![internachi home inspection school](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ebd5e8_692b9023aa7d4b9593dd4d66c722aa78~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_971,h_546,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/ebd5e8_692b9023aa7d4b9593dd4d66c722aa78~mv2.jpg)
BASEMENT, FOUNDATION, CRAWLSPACE & STRUCTURE INSPECTION GUIDE
This guide for the House of Horrors® in Boulder, Colorado, is currently being produced for self-guided tours.
The guide is based on and refers to the most recent International Residential Code (IRC), which can be found online at https://codes.iccsafe.org/public/collections/I-Codes.
Free, Online Course
To learn more, take InterNACHI's free, online Structural Issues for Home Inspectors Course.
STANDARDS OF PRACTICE
The International Standards of Practice for inspecting the Basement, Foundation, Crawlspace & Structure is located at www.nachi.org/sop.
Observation
![attic_joists](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ebd5e8_631e85235c3643bc90b8b95ef4cefbe5~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_600,h_337,al_c,q_80,enc_auto/ebd5e8_631e85235c3643bc90b8b95ef4cefbe5~mv2.jpg)
Attic access should have a double header between the ceiling joists. Intersecting ceiling joists need to be secured by joist hangers. Attic access should meet the 22”x30” clear opening recommend in the UBC.
Observation
![notched_girder](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ebd5e8_166383afd947436da083ef99645a0ad0~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_600,h_337,al_c,q_80,enc_auto/ebd5e8_166383afd947436da083ef99645a0ad0~mv2.jpg)
Main support Girder has been cut to accommodate plumbing pipes.
Observation
![double_wall_plate.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ebd5e8_12a1db07ea5040ebaa069dc53af06f31~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_600,h_337,al_c,q_80,enc_auto/ebd5e8_12a1db07ea5040ebaa069dc53af06f31~mv2.jpg)
The double wall plate does not extend to the corner of the wall.
Observation
![structural_truss_cut.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ebd5e8_8e15b3e9e74248e4883edeef311ffda3~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_600,h_337,al_c,q_80,enc_auto/ebd5e8_8e15b3e9e74248e4883edeef311ffda3~mv2.jpg)
Structural Truss was cut to accommodate a heat duct. (This may compromise the structural integrity of the truss).
Observation
![ceiling_joist](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ebd5e8_06b654f88c4b48aa96f4a45408bdd99f~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_600,h_337,al_c,q_80,enc_auto/ebd5e8_06b654f88c4b48aa96f4a45408bdd99f~mv2.jpg)
2x4 ceiling joist is undersized. (The remainder of the ceiling joists are 2x6).
Observation
![wood-gusset.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ebd5e8_36b98ecb403f46ca929d05f63ab021ea~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_600,h_337,al_c,q_80,enc_auto/ebd5e8_36b98ecb403f46ca929d05f63ab021ea~mv2.jpg)
Hand assembled wood gussets are not acceptable without approval of a structural engineer. (Any modification of an engineered structural truss will require a review and approval by a structural engineer).
Observation
![purlin_strongback.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ebd5e8_7b905d12285c4e21a4aaac22886cbed8~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_600,h_337,al_c,q_80,enc_auto/ebd5e8_7b905d12285c4e21a4aaac22886cbed8~mv2.jpg)
Purlin Strongback is missing the proper vertical support on the end and is not making contact with the Rafter.
Observation
![ridge_beam](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ebd5e8_c8b40d2ac9e94b25b576977fa6922afe~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_600,h_337,al_c,q_80,enc_auto/ebd5e8_c8b40d2ac9e94b25b576977fa6922afe~mv2.jpg)
Ridge beam has no vertical support at the end.
Observation
![balloon_wall](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ebd5e8_ef02b2212d45487d8d59c29b9313f4d9~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_600,h_337,al_c,q_80,enc_auto/ebd5e8_ef02b2212d45487d8d59c29b9313f4d9~mv2.jpg)
Balloon wall has no fire blocking installed between the studs.
Observation
![missing_jack_studs](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ebd5e8_478ae795d6d540ef86ca70758fdab9cd~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_600,h_337,al_c,q_80,enc_auto/ebd5e8_478ae795d6d540ef86ca70758fdab9cd~mv2.jpg)
Wall opening is missing Jack studs.
Observation
![missing_trimmer](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ebd5e8_0d0a29bdb098462489cc62819aa84825~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_600,h_337,al_c,q_80,enc_auto/ebd5e8_0d0a29bdb098462489cc62819aa84825~mv2.jpg)
Door opening is missing Trimmer.
Observation
![missing_corner_bracing](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ebd5e8_cbad101230f34b308375ea054ed621f6~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_600,h_337,al_c,q_80,enc_auto/ebd5e8_cbad101230f34b308375ea054ed621f6~mv2.jpg)
Diagonal/Corner bracing is missing.
Observation
![missing_door_header](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ebd5e8_da0c752ebbc346bc9381e9239c933c69~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_600,h_337,al_c,q_80,enc_auto/ebd5e8_da0c752ebbc346bc9381e9239c933c69~mv2.jpg)
Door opening has no header.
Observation
![threshold_missing_framing](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ebd5e8_e3b5d91122b24b2db4fc1b4fe18d5e97~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_600,h_337,al_c,q_80,enc_auto/ebd5e8_e3b5d91122b24b2db4fc1b4fe18d5e97~mv2.jpg)
Door opening is missing the framing under the Threshold.
Observation
![structural_block](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ebd5e8_4d06a2ae2eab4389bfaae1bb30a5b3ca~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_600,h_337,al_c,q_80,enc_auto/ebd5e8_4d06a2ae2eab4389bfaae1bb30a5b3ca~mv2.jpg)
Structural block cells are missing concrete fill required for strength and to secure the anchor bolts.