What To Expect From the Inspection
Though your flooring inspection may be different from that of your neighbor, you can generally expect the inspection (and subsequent report) to include the following:
- Pre-Inspection Summary: A brief summary of the flooring issue(s) and a timeline of events that led up to the inspector’s arrival.
- Physical Examination: The inspector’s notes upon initial examination of the issue.
- Testing: Detailed descriptions of all testing performed. Possible tests used can include those that determine moisture content, temperature, relative humidity, grade slope, and similar.
- Results: The results of the test(s) the inspector performed and disclosure of all findings related to the issue.
- Comparison: Typically consisting of charts/tables or similar that compare test results to industry tolerances and specifications.
- Inspection Photographs: Clear pictures taken by the inspector that depict the problem area, meter readings, and anything additional that aids in determining or proving the cause of the flooring issue.
- Industry Standards: Product specifications from the flooring manufacturer, warranty information, and references to industry standards from the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) or similar reputable source(s).
- Inspector’s Conclusion: A professional concluding analysis that is based upon test results, facts surrounding the problem, and governing standards.
- Final Cause: Documented reasoning that contributes to the cause of the issue.
