one of the parts of the house is damaged, it can impact other parts of the house too. These damages and faults can make the lives of people living there uncomfortable. Many times, these damages can lead to safety & health issues.

It is, therefore, necessary to inspect your home in order to detect these damages and prevent unwanted hassles. Early detection of damages and faults is beneficial – you can fix the issues without spending much money.

Home Inspection is thus worth opting for. Doing Home Inspection today will save you a lot of money tomorrow. What’s more, with Home Inspection, you can make sure that your house – your abode – is safe for your children and other family members.

What Does A Home Inspector Do?

A Home Inspector or rather – a Home Inspection team does a systematic review of the whole house along with everything in the property. All the areas of your property along with all the 7 elements (wall, ceiling, floor, doors, windows, plumbing, electrical) are checked and much more. Here is a list of things that home inspectors look for when they visit a house.

Wall Inspection

India is a tropical country. The climate here is moist as monsoon dominates the seasonal cycle. This aspect makes the houses in India susceptible to moisture-related dampness. The Home Inspection team uses state-of-the-art moisture detection tools to look for moisture within the walls. This is a completely non-invasive procedure using modern thermal imaging – infrared technology. The team can tell if any wall has started to get damp without even touching the walls.

Besides, other issues like cracks, defects based on finish like efflorescence, hollowness etc are also diagnosed with precision by home inspectors.

Ceiling Inspection

A ceiling is an overhead interior surface of a room or area. It can be made of RCC or masonry finish or can be a false ceiling. The things that are checked by home inspectors varies depending on the type of material. Unevenness, undulation, crack, and other surface deterioration or damages are commonly checked in most types. Similar to walls, visual signs of moisture or water stains are checked too in the ceiling. Identifying and detecting the root cause of stains or other forms of moisture is an important step in dealing with it. It is significant to find out the main reason behind the stains.

Floor Inspection

When you enter your house, flooring is the first element you feel. Flooring adds to the aesthetics of the room. There are various types of flooring materials – tiles, marble, mosaic, neat cement flooring etc. Considering common flooring(tiles), lot of parameters are checked by the home inspection team like Hollowness on tile, cracked/broken tile, gaps at tile joints, skirting fitted or not, the slope at wet areas, surface damage, etc. These points have their separate significance. Like it is necessary to check any hollow tiles present in flooring or dado. If there is any, then it can crack or get damaged on regular use. This can lead to seepage or other moisture-related problems. Similarly, the gap at tiles and the incorrect slope will lead to seepage and other deterioration which will create unhealthy living conditions. So, to avoid major repair cost and have hassle-free homes & living, it is essential to check floors properly.

Door Inspection

The home inspectors check if the door moves smoothly without any friction with the floor beneath. They also look for termites and other pests and any signs of damage resulting from them. Since India is a place where there is too much moisture, the home inspectors see if the wooden door is damaged by moisture and humidity. They look for any bulging or cracks. Along with that, they make sure that the hinges are rust-free.

What are the other issues that are usually found in the inspection? – Cracked door frame, the gap between frame and wall, presence of borers and termites, and overall firmness and stability of the structure.

Window Inspection

Home Inspectors look for damaged wood or other material (like metal or UPVC) while inspecting windows. They especially focus on the window sills, their height for safety concern and look for any damage there. A damaged window sill can cause rainwater to seep into the house. Similar issues can arise if the drip mould at the chajja is not provided.

The overall window installation is brought under the scanner because resolving the operational and functional issues becomes more important than anything else. The inspectors see if there is any gap between the wall and the window frames as that can lead to seepage and improper heat exchange between the interior and external environment.

The importance of windows gets enhanced if there is a window AC installed. The home inspectors will ensure that the AC is fixed properly with no loose fittings whatsoever.

Overall Plumbing

The Home Inspection team will check for the overall health of the plumbing system of the house. Beginning with the cursory examination – checking the faucet, drains, water pressure etc – the inspection team will look for plumbing issues in a much more in-depth manner.

i. Bathroom

Under plumbing inspection, special attention is given to the bathroom which happens to be the den of moisture.

The main problem that happens in the bathroom is the blockage of drains. The Home inspector looks for signs of blockage of the drains – the main drains, the drain on the sink etc. Along with that, the inspection team will inspect the floor of the bathroom to see if there is presence of water pocket, deterioration at tile grout etc. Since the walls of the bathroom are more susceptible to water damage, the inspection team will look for extra measures taken to avoid water damage. A good Home Inspection team will also look for potential causes of water wastage – like dripping faucets, leakage in the shower pipe etc.

