Matt Fletcher Home Inspections LLC is a home inspector located in Harrison Twp. Michigan.
If you are buying a home in Harrison Township, Michigan, a professional home inspection is one of the most important steps you can take before closing. Harrison Township is a unique Macomb County community because of its proximity to Lake St. Clair, the Clinton River, canals, marinas, and other waterfront areas. In fact, many residential neighborhoods near the lakeshore have canals providing access to Lake St. Clair.
As an experienced Harrison Township home inspector, I understand that homes in this area can have concerns that may be different from properties located farther inland. Moisture, crawlspaces, basement leakage, drainage systems, seawalls, sump pumps, aging construction, and previous remodeling are just some of the items that deserve close attention.
Whether you are buying your first house, moving to a waterfront property, or purchasing a newer home, a thorough home inspection can give you a much better understanding of the property’s condition before you make one of the largest investments of your life.
Home Inspections Near Lake St. Clair
Waterfront living is one of the things that makes Harrison Township such a desirable place to live. However, being close to Lake St. Clair and the area’s canals can also create additional concerns.
The Harrison Township Master Plan identifies extensive areas along the Lake St. Clair shoreline within the 100-year floodplain. This makes water management and moisture control particularly important considerations when inspecting homes in certain areas of the township.
A home inspection should look for evidence of past and present moisture intrusion as well as conditions that could contribute to future problems. Gutters, downspouts, grading, foundations, sump pumps, crawlspaces, basements and drainage systems can all play a role in keeping a house dry.
Damp Crawlspaces in Harrison Township
Many homes in Harrison Township have crawlspace foundations, particularly some of the older and waterfront properties. Crawlspaces can be one of the most important areas of the house to inspect.
When accessible, I enter the crawlspace and look at the foundation, floor framing, plumbing, electrical components, insulation and visible moisture conditions.
A damp crawlspace shouldn’t simply be dismissed as normal. Long-term moisture and high humidity can contribute to wood rot, mold-like growth, damaged insulation, corrosion and deterioration of structural components. I have inspected crawlspaces where moisture damage was significant enough that a screwdriver could be pushed into deteriorated wood framing.
Finding these conditions before purchasing a house can potentially save a buyer thousands of dollars in unexpected repairs.
Leaking Basements and Drainage Problems
Basement moisture is another issue that deserves careful attention during a Harrison Township home inspection.
Water can enter a basement through foundation cracks, walls, windows and joints between the basement floor and foundation. Poor exterior grading, clogged gutters, improperly terminated downspouts and problems with the home’s drainage system can also contribute to wet basement conditions.
Even when a basement appears dry on the day of the inspection, there may be evidence of previous leakage. I look for water staining, efflorescence, damaged drywall, deteriorated materials, rust, musty conditions and other visible indications of past moisture problems.
Sump pumps and accessible drainage components should also be examined. A basement that looks beautiful after being recently finished or painted can still have an underlying moisture problem.
Older and Newer Harrison Township Homes
One of the interesting things about inspecting homes in Harrison Township is the variety of housing.
You can find older cottages and houses near the water, established subdivisions, extensively remodeled properties and relatively modern waterfront homes. Current property listings illustrate that range, including waterfront homes dating to the 1940s as well as much newer construction.
Older houses may have aging electrical systems, plumbing, roofing, furnaces, foundations and other components approaching or exceeding their expected service life. They may also have been remodeled or expanded several times by different owners and contractors.
New construction shouldn’t automatically be assumed to be problem-free either. Even a newer home can have improper installation, drainage problems, roof defects, electrical issues, plumbing leaks and incomplete workmanship.
Every home should be inspected based on its actual condition—not simply its age.
Waterfront Homes and Seawalls
When purchasing a waterfront property in Harrison Township, buyers should also pay attention to components that may not be present at a typical suburban home.
A seawall, for example, can be extremely important to a waterfront property. Visible deterioration, movement, corrosion, erosion or other problems should be identified so that the buyer can determine whether further evaluation by a qualified seawall or marine contractor is appropriate.
Docks and waterfront electrical installations also deserve attention. Electricity and water are a dangerous combination, making proper electrical protection particularly important around docks, boat hoists and other waterfront equipment.
Sewer Scope Inspections
A standard home inspection tells you a great deal about a house, but one major component is mostly hidden underground: the sewer line.
A sewer scope inspection uses a specialized camera to examine the inside of the sewer pipe. Depending upon the property, defects can include root intrusion, cracks, deterioration, displaced connections, obstructions and other conditions that may interfere with drainage.
Sewer repairs can be expensive, which is why adding a sewer scope to your Harrison Township home inspection can be a worthwhile investment, particularly when purchasing an older property.
Roof, Electrical, Plumbing and HVAC Inspection
A complete home inspection involves much more than looking for water problems.
The inspection should evaluate the visible and accessible major components of the house, including the roof, exterior, structure, foundation, electrical system, plumbing, heating and cooling systems, attic, insulation, interior and installed components.
The goal isn’t simply to create a list of minor defects. The more important objective is to help the buyer understand the house: What needs immediate attention? What components are aging? Are there safety concerns? Are there indications of water or structural problems? What items may require additional evaluation?
Looking for a Home Inspector Near Me?
If you searched for “home inspectors near me,” “Harrison Township home inspector,” or “home inspection Harrison Township MI,” experience and local knowledge matter.
I have been inspecting homes for more than 25 years and previously taught high school construction trades. My background in construction and home inspection gives me a practical understanding of how houses are built, how their systems work together and where problems commonly develop.
Harrison Township is a great place to own a home, particularly for people who enjoy Lake St. Clair and the waterfront lifestyle. But the combination of older housing, newer construction, crawlspaces, basements and waterfront properties makes a thorough inspection especially valuable.
Before you purchase your next home, have it professionally inspected. A quality Harrison Township home inspection can help you understand the property’s condition, identify potentially expensive problems and make a more informed decision before closing.
Schedule your Harrison Township, Michigan home inspection today. Call Matt Fletcher 313-510-0284
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