One area of the home that often does not get inspected is the underside of soffits that are close to the ground. Sometimes, even on hands and knees, it can be difficult to see under these overhangs. The inspector should be looking under these overhangs because often the soffit is missing, poorly attached or otherwise damaged. You can bet that if it is difficult to "see" under there, it is going to be even more difficult to install proper soffit materials.
These overhangs are usually created when parts of the home are cantilevered past the foundation to create more space----and changes to the foundation might not be cost effective. Such areas include extensions for: bay windows, gas fireplaces, bathrooms etc. This first picture shows an extension for a gas fireplace.
You can see where the soffit material is hanging down.
This was a point of entry for critters into the crawl space; and, water from the roof above was dumping on the ground and splashing up into the opening making the sill plate and insulation wet.
They make a nifty little tool called a "Palm-Nailer" that works great in small areas like this. Perhaps this builder hadn't heard of them.
Charles Buell
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Charles, this is one of those situations where the field mice can enter your house. People are so unaware of this stuff but with you crawling around down there you find it. Great photos as always.
Good info! We cantilevered our kitchen after the foundation was poured because we found out our builder showed us an already built house that was modified with a larger kitchen. While under construction it just didn't look like the same amount of space and when I met with the builder's kitchen designer I was told that the other kitchen was 2 feet wider. Anyway, I guess I better check out the soffit since I am in a critter meca! Thanks!
Thanks Gary
Carol, I guess I will have everyone running to check their soffits
Charles, I'd never seen a palm-nailer. More knowledge for this old realtor.
I would think areas like that do get mis-lookd by buyers and inspectors..... Out of sight-out of mind.
OOppppss, actually isn't that why we recomment inspectors?
Sean Allen
Barbara, want one?
Sean, still a good idea to recommend home inspectors:)
Good post Charlie. A good reminder for inspectors about all the nooks and crannies.
Steve, too true