Bathrooms can be a conducive place for the moulds to grow. The Home Inspection team will look for moulds and stains. Along with that, it will ensure that the exhaust fan is working properly to remove odours, steam as well as for proper ventilation. Hence bathroom inspection will reveal potential issues that can create further hassles if left unnoticed.

ii. Kitchen

Just like bathrooms, kitchens are also susceptible to water and moisture damage. Home Inspectors look for signs of moisture-related damage in the Kitchen. They make sure that the wiring in the Kitchen is done with safety in mind. The team will also examine if the kitchen is well ventilated. There can be plumbing issues present in the kitchen like a dripping faucet, water not draining properly at floor & counter etc.

To know about other things which are looked at by Home inspectors in Kitchen & bathroom, Click here.

Wiring & Electrical System Inspection

Electrical safety is crucial to the overall safety of the home. Issues like tripping or sudden blackout can indicate bigger hidden problems. A home inspection team has dedicated people who check the electrical wiring & system in the house. They check if there is any loose, naked electrical wire in the house, if the outlets are working properly, if there is any chance of a potential short circuit and most importantly, does the house have proper earthing or not. All these aspects and more are covered by the inspection team. Even minor issues like dysfunctional/jammed switches are not ignored. Each and every switch board and point where a home appliance is plugged in is checked for possible a short circuit / damage.

Roof Inspection

An inspection of the roof is important. And this includes checking of the floor for any crack, faulty sloping, etc. If the roof of the house doesn’t allow the water to pass due to clogging of the rainwater outlet, it can seep in and damage the interior ceiling and walls of the house.

Along with that, home inspectors look for vegetation growth on the roof that can cause much damage with their roots. Having said this, rooftop gardening has become popular in many places. Home inspection services check whether it is properly laid or not.

Home Inspectors also check the parapet wall condition and the strength of the railings attached to the roof to ensure that the roof is safe.

Inspection of the Exterior Areas

The same extensive checking is done on the exterior part of the home too depending on the requirement of the customer. The Home Inspection service looks for any damage to the exterior facade of the house. Are the exterior walls painted with waterproof paint? Is there any leakage in the pipes that is making the exterior walls wet? Is the exterior of the house free from any moisture-causing issues like mounds of mud, bad drainage, cracks, etc? Are the staircases safe to use and railings are sturdy enough… and so on.

The home inspection team does not just check the house, it also checks the surrounding ground. It looks for areas that can get slippery during the monsoon. It also examines if there is proper drainage that lets the water flow out of the property of the owners. The Home Inspector also looks for potential damage that can be caused by tree roots. It examines if there is any tree that is too close to the exterior part of building.

So, you can see that Home Inspection is not just a superficial glance at the house to look for small faults and damages. It is a comprehensive examination of all the aspects of the home. A professional home/property inspection services will let you have a peaceful future ahead. No unexpected issue will crop up. Hence it will protect your most important investment of life i.e. Home from unwanted / unforeseen damages.

It is a monumental task to have a home in India. To maintain one is even more cumbersome. The quality of home that one has is often subject to wear and tear. The quality of materials, in a old property, will obviously be worse for the effects of time on it. In fact, some properties have hidden construction-stage issues that tend to surface later appearing as new problems. How to deal with them?

A) While buying a new house, get it checked by the professionals.

B) If you are living in a house for years, get it checked by the professionals!

Yes, there cannot be any other way to assure the quality of a home. Home inspection services are now a reality in India. You must avail of them to put an end to your home quality-related worries.

No Short Cut Please!

It is harder done than said. The idea of ‘jugaad’ is so popular that one avoids doing the necessary thing for one’s home also. One likes to save money & effort; and feel like resorting to conventional, low-cost or obvious solutions. For example, if the paint is seen peeling off the wall, instead of checking why it is happening, one tends to put fresh paint on that area only or go for a wallpaper. Worse, damp is seen in the ceiling of the ground floor; one simply puts white cement on the floor-wall joints of the bathroom/toilet on the first floor. These solutions only delay the inevitable and are superficial to the point that they are misleading.

If periodical maintenance or health check-up of any property is not carried out or problems are overlooked, then deterioration will occur and the issues will spread. It will adversely affect both the human health and property life. Taking care of the elements of any property will not only ensure smooth functioning but will also provide these elements a longer and healthy life.

A home/property is a sum of all elements that are part of it. However, there is a tendency to ignore the unit in totality and think of each defective element as a separate thing that in turn will solve the entire issue of property maintenance. In the long term, it will be nothing but one Band-Aid to a body suffering numerous blows. The body needs more than random single-use fix-ups.

Home Inspectors perform the much-needed in-depth inspection of the places where one lives or works. Sometimes, as in the case of a pandemic, both work and home merge into one place. The need to improve the quality of the home increases, as audio-visual representations (prepared for work) from home, get shared more in professional and personal contexts.

What all come under the purview of Home Inspection?

