Types of Structures
Structures
Different types of structures have different inspection needs. Single-family homes need to be sound so you and your family can enjoy them for decades to come, ideally with little more than routine maintenance.
Commercial buildings, such as apartment buildings, duplexes, co-ops and condos have additional needs. These buildings need to be comfortable for tenants, but they also need to be up to current building codes, to limit the owner’s liability and ensure the safety of those who live there. Generally, multi-family dwellings are held to a higher standard than single-family homes. Buildings used for commerce, such as warehouses and storefronts, have even more potential issues, such as air quality.
A good home inspector, who has experience with multi-family and commercial buildings, can help you to evaluate whether a particular building is really a good investment.
Learn More about Inspections of Particular Types of Buildings
Buildings are constructed differently, based on its use, location, maintenance schedule, etc. Age is another important factor. Be sure to select an Inspector who is experienced with the type of building you have or are considering.
Agricultural Buildings
- Barn
- Farmhouse
- Hayloft
- Root Cellar
- Shed
- Silo
- Stable
- Storm Cellar
- Well House
To schedule your inspection, call
(860) 445-1236 today.
Antique and Older Homes
Call them antique homes, vintage homes or century homes. Older homes — homes that were built more than 100 years ago — can be charming, with vintage woodwork, high ceilings and decorative moldings. However, such properties also present some safety and maintenance challenges.
If you are considering purchasing an antique home, a home inspection is important to determine just what shape the home is in. Cosmetic applications like new paint and new drywall can mask serious underlying problems like dangerous wiring, termite infestations, leaking pipes and roof issues. Many old homes have been remodeled extensively over the years. Although many contractors and remodeling companies are conscientious about building codes, some are not. A home inspector with experience with antique homes can give you a detailed inventory of the condition of such a home.
To schedule your inspection, call
(860) 445-1236 today.
Want to learn more?
Apartment Buildings
Apartment buildings can be a good investment. However, it’s important to know the state of the building before you make a purchase. After all, with a commercial building, you have multiple households depending on your structure for shelter.
Apartment buildings multiply the challenges faced by single-family homes. With such buildings you have multiple sinks, toilets and water heaters that can leak. You also have either a large boiler or individual furnaces. Knowing the state of your building before you sign the papers is necessary, both for liability purposes and to best assess the condition. Most municipalities hold multi-family buildings and their owners to a higher standard with building codes, so you need to know about any maintenance issues so you can correct them.
To schedule your inspection, call
(860) 445-1236 today.
Commercial Buildings
Commercial buildings, such as apartment buildings, storefronts and warehouses, can be good investments. However, such structures are subject to many of the same maintenance and construction issues that plague single-family homes. Mechanical systems can fail, roofs can need repair and plumbing can leak.
Commercial buildings can also have their own special needs. Building codes for apartments and many other commercial buildings are slightly different (and often more strict) than those for private residences. In addition, past tenants in a workshop or warehouse may have exposed the building to toxic chemicals or waste. Buying a commercial building is too big of an investment to leave to chance. A home inspector who has experience with a variety of commercial structures can help you know what condition your building is in before you sign the papers.
To schedule your inspection, call
(860) 445-1236 today.
Want to learn more?
Condos and Co-Ops
Condominiums and co-ops offer the advantages of home ownership without many of the maintenance worries. You also often have the advantage of community facilities like pools, tennis courts and party rooms. However, condos and co-ops have additional inspection issues compared with single-family homes.
With a condo, you also have to consider the state of the shared areas for which you’ll be paying a maintenance fee as well as the state of your own individual unit. Even if the unit you are looking to purchase is well-maintained and has few issues, the building itself may be in need of repairs that will affect your condo’s value. A thorough home inspector can help you sort through all of these questions.
To schedule your inspection, call
(860) 445-1236 today.
Educational Buildings
As part of commercial building inspections, Sound Home Inspection will provide services to the following types of structures:
- Educational Buildings
- Amphitheater
- Art Gallery
- Cinema
- Classroom Building
- College
- Concert Hall
- Gymnasium
- Library
- Museum
- Opera House
- School
- Students’ Union
- Symphony
- Theater
To schedule your inspection, call
(860) 445-1236 today.
Want to learn more?
Governmental Buildings
As part of commercial building inspections, Sound Home Inspection will provide services to the following types of structures:
- Government Buildings
- Capitol
- City Hall
- Consulate
- Courthouse
- Embassy
- Fire Station
- Palace
- Parliament
- Police Station
- Post Office
- Prison
To schedule your inspection, call
(860) 445-1236 today.
Industrial Buildings
As part of commercial building inspections, Sound Home Inspection will provide services to the following types of structures:
- Industrial Buildings
- Brewery
- Factory
- Foundry
- Mill
To schedule your inspection, call
(860) 445-1236 today.
