CMC Building Interior

The basement or crawl space is often the most revealing area in the building and usually provides a general picture of how the building works. If the basement or crawl space is merely damp or humid, the cause simply may be lack of adequate ventilation, particularly if the crawl space has an earthen floor. Aspects such as the Thermal insulation, Structural, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems.

This section deals with inspection procedures that are common to all interior spaces, including finished attics and basements. All wall ceiling and floor areas are evaluated for material and finish as well as doors and window units. Provision for storage, lighting, location and quantity of electric outlets and ancillary items such as thermostats, fire detection devices, skylights, fans and wall and window A/C units is noted.

Bathrooms are examined in accordance with the procedures for other interior rooms. In addition all plumbing fixtures, lighting and electirc service, tub and showers and their enclosures, area ventilation, and ceramic and stone surfacing materials are also thoroughly examined.

Countertops and cabinetry, electrical service, plumbing and ventilation of the kitchen area are inspected. The kitchen is also examined in accordance with the procedures for other interior rooms.

All closets and other storage spaces for cleanliness, functionality, proper lighting, and means of adequate ventilation are examined.

The stairs and hallways are inspected as follows:

Lighting - Should be provided with adequate lighting that is switch controlled from both ends of the area.

Smoke, Gas & CO Detectors - The top of stairways and hallway ceiling areas are appropriate locations for Smoke, Natural Gas and Carbon Monoxide detectors. Note: Propane detectors should be mounted at floor level.

Railings - Stairs, landings and balconies are evaluated to determine if railings, handrails, and guardrails are sufficient and adequately secured.

Treads & Risers - Stair treads and risers are checked for conformance to state code and evaluated for construction and condition.

These areas are evaluated for plumbing, electrical, gas and fuel oil lines and connections as well as for proper venting. All plumbing is checked for proper configuration and condition. Electric, gas and oil line connections are checked for safety and conformance. Gas and oil fired appliances and heating units are checked to verify that both combustion and exhaust venting is safe and adequate. Areas are evaluated for fire safety.

Fireplace fireboxes, smoke boxes and dampers are inspected for deterioration and damage. Flue construction, configuration and chimney connection are checked at all stoves, water heaters, boilers, furnaces and related devices.

The visible, accessible portions of these areas are checked for indications of leakage, condensation, heat loading and construction. Insulation, vapor barriers and venting for these areas is also evaluated. Exhaust ducts and plumbing stacks are checked for proper installation and function.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral used in many construction products. Asbestos has been used in sealant, putty, and spackling compounds; in vinyl floor tiles, backing for vinyl sheet flooring, and flooring adhesives; in ceiling tiles; in textured paint; in exterior wall and ceiling insulation; in roofing shingles; in cement board for many uses including siding; in door gaskets for furnaces and wood-burning stoves; in concrete piping; in paper, mill board, and cement board sheets used to protect walls and floors around wood-burning stoves; in fabric connectors between pieces of metal ductwork; in hot water and steam piping insulation, blanket covering, and tape; and as insulation on boilers, oil-fired furnaces, and coal-fired furnaces.

These products may be identified as containing potential asbestos bearing materials with recommendations for additional testing and/or professional removal.

Lead has been determined to present a significant health hazard when ingested or inhaled; especially by children and pregnant women. Lead causes damage to the brain tissue and nervous system and adversely affects behavior and learning, slows growth, and causes problems related to hearing, pregnancy, high blood pressure, memory and concentration.

Most often found in lead based paint, lead can also be found in drinking water; from lead main piping and or lead distribution piping and from lead based solder at pipe joints and connections. Even after a lead water main has been changed to copper, residual lead can be released from within the house plumbing.

Radon is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that is present in varying amounts in the ground and in water. Airborne radon - The EPA recommends that mitigation measures be undertaken in residential buildings when radon concentrations are 4 picocuries per liter (4 pCi/L) of air and above. Waterborne radon - A house's domestic water supply from its well can contain radon.