A home inspection is characterised by the following main features:

• Examining basic elements like the type of material used in walls, floor, ceiling, staircase, etc
• Assessing the current condition of the property
• Analysing the safety of the elements that one has to deal with on a daily basis
• Finding the source of an existing problem
• Suggesting long term solutions to eliminate the problems that have arisen or may arise

The types of properties inspected are:

• New, Existing, Old, Heritage
• Home
• Big Residential Projects
• Commercial:
  • Offices
  • Schools
  • Hospitals and other healthcare buildings
  • Shopping malls and multiplexes
  • Standalone retail stores
  • Factories
  • Warehouses, etc etc

Inspection typically involves non-invasive, visual examination of all accessible areas including:

• The rooms – living and dining room, bedroom, study room, storeroom
• Kitchen, Bathroom/toilet
• Attached areas e.g., Balcony, roof, lobby
• Attached structures – stairs, steps, handrails, ramp etc
• Elements in each area – floor, ceiling, walls, doors, windows, plumbing, electrical
• Add-on components – cabinets, counters, furniture pieces, faucets, sinks and basins, etc

In a nutshell, home inspection represented a complete value-chain with full integration.

One often forgets or rather takes for granted how many elements there are in each room and how interconnected they are. Home inspectors with their advanced tools provide the big picture of what is happening. More pressingly, how well the future would play out. The walls have to bear the load of the house – literally. It is not a question of just looking good, but also how durable it is for future generations. Otherwise, your home will start ageing fast and become uninhabitable within a few years.

So you should use the home inspection services to put your doubts at rest. How your house or office should be from a utilitarian angle should be left to the professionals. They have the technology, experience, tools and solutions and also the know-how to use them.

Benefits of Home Inspection

Numerous – one being assessing the durability of the property components, as already stated above. Besides, other advantages of opting for home inspection services are:

• Minimizing risks of accidents which may cause due to electrical or construction defects in the building
• Getting freedom from dampness and gifting your family a microbe-free environment
• Increasing the life of your beloved home
• A pre-handover inspection while buying a property ensures your investment is worth it
• Getting a realistic idea of the value of the property before selling
• Finding salient and hidden defects of the home saves you from future repair and maintenance cost

And this is just a macro view. You really have to look at ‘home inspection’ as a service from different angles – a homeowner, a commercial property owner, a person buying a new house, a person intending to sell his old house, a person willing to renovate a heritage property, a builder/developer, an interior designer, a realtor and so on – to understand its scope and varied advantages. It is, in the true sense, a boon of a concept in the world of real estate.

You cannot keep on neglecting where you spend so much time and moreover where your name is attached. Having a home inspection might be inconvenient for that one day where you would have to be around when the inspector comes. It would surely save you a lot of potential losses and harassment in the future.

We often think that buying anything that looks shiny from outside or selling something that is defective is effective problem-solving. But this kind of approach is piecemeal and not holistic. We need to acknowledge the basic nature of our house and how much can it take in. A home inspection will be the means of getting that message across. You do not need to fret needlessly or be confused about the resources at hand.

Home Inspection Services in India: A Sunshine Industry Putting an End To Property Quality Issues

It is an exciting new phase in India’s real estate history. Home inspection as an industry has come and is growing, and how! Outside India, it is already an established industry. There are professional home inspection services in most of the major locations of the country. They ensure that you have a comprehensive health check-up for your home and still do not have to pay through your nose. After all, with the hard-earned money, no one wants to fall trap to the ‘penny-wise pound-foolish malady.’

What are the major factors that are driving the growth of Home Inspection in India?

a. Changing homebuyer sentiment

Today’s home buyers are a much aware lot than before. They want to be doubly assured of the quality of the home/property they are putting their money in – whether it is a gadget or a property. Moreover, with the real estate prices escalating they want to protect what they already have in their hand. With this, awareness regarding healthy living is also increasing. People prefer to buy and live in a house that will nurture their health and not ruin it over the years. For that, they are not shying away from paying some extra money for a service that has long-term value.

b. Launch of the Real Estate Regulation & Development Act (RERA, India), 2016¹

This milestone Act provides for a five years free-of-cost guarantee from structural / workmanship defect or any other quality or provision of services or any other obligations of promoter as per the agreement for sale from the date of handing over possession. It shall be the duty of promoter to rectify such defects without further charge. In the event of promoter’s failure to rectify such defects within such time, the aggrieved allottees shall be entitled to receive appropriate compensation in the manner as provided under this Act.