Want to learn more?
Military Buildings
As part of commercial building inspections, Sound Home Inspection will provide services to the following types of structures:
- Barracks
- Blockhouse
- Bunker
- Castle
- Citadel
- City Gate
- Tower
To schedule your home inspection, call
(860) 445-1236 today.
Multi-Family Units and Buildings
Multi-family homes, such as duplexes and small apartment buildings, can be good investments, but these buildings have additional inspection needs from single-family dwellings. For one thing, there are usually multiple sinks and toilets, all of which could potentially leak. You often also have multiple mechanical systems, such as two or more furnaces and two or more water tanks. Central systems, like boilers and central air conditioning, need to be adequate to supply all units.
Before you invest in such a property, it’s wise to know exactly what shape the building is in so you can address any issues with the seller before closing.
To schedule your home inspection, call
(860) 445-1236 today.
Want to learn more?
New Construction
A new house or condo should be in perfect condition, right? Not always. Since houses are put together by human beings, even houses built by the most professional and conscientious construction companies can have flaws. In fact, most do. Sometimes materials aren’t exactly what was ordered; sometimes workmen misread the blueprints; sometimes people just get lazy. The typical home building project is complicated and has so many people working on site, it’s difficult for the general contractor to police every nail and every finish.
A good home inspector can help you make sure that your new home is put together properly and that you’ll have few maintenance problems in the years to come. If a small flaw is found, it’s much better to correct it now than wait until it causes damage to your home.
To schedule your home inspection, call
(860) 445-1236 today.
Other Commercial Buildings
As part of commercial building inspections, Sound Home Inspection will provide services to the following types of structures:
- Bakery
- Bathhouse
- Bookstore/Bookshop
- Clinic
- Community Hall
- Cow-Shed
- Eatery
- Fast-Food Restaurant
- Florist
- Food Court
- Hut
- Hypermarket
- Low-Energy Buildings
- Marina
- Mini Market
- Plant Nursery
- Sport Club
- Stall
- Triumphal Arch
- Wet Market
- Workshop
To schedule your home inspection, call
(860) 445-1236 today.
Want to learn more?
Outbuildings
Outbuildings include all of the structures on your property that aren’t directly attached to your home. These can include sheds, detached garages, barns, milk houses, pool cabanas and even playhouses.
Outbuildings can have many of the same issues that can plague your main structure. Roofs can leak, windows crack and rotting trim can lead to moisture damage. If the outbuilding houses mechanical systems, such as a pool cabana with a bathroom, these can lead to additional problems, especially since most outbuildings are not as well-insulated as your primary structure. As these outbuildings can affect the property’s value, a thorough home inspector will check the state of these buildings as well as your residence.
To schedule your home inspection, call
(860) 445-1236 today.
Parking and Storage Buildings
As part of commercial building inspections, Sound Home Inspection will provide services to the following types of structures:
- Boathouse
- Carport
- Garage
- Storage Silo
To schedule your home inspection, call
(860) 445-1236 today.
Want to learn more?
Religious Buildings
As part of commercial building inspections, Sound Home Inspection will provide services to the following types of structures:
- Basilica
- Cathedral
- Chapel
- Church
- Duomo
- Imambargah
- Martyrium
- Mihrab
- Monastery
- Mosque
- Oratory
- Surau
- Synagogue
- Temple
To schedule your home inspection, call
(860) 445-1236 today.
Residential Buildings
As part of professional building inspections, Sound Home Inspection will provide services to the following types of structures:
- Antique Home
- Apartment Building
- Asylum
- Co-Op Unit
- Condominium
- Dormitory
- Duplex
- Mobile Home
- Multi-Family House
- New Construction
- Nursing Home
- Single-Family House
- Townhouse
- Villa
To schedule your home inspection, call
(860) 445-1236 today.
Want to learn more?
Single Family Homes
For a single-family home, a home inspection can give a prospective buyer a good idea of the state of the dwelling. A thorough home inspection will cover the structure and foundation, the mechanical systems, the plumbing and wiring systems, the roof and roof drainage system, interior finishes, the exterior windows and doors and the fireplaces, if any.
Home inspections are not just for real estate transactions. Inspections can also benefit single-family homeowners who are planning a large remodeling project or addition, and those who would like to schedule preventative maintenance. Home inspectors are also useful as overseers on new home construction projects and as knowledgeable house minders when you have to leave town for an extended period.
To schedule your home inspection, call
(860) 445-1236 today.
Transit Stations
As part of commercial building inspections, Sound Home Inspection will provide services to the following types of transit station buildings:
- Bus Station
- Ferry Slip
- Signal Box
- Taxi Station
- Train Station
To schedule your home inspection, call
(860) 445-1236 today.