Bathrooms and Moisture

Besides the kitchen, one of the other rooms that needs to be thoroughly inspected in any home is the bathroom. Like the kitchen, the bathroom sees much of the house's traffic. However, there are certain issues that spring up in the washrooms that are different from any other room in the house. The size, number, and locations of washrooms should be determined to see if they meet your needs as a family. Inspectors will look for any sign of water damage and they will try to relate these leaks with water stains or damage to ceilings and walls in rooms below.

There are several areas that an expert home inspector will be able to determine as the origin of the water problems. Leaks can originate in the supply piping itself. They can also stem from plumbing faucets, drainage piping, and the connection of drainage piping to fixtures, as well as the overflow from bathtubs and sinks. Often the piping is visible in the ceiling, and when it is not, obvious repairs to tile and plaster work may indicate repairs have been done. As well, all of the faucets in the bathroom should be turned on and the inspector should look under them at the pipes that usually run in the cupboards below.

Of course bathtubs and showers are another area that need to be inspected as these often get the most use of any area in the washroom. Bathtubs should be inspected for chips, stains, and cracks. If you or the inspector finds deep scratches in the bathtub, this will represent a constant cleaning problem later on. The idea in a good home inspection is not to find problems that exist, but sometimes to find the things that will cause problems later in the lifetime of a home. In this way, a good home inspector is also proactive.

There are several other issues that need to be looked at in washrooms and one of these occurs more in the new homes than the older ones. Often, the kind of drywall that surrounds the bathtub and shower is of the wrong variety. A special green water repellent drywall is needed here and the home inspector and the client should be careful to ensure that this is the kind used. You’ll also want to make sure that the toilet is in good working order, and that it doesn't leak or run on. The washroom is one place that you will also need a good ventilation fan. Spending a little extra money to replace the existing one is often a good idea here to prevent the buildup of moisture that could result in damage to the drywall in the washroom. Spending a little here could save you money in the long run.

A good home inspector will ensure that your washroom is safe and clean for you and your family. It's their job to take part of the worry of home ownership off your hands.