The Government of India² has been serious about implementing this Act³ to the best of interest of the consumers, that is, the homebuyers. It is applicable PAN – India.

c. Real Estate Developers have also come to realise the important of a construction phase / pre-delivery check-up / inspection of the properties they are building. Senior management cannot always monitor construction & quality. Third party Home / Property Inspection Services ensures reduced dependency on contractors / floor managers, workers, assures quality and adds value to their project and credibility. Leading developers of metro cities have now started using the services of home inspectors / third party property auditors for the residential projects they are developing. India largest online property advisory services company MagicBricks.com has tied up with leading home inspection companies of India and started offering Home / Property Inspection Services under their platform – https://www.magicbricks.com/propertyservices/property-inspection-services⁴

d. Incorporation of the Home Inspection Association of India

The founder members of the leading names in the home inspection industry such as MACJ – A Buyers Choice Home Inspections, E-Ghar, Checkmyprop, HomeInspektor, Meazurement, etc came forward to form this association⁵ with the objective to have a common platform of growth, development and regulation of this new industry in India. They are also in touch with various RERA / Government authorities to enable incorporating third party inspection services under the RERA.

Home Inspection with a gamut of employment opportunities is here to stay and flourish. You may be unsure about opting for this new service now. This is a common tendency of any market towards any new service or product. But trust us, it already is a multi-billion US Dollars established industry in the USA, it will only spell benefits for your property. Most of us are unaware of the qualities that our home is endowed with. With the help of a professional home inspection team, unleash these qualities, say goodbye to problems like seepage/leakage, damp, improper earthing, etc and enhance the health and safety of your home manifold.

Reference links used:
1. https://www.zricks.com/Updates/Why-you-need-Professional-Home-Inspection-Services-in-India/4014
2. https://realty.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/regulatory/govt-sets-up-central-advisory-council-for-effective-rera-implementation/62073929
3. http://mohua.gov.in/cms/rera.php
4. https://www.magicbricks.com/propertyservices/property-inspection-services
5. http://hiai.in/

It is often said that “home is not a place, it is a feeling.” Owning a house is the ultimate dream of most people as it gives a secure feeling to an individual.

Emotion often affects the home buyer and makes it hard to imagine any problems with their new home. Every year lacs of homebuyers in India take possession of their property without knowing actual issues or defects. But they focus more on locations, rates, facilities, size, etc. before purchasing a home or apartment.

If you have bought a new / used re-sale home or apartment, home inspection becomes very important. A Home inspection ensures everything in the house is functioning properly and identifies needed repairs. Inspection is a significant way to become aware of the areas of the house that can act as a hazard or create problems in the future and also suggest solutions for specific issues. The Home inspection is an essential part that ensures a healthy home for your family.

The homeowner gets benefited from a 360 degree home inspection in the long run. The areas in your home or apartment comprise of Bedrooms, Bathrooms, Living and dining, Kitchens, Balcony, etc. The 7 basic elements in all the areas comprise of a wall, ceiling, floor, door, window, plumbing, and electrical. The checklist of a home inspection is vast and detailed. Let us explain you element-wise checklist of home inspection for Indian home/property in brief for better understanding.

1. Walls

Walls are often ignored by homeowners. Wall is a continuous vertical member used to sometimes transmit load from beam to floor. It plays a significant role in a home. Having Wall Inspection done addresses you errors or issues before they become major problem.Essential points which are checked and generally observed on the wall:

• Cracks on the wall: Fluctuation in moisture and temperature causes constant expansion and shrinkage of concrete.Various types of cracks in building mostly take place during or after construction.The cracks in building may be structural cracks¹ or non-structural cracks depending on its nature. Read The causes of cracks in your house.
• Defects depending on finish:  As there are different finishes at a different stage of construction. Defects can vary depending on the stage of inspection.  Different finishes can be plaster, putty and paint.
  • General defects on plastered surface are crazing, separation crack at joints, efflorescence and hollowness on plastered surface, Flaking & peeling off plaster, loose plaster, undulation etc.
  • General defects at putty finished wall are Surface damages,undulation,uneven, popping, peeling etc.
  • General defects at paint finished wall are uneven finish,undulation,popping, peeling, discolouration etc.
• Dampness or Moisture on Wall: Flaking, popping, peeling, discolouration etc are visual signs of moisture. To get it rectified, it is important to detect the source of dampness and moisture through advanced technology. If not treated at the right time, this will lead to further deterioration.

Apart from this, waterproofing is checked in wet areas depending on the stage of inspection.

2. Ceiling

A ceiling is an overhead interior surface of a room or compartment. It can be made of RCC or masonry finish or can be a false ceiling. The Checklist varies depending on the type of material. Unevenness, undulation, crack, and other surface damages are commonly checked in most types. Similar to walls, visual signs of moisture or water stains are checked too in ceiling. Identifying the root cause of stain or other forms of moisture is the important step in dealing with it.

