Inspecting Under-Floor Crawl Spaces: A Guide for Home Inspectors (2024 IRC Section R408)

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CLICK HERE TO READ “Inspecting Under-Floor Crawl Spaces: A Guide for Home Inspectors (2024 IRC Section R408)”

Why should we care about the building code and home inspection standards?

Most homeowners don’t know what’s in their crawl spaces. They’re more than just hidden spaces beneath our homes. An under-floor crawl space is a critical but often overlooked structural system that can affect the whole house. Every crawl space should be built to code and routinely inspected for water problems, mold growth, and wood rot. Don’t neglect the crawl space, because a solid foundation is the cornerstone of a safe, functional, and healthy home.

Home inspectors should know code in order to do their jobs better. This is a great inspection training article, if you inspect crawl spaces.

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Click here to download the inspection checklist for crawl spaces.

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Under-floor crawl spaces represent one of the most frequently misunderstood and problematic areas in residential construction. This article examines the requirements set forth in the 2024 International Residential Code (IRC) Section R408 and the InterNACHI® Home Inspection Standards of Practice with particular emphasis on moisture control, ventilation requirements, and proper access.