So you are buying a home with Stucco or EIFS on it!

So, you are buying a home and it has EIFS or Stucco on it and you need a home inspection!
 
You might be wondering what is EIFS?  Well EIFS is the acronym for Exterior Insulating Finish System or artificial stucco. What you might not also realize is that around 10% of home inspectors will not inspect this type of cladding as part of a normal home inspection and disclaim it!  Then you are forced to hire a second inspector that is qualified and able to inspect the cladding (stucco/EIFS) on the home. A special Stucco/EIFS inspection only can cost as much if not more than some home inspections. But if your inspector can inspect systems like this the overall fee will normally be just a little more than a basic home inspection.
 
What is so different about Stucco or EIFS?
The major issue is that moisture(water) can seep into the walls of the home and cause extensive damage.  This normally happens from improper installation and or lack of maintenance.  With most homes, everything looks normal on the interior of the home so the owner is seldom aware of what has been going on in the walls.
 
As a buyer, you need to let your home inspector know that the home has Stucco or EIFS on it before you hire them. With around 10% of all home inspectors having the ability to inspect this type of exterior cladding you must ask them if they are knowledgeable of Stucco/EIFS. Then you need to inquire if they have the specialized equipment to inspect it as part of the normal home inspection. Hopefully they will be able to take care of the entire home during the inspection.  If not, then you need to keep looking for a qualified home inspector.

If you have a  home with EIFS/Stucco or even artificial stone(AMSV) call Trace Inspections, LLC. We are qualified and certified to inspect specialized systems like this.  615-302-1113