3. Flooring

When you enter your house, flooring is the first element you feel. Flooring adds to beauty of the room. There are various types of flooring materials – tiles, marble, mosaic, Neat cement flooring etc.  Considering very common flooring(tile) , our checklist includes: Checking Hollowness on tile, cracked/broken tile, gap at tile joints, skirting fitted or not, slope at wet areas, etc. These points have their separate significance to check. Like it is necessary to check any hollow tiles present in flooring or dado. If there is any,then it can crack or get damaged on regular use. This can lead to seepage or other moisture-related problems. Similarly, gap at tiles and the incorrect slope will lead to seepage and other deterioration. So, to avoid the major cost and have hassle-free homes & living, it is very essential to check floors properly.

4. Doors

Doors play a significant role in the security of your homes. A door is a gateway and keeping that gateway strong and secure is a key factor in maintaining good home safety & security. Cracks at the frame, the gap between frame and wall, presence of borer or termite, firmness & stability, operation & functioning, alignment, other visual checks etc. are the main pointers in the checklist.  The door is properly inspected for damaged, missing, and uneven fittings.

5. Windows

Windows are very important element for efficiency, security and appeal of your home. Apart from this, Windows provide our homes with light, warmth, and ventilation. Windows connect your home to the outer world. It is very essential to inspect your windows before you move in. Main pointers in the checklist: gap around windows frame, window installation, operation & function issue, window sill height, drip mould at chajja, etc. If there is a gap around window frame (may be due to sealant deterioration or sealant not provided), air seeping in and out of these gaps affects the energy efficiency of your home and also allows the moisture to enter inside the house which can cause severe damage to the property in future. Similarly, Chajja without drip mould may seem like a minor thing but it can let rainwater to enter home and can cause seepage problems and create hassles.

6. Electrical and Fixtures

A proper electric system functioning is an important factor for healthy and safe homes. An electrical inspection implies to detailed inspection of the electrical connections, wiring and basic electrical fixtures installed in your home. Electrical Safety is our first priority during inspection. Key parameters (checklist of our inspection) include:

• A thorough inspection of the electrical wiring system which includes detailed wiring connection & Wire Gauge.
• Inspection of each and every switch / socket boards – Operation and wiring.
• Position of installation of the electrical fan, light points, switch & socket boards.
• Ensuring a home free of electrical shock & electrical accident, and better service life of electrical equipment along with electrical safety
• Checking the functionality of RCCB²/MCB³, inadequate wire provision, improper earthling, loose connection, etc.

Apart from this need-based DB / MCB charting (Value-added service that comes with every inspection giving you the exact location of the load distribution from each MCB).

7. Plumbing and fixtures

A plumbing inspection is an important part of the entire inspection process. A professional inspection can save home buyers from future inconvenience and expenses. Taking care of your home’s plumbing system is essential to keeping the clean water flowing in and flushing your home’s waste out. Few pointers of the checklist are – Checking leaky faucets & pipes, blockage in the drain, water pressure, plumbing trap condition, the gap around drain outlet, water draining properly through outlet etc.

Nobody wants to enter a home to encounter leakage, seepage, damps, and other problems regarding moisture.  You can also Check out 7 Plumbing Mistakes in Your New Home.

Apart from the above brief checklist of basic elements, identifying unsafe areas of a home is also important. We can also inspect exterior common areas like lobby area, roof etc. and fire safety depending on the requirement.

Conclusion

With the help of this content, our motive was to create awareness about the brief checklist of the home inspection process. Home inspection can show the true picture of your home/property. It minimizes the risk of your investment by showing you all the shortcomings, so that you get it repaired before it converts into a big problem. Hence, get your home/property inspected to have a safe and healthy home.

Reference links used:
1. https://www.paintdoctor.co.za/structural-cracks/
2. https://cselectric.co.in/blog/residual-current-circuit-breaker-rccb/
3. https://www.electrical4u.com/miniature-circuit-breaker-or-mcb/

The Coronavirus pandemicis still going on. Millions of people globally have been caught in the grip of this virus and many have lost their lives. Now everyone is scared about themselves and their family’s safety. No one wants outsiders to enter in their homes.

Pandemics, call for preparedness and not panic.

Considering the safety of our clients and team, we follow certain protocols which will remove doubt regarding well being & hygiene of your family. Considering the worry of our customers to get their home inspected in this pandemic, here is how we work keeping in mind the safety & hygiene for our customers as our priority:

1. Safe travel to the site

We give importance to commuting to the inspection site. In this pandemic, we strictly restrict the use of mass public transport by our team.They use bike or company driven car.

2. Wearing Safety equipment

Our inspection team wears need based safety equipment – Face mask, face shield, hand gloves, shoe covers, etc. We wear disposable, fresh & sanitized set of safety equipment at the site before beginning the inspection.

