FAQs: The Most Common Southwest Inspections Questions Answered!

If you work in the inspection business, you know that having an answer ready can be challenging at times. There’s so much information out there, and it changes regularly. One inspection process may have one set of answers today and another tomorrow. 

With the number of inspection services growing every day, there are more vendors to keep track of as well. Whether you need to ask a co-worker or do some research online, good preparation is key to staying on top of things. In this blog post, we answer some common inspection questions concerning southwest inspections.

Q: What is a home inspection?

A: A home inspection is an objective, visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a home, from the roof to the foundation. An inspection is primarily for the benefit of the buyer, to help them make an informed decision about the property. 

However, sellers can also request an inspection in order to identify any potential problems that need to be addressed before putting their home on the market.

Q: Who should get a home inspection?

A: Anybody who is buying or selling a home, or considering doing so, should get an inspection. An inspection can reveal hidden problems that could potentially jeopardize the sale or uncover issues that need to be addressed before putting the home on the market.

Q: What is a walk-around inspection?

A: A walk-around inspection is a visual inspection of the property during the pre-drywall stage. An inspector will go over the entire property and document any defects they find. The property will either be in a wet condition (with water being applied to the wall) or in a dry condition. 

During a wet walk-around inspection, any defects are recorded, but they are not corrected. During a dry walk-around inspection, the defects are corrected. It’s important to note that some home inspectors are certified to conduct only a walk-around inspection. 

Others can conduct both a pre-drywall inspection and a pre-paint inspection. If you’re unsure, ask which inspections the inspector is certified to conduct.

Q: What is a pre-drywall inspection?

A: A pre-drywall inspection is conducted before the drywall is hung on the wall. It’s similar to a wet walk-around inspection in that any defects are recorded but not corrected. The inspector will go over the entire property and document any issues that they find. It’s important to note that there are two types of pre-drywall inspections. 

A standard pre-drywall inspection is conducted before the sheetrock is hung on the wall. A final pre-drywall inspection is done after the sheetrock has been hung but before the drywall is finished. 

An inspector conducting a standard pre-drywall inspection will likely have a moisture meter in hand. If you’re having a final pre-drywall inspection done, an inspector will likely have a laser wall-scanning device.

Q: What is a pre-paint inspection?

A: A pre-paint inspection is conducted before the paint is applied to the wall. It’s a visual inspection that is similar to a dry walk-around inspection in that the defects are recorded but not corrected. An inspector will go over the entire property and document any issues that they find. 

While there’s nothing stopping an inspector from conducting a pre-paint inspection while the wall is wet, they will not be able to correct any defects.

Q: What are the most common violations found during a Southwest inspection?

A: While there are many different types of inspections in the southwest, the most common violations found during these inspections are related to moisture. The southwest is known for having high humidity, and naturally, this leads to high moisture levels in the air. When moisture comes into contact with a wall that’s made of wood, it can cause significant damage. 

The inspector will look for siding that’s been improperly installed, wall cavities that have been improperly flashed, and/or gutters that are filled with debris. These are only a few of the most common violations found during a southwest inspection. Depending on the type of inspection being conducted, there are many other issues that could be identified.

Q: Are there any certifications that help inspectors do their job better?

A: There are several different types of certifications that can help inspectors do their job better. An inspector who’s certified in building and structural pest control will have more knowledge than someone who hasn’t been certified. There are also various certifications that can help an inspector conduct a more thorough inspection. 

Q: Are Southwest inspections required by law?

A: Not all Southwest inspections are required by law. They are typically conducted on new homes or homes that have undergone significant renovations. A southwest inspection will help an inspector identify any moisture issues that could lead to damage. 

The inspection report will include recommendations for how to correct any problems found. They are different from typical home inspections in that they are conducted during the rainy season when moisture levels are highest.

Q: How much does an inspector make on average?

A: An average inspector can expect to make anywhere between $25 and $40 per hour. The amount an inspector can charge will depend on their level of experience. The more experience an inspector has, the more they can charge for their services. 

If you’re interested in becoming an inspector, the best advice is to get started today! Find a mentor who can show you the ropes and help you along the way. You don’t need a college degree to become an inspector, but you do need a good working knowledge of the trade and a desire to do the job well.

Call Guardian Angel Inspections Today

Whether you are buying or selling a home, you need a professional home inspection from a company you can trust. At Guardian Angel Inspections, we have extensive experience in the home inspection industry. We are certified, licensed, and insured. We offer a wide range of services to our clients, including:

1. Home Inspections
2. Mold Inspections
3. Roof Inspections
4. Pool Inspections
5. And More!

Our home inspectors are highly trained and experienced. They will take the time to thoroughly inspect your property from top to bottom. We use the latest technology and equipment to make sure that we provide our clients with the most accurate information possible.

So get in touch with us today to schedule a home inspection. We look forward to serving you!

Phone: 561-512-7854
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