The other day I inspected a house over 4,000 sq. ft. that had a crawlspace.   I finished the inspection and was explaining the report to the buyer.  Here are some of the items I found in the crawlspace.

This support member was notched (where it meets the wall).  Someone put in a concrete pier and anchor, but never installed the post for support.  Obviously a structural issue, but not too bad to repair.

This post was not properly set in the anchor so that the holes on the left of the anchor could not even be used to nail in the post.

This is how the front porch and back deck looked.  The subfloor was saturated (as confirmed by my moisture meter) and though technically a lab test is needed to verify mold and which type, I'll let you take a wild guess what it is.

On a side note, I was very happy I was wearing my respirator (read my post Extreme Makeover - Home (inspector) Edition)

There were also two carcasses in the crawlspace, a small rodent and what looked like a small dog.  I do have pictures but decided not to post them.

After I went over the report with the buyer, she told her husband, "I'm sure glad we didn't go with that guy who said he didn't go in crawlspaces."  I was amazed!  I guess you get what you pay for.

I hope this gives you a little more information about a home inspection and its value.  Be safe out there.

Posted by Joseph Lang of Pillar To Post Professional Home Inspection