3. Accessing Common areas of the site

Our team follows safety measures while accessing common areas of a building (lift, staircase etc) by avoiding support of a handrail during usage of stairs. And safely operating lift by one person of the team that too with help of tissue paper which is disposed after usage.

4. Use of Hand sanitizer

Hand sanitizers are generously used by our team during the home inspection process, also before wearing and removing safety equipment. They will always follow hand hygiene to avoid the spread of virus and germs.

5. Using inspection tools safely

All home inspection tools used only with gloves donned. Besides, they are being cleaned regularly.

6. Monitoring health of our team

None of our inspectors or other team will work when they have a fever, cough or shortness of breath. We ensure monitoring of their temperature and health for the safety and well being of our customers and team.

7. Following Social Distance Norm

Our team follows social distancing norms – interacting with a customer at a safe distance. If the home’s occupants are in the home, the occupants are advised to stay in a centralized / separate location during the inspection and not follow the inspector around. Under no circumstance should the occupants be within 6 feet of the inspector. We encourage work from home and direct to site culture for increased safety.

8. Safer report exchange and payment option

Being a company that uses technology, the inspection report is exchanged digitally (via email) and our payment process is online mode also depending on the requirement of our customer. This option is for the customers who are sceptical about the point of contact during current time as physical reports or currency notes can spread infection.

Apart from the above, all inspectors are available by phone or video call after the inspection for follow up discussions / queries on our inspection report. Our team maintains cleanliness and hygiene during the entire inspection process. By working together, we can continue providing outstanding home inspections while better protecting our clients, team, home’s occupants and others.

MACJ – A Buyer’s Choice Home Inspections, a pioneering Professional Home Inspection Services in India is trying to set high standards for the Indian home / property inspection industry – on how to respond to the current situation. We would also like to tell you that the mentioned safety protocols are being followed for all types of our inspection services at this current time. The health and safety of our customers and team are our first priority. Besides, we always try to ensure proper health and safety of your family and home/property by detecting issues and providing solution for specific issues. A Home inspection is significant and essential to ensure a healthy & safe home.

Home is not just brick and mortar. It is where our soul finds peace. It is the place which makes us happy, secured and comfortable in a world of billion people. But as we grow and change the bits and pieces of our life we often tend to ignore things that ensure the longevity of this abode of peace. We are either busy mending its exterior or beautifying its interior. We simply do not look deeper. Majority of the people in India are not familiar with the idea of the home inspection. Ask your neighbour Malhotra Ji, he will tell you about everything from buying a property to getting the best electrician in the area. But ‘home inspection?’ – Well, you can almost visualize the clueless expression on his face.

Inspection of the home is a service area that needs to be explored in our country for better living, prosperity and growth. Even if people are aware of the theoretical part of the home inspection they have hardly travelled the road in reality. This article will help you to gain insight into home inspection and push you towards a path you will never regret.

What is a home inspection?

Professional home inspection is a process through which condition of your home or property is examined thoroughly by certified home inspectors. All accessible areas of your home, for example, wall, ceiling, floor, doors, windows, plumbing & electrical systems and alike are examined to identify the existing or possible issues /damages and give long term solutions.

In simple terms, home inspection means the Health and safety Check Up of your Home or Property. To understand its area, elements, coverage, 3D of issues; read So What exactly is Home Inspection?

What is the significance of home inspection?

Most common problems in Indian homes are damp, leakages, excess amount of moisture as also electrical accidents, fire and safety hazards. Damp is a major cause of worry, as the reason being that India has a humid climate which affects a property be it old or new. Besides, faults or issues in the building also tend to become problematic with years. Hence, it is essential to have the right kind of technology that keeps you ahead in your home game. Here is why a home inspection is a boon in your life.

Saves your property and family

Inspection is a great way to become aware of the areas of the house that can act as a hazard or create problems in the future and also suggest solution for it. Let us give you examples – There is a negligible crack in the wall near your window. You notice it, ignore it for some time or plan to postpone it till the next painting session. What follows next? – A damp patch, an obvious sign of seepage, and swelling of the wall paint. Worse happens when dots of fungi start appearing on the damp patch.

Now let’s talk health.

Don’t we really know that germs flourish in damp conditions? Dampness on the wall not only spoil the look of your home but impacts the health of your family too. But we are happy to take anti-allergic pills and use inhalers regularly thinking there is no choice. Why not take a definitive step now and get to the root of the problem with the help of home inspection.

Find salient and hidden defects of the home

No home is perfect. Your home can also be the safe haven of one or many hidden defects. As you already know that every house has seven basic elements (walls, ceiling, floor, doors, windows, plumbing and electrical). These elements can conceal issues which can create serious threat in the proper functioning and safety of your home. So protect your home from masked hazards.

