Inspection Training

How to Inspect the Garage Floor

While the inspector is in the garage they should inspect the garage floor for any damage. The most common defects will be cracking, heaving/settling, and spalling. Please review the entire procedure below.

NACHI SOP

International Standards of Practice for Performing a General Home Inspection

 

3.10. Doors, Windows & Interior

 

I. The inspector shall inspect:

B. Floors, Walls and Ceilings.

 

II. The inspector shall describe:

N/A

 

III. The inspector shall report as in need of correction:

N/A

 

IV. The inspector is not required to:

B. Inspect floor coverings or carpeting.
G. Move furniture, stored items or any coverings, such as carpets or rugs, in order to inspect the concealed floor structure.

 

Axium SOP Differences

Axium Requires: Same as NACHI Standards of Practice.

 

Tools Needed

The inspector might need to use the 24” inch level and the tape measure to show any heaving or cracking on the garage floor.

 

Procedure

  • While the inspector is in the garage they should observe the floors for any cracks, heaving/settling, and make sure the floor is sloping outwards (away from the home).

 

Common Defects

  • Heaving/Settling
  • Minor
  • Cracking Spalling

Common Mistakes

  • Not checking to make sure that the floor is sloping away from the home.
  • Not checking the entire garage floor.
  • If there are portions of the garage floor that can’t be inspected due to restricted access (stored items, car) make sure to make a note in the report about not being able to inspect certain areas of the garage floor.

 

Report / Software

IN
  • The concrete slab garage floor was sloped towards the exterior, control joints were installed and floor appeared to be in serviceable condition at the time of the inspection.

NI
  • The garage floor was mostly covered with stored items at the time of the inspection, and could not be properly evaluated.

NP
  • N/A

RR
  • [word 1]. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair/replace as necessary.
    • Heaving/Settling: Heaving and/or settlement has occurred in the garage floor. Cracks and vertical movement were evident in the concrete slab at the time of the inspection.
    • Spalling: Some spalling of the service of the concrete slab was evident. This spalling was probably a result of freeze/thaw action, or perhaps the application of salt to melt ice, and primarily cosmetic. The spalling will shorten the effective life of the pavement by allowing water to saturate it more easily, however, and cause deterioration.
    • Cracking: Minor cracking was evident in the concrete floor slab, but no noticeable vertical movement was present.

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