The bathroom is one of the most used and abused rooms in a typical home. Bathrooms have plumbing, electrical and mechanical devices, along with cabinets and floors that need to be inspected.

Inspecting the bathroom is a critical part of any general home inspection. The inspector will check the toilet, and the sink and the tub/shower. Although the condition and proper operation of these fixtures are key parts of a functioning bathroom, there are other important things to take note of.

Streaks down the paint where the water has run after condensing on the walls, peeling wallpaper or wet drywall may be signs of moisture damage in the bathroom. The most common causes of moisture damage in a bathroom are not having an exhaust fan in the room, having too small a fan or not using the fan.

The inspector will note any moisture damage to the room or metal fixtures. They will also check for missing, mildew-stained or cracked grout, leaks in water lines, that the toilet is secure to the floor and the electrical outlets are GFCI protected.

For more information on a home inspection or commercial building inspection, go to www.npiweb.com.