Save you from future repair and maintenance costs

With the help of home inspection,you will get aware of issues and solution. Getting issues rectified on time can save you from further associated problems.

Issues pointed out by the home inspector should be considered because something as small as a leaking pipe could turn into a bigger problem later.It is better to fix a problem when it is small than to wait and let it become a bigger problem.Repair and maintenance costs go up all the time. Also add to that the cost of material also keeps increasing all the time. Last but not the least, the amount of inconvenience caused by a repair work is also a factor.

Hence, in long run it will save future repair & maintenance cost as well as give you a peace of mind.

Makes life better

When our house is falling apart or when we don’t feel comfortable in it, the standard and the spirit of living a good life evaporates. Our surrounding acts as a promoter of a healthy mind. A home inspection is one such initiative that opens doors of possibilities and allows us to fix the errors and have a better home along with life.

Keeps accidents at bay

Accidents are unpredictable events. But what about getting the opportunity of identifying areas that can cause an accident? Wouldn’t you like to take serious actions and extinguish the possibility of an accident? If it’s yes then home inspection is what you need right now.

Basically, Home inspection detects the unsafe areas of home. Safety is one of the key aspects that a home inspector focuses on during an inspection. It is the need of the hour to have a safer home.

So, only a homeowner needs a home inspection, right?

Wrong. You need a home inspection if you are a home or property buyer, home seller, interior designer, real estate developer or real estate consultant or are in any relatable profession. A home inspection can be beneficial for you in a number of ways. Even your office / shop / school / showroom, etc needs a thorough property inspection.

What is the process of a home inspection?

A home inspection is not only about home inspectors arriving at your door checking the house and walking out. It is a procedure that is followed step by step by trained professionals. Let us understand it very briefly.

It can be best explained in 4 phrases:

• Areas: All the areas of your home e.g., bedroom, bathroom, living area, dining area, kitchen, balcony, loft, terrace, servant quarter, etc are inspected.
• Elements: All the 7 elements (wall, ceiling, floor, door, window, plumbing, electrical) of each area as all any additional element is checked.
• What is Inspected? The condition of the house and other important details is looked into. These include types of materials used, finishing& installation, operation & functionality.Last but not the least, safety aspects are also reviewed.
• 3D of Issues: The process of inspection results in:
  • Detection of the issues / problems
  • Describing the issues.
  • Directing the solution to each issue / problem.

The working procedure of the inspectors may vary from the company to company and their policies but the central idea of creating a safe and secured shelter remains the same.

Watch the video to get a clearer idea:

Now, that you know about home inspection and its numerous benefits, it will be easier for you to formulate better decisions when it comes to your space. Always remember time, choices and decision matters. So watch your steps and support constructive and comprehensive approaches that will help you to keep your home healthy and safe.

Learning from tragedy

Remember the massive blaze that broke out at a coaching centre in Surat one year ago? The incident¹ claimed lives of nearly 20 students. Disturbing visuals that went viral across the internet showed some students jumping off the multi-storey building of the institute in a desperate attempt to escape the fire. Investigations that followed revealed that the building lacked the statutory permission including those related to fire safety.

“There was no escape route available for the students who got trapped on the top floors,” said a fire official. Neither any safety equipment was reportedly installed in the building.

This was not a one-off incident. An audit of the Kota fire safety department² that was conducted soon after the Surat tragedy found that as many as 90% of buildings of coaching institutes and hostels across the city, barring a few big ones, did not have adequate fire safety arrangements. Fire incidents were not uncommon in these hostels.

Now, imagine what would be the consequences of such incidents if they happened in a school. The sheer thought of it sends chills down the spine – isn’t it? With small children all around, the schools are supposed to be the safest place on earth.

Therefore it is an appropriate time to place more importance on the health & safety issue of educational institutes of our country and make inspection a compulsory and regular affair in schools.

Key Inspection-worthy Areas in a School

From school gate to the classrooms, from staircase to the bathrooms – each and every accessible area in a school needs to be inspected at regular intervals.

1. Main gate
The most important part of an educational building – the gate is a symbol of many things, many emotions. It is the entryway to the world of knowledge and character-building. From the security point of view, it is the gate that restricts the access to unauthorized individuals and helps maintain internal discipline. Therefore, it must be strong enough and conform to the guidelines set by the National School Safety Council for prevention of any external and internal threat.

Inspection in a school checks for the following aspects of the main gate:

• The material it is made of and hence, the strength to withstand environmental challenges
• The strength to safeguard the school children and staff against any undesired mob
• The locking system and if that is child-proof
• The hinges and the wheels (if any)

2. Staircases
The steps should not be too steep but wide enough to enable students to stand properly when in a queue. The handrails should be strong and continuous, with rounded edges. The railings of the staircase should not be too widely spaced as small children may weld their heads between them by mistake and get stuck or fall off accidentally through them while running up and down.

3. Walls – Interior & Exterior
“A school is a building that has four walls… with tomorrow inside.” – So, you know how important it is to have walls that are strong, clean, and hygienic?

A school authority must be careful about maintaining them right from the completion of construction. The exterior paint must have weather coat to withstand environmental stresses. The interior wall paint should ideally be dust-resistant and environmental friendly. Any crack on the wall must come under the scanner because you never know if it is a normal one that has happened due to settling of the structure on the foundation or something to worry about. There are many causes behind cracks and only trained professionals can identify them and suggest action. Whatever be the reason, cracks, if left unattended, may lead to seepage in the long term or accumulation of dirt and microorganisms.

Another sign of bad health of walls is the presence of watermarks or damp on it. Flaky paint is also a common symptom. Again, there can be multiple reasons behind damp. Only a professional inspection service can pinpoint the exact reason. School authorities must look into that reason and act on it with a sense of urgency.

Dampness makes wall structure weak from within and triggers growth of microorganisms thereby leading to the deterioration of internal air quality. Damp leads to unhealthy conditions and threats of disease.

4. Ceilings
The condition of the ceiling in every floor in a school building is as important as the walls. On rare occasion, it may sag due to panels loosening or pulling away of the plaster coats. There can be other structural problems like overloading of a ceiling joint. Or, it could be something more common such as a leak which is causing fast deterioration. Any problem in the ceiling if not addressed in time may lead to a major accident. Plus, damp has its own bad effects on health too. So, inspection must be carried out occasionally, especially before & after monsoon, to check for any issues that may later become a cause of concern.

Roof, though not kept accessible for the students, must also be checked during inspection for any cracks, waterproofing related problem, etc.

5. Floor
Floor, apparently a safe part of a building, can become a major cause of accident in school. The authority must remain careful about its slipperiness. It should be mopped and cleaned daily. Also, the right level of friction must be maintained to do away with any slips, trips, and falls. Hollow or broken tiles if any should be located and repaired or replaced depending upon the defect.

6. Doors and Windows
Strong, well-fitted doors and windows are a bare minimum thing in a school building. They must open and close properly, make no unusual noise, and should not let in rainwater or wind (windows) when closed due to sealant deterioration or improper installation. Locking system of the doors should be differently chosen. On classroom doors, the latches should be at a particular height, beyond the reach of the small children. In case of bathrooms, the doors must have an easy locking system so that no student can accidentally lock himself/ herself up.

7. Plumbing
The five major parts of a school’s plumbing are: Water Storage, Water Supply, Fixtures (in bathrooms, pantry, drinking water bay, canteen, etc.), Sewage, and Septic System. All these five parts should be maintained properly. Even the minutest of leakage or clog can lead to a major disruption. But the challenge with plumbing maintenance is most of the problems arise in places that are out of sight – under the floor, behind the walls, below the tank, etc. So, they are difficult to detect until they start to manifest somewhere else. Only trained inspectors who are equipped with advanced technology tools can track them and suggest the right solution.

8. Overall electrical safety
The electrical system of a school can be compared to the body’s nervous system with the panel box acting as the brain and power lines acting as nerves branching out from it and running throughout the building. There are other parts as well such as fuses or circuit breakers, switches, regulators, and so on. A problem in any part of this extensive system can either lead to a major power failure or a fire incident. Possibilities of shocks can also not be ruled out. So, it is crucial to keep the entire electrical system under check and in proper condition 24X7.

9. Fire safety
Although not a structural issue, an inspection service in school would cover this as it is integral to the safety of the school children and staff. The important fire safety measures that should be taken by the school are:

• Adequate number of fire extinguishers installed at strategic areas
• More than one emergency exits
• Map evacuation routes
• Access to alarms
• Access to the terrace or balcony at the time of a fire outbreak
• Regular practising of fire drills

10. Other structures and passages
A school building has other areas and different supporting structures such as shades, columns, and stage, etc. Small passages are also there to facilitate easy movement and connectivity. All these structures and passages must be checked at regular intervals for any cracks, damp, and other related damage issues and repaired immediately.

School maintenance is an organizational activity that is carried out by the authority. To make it more effective, property inspection must be made a regular programme. It will not only enhance the health, safety and security of the premises but will also improve the overall delivery of education to a significant extent.

Reference links used:
1. https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/surat-fire-accident-news-coaching-centre-gujarat-1534340-2019-05-25
2. https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/90-coaching-centres-in-kota-lack-fire-safety-arrangements-audit/story-8Vre0plR3YeHOSR1ukjnfP.html