Garage Inspection in Rochester, MN

Home Inspectors Rochester MN | Garage Inspection (507) 721-0922

Garages are the most common overlooked and neglected area on a property. Most home owners know they need a Home Inspection for their home but don’t think to get one conducted on their garage. A garage inspection will provide you the details of the current condition of the structure and understand what repairs may need to be fixed before purchasing.

The certified home inspector looks for the following areas while performing a garage assessment:

1. Garage Door- The inspector will check that the door functions properly. When you want it to rise, it rises; when you want it lowered, it lowers.
2. Door Fatigue- The inspector will look for cracks in the door itself, the door struggling to rise and lower, even if it does in fact complete those tasks – the effort should be minimal.
3. Pressure Release and Photoelectric eye- The inspector will test the garage door by, placing a 2×4 flat on the ground, and close the garage door. If the pressure release is working properly, the door will automatically reverse direction and begin to ascend. The “eyes” simply emit a beam that can detect any interference blocking the ray of light while the door is closing and will be checked if it is working properly.
4. Emergency Release- The emergency release cord allows you to disengage the automatic function of the door and easily lift the garage door manually, freeing – and potentially saving – anything trapped beneath, this is the very reason the home inspector will check the functionality of the emergency release cord.
5. Attached Garages- In case your garage is attached to your home, a thorough fire inspection will be performed. Each wall is checked for cracks or fire hazards that can spread from the garage throughout your entire home. The ceiling is checked in the same manner, as well as any doors that lead into the home. This is a vital procedure to ensure the safety of not only your garage, but also your home.
6. HVAC, Plumbing and Electrical– All electrical functions will be inspected including, fixtures, switches and visible wiring. HVAC and Plumbing will be inspected if present in the garage.

All of our inspections include a detailed report with pictures of their findings and will be available to the customer 24 hours after the inspection.

Home Inspectors Rochester MN | Home Inspection 507-721-0922

Garage Fire Separation Wall Requirements in Minnesota

One of the most critical safety elements our home inspector evaluates during a garage inspection is the fire separation wall between the garage and the living space. Minnesota building code requires that the common wall between an attached garage and the home be finished with a minimum of 5/8-inch Type X fire-rated drywall. The door between the garage and the home must also be a fire-rated, self-closing door. In Rochester, MN, we frequently find homes where these requirements have been compromised by homeowners who have installed pet doors, replaced the fire-rated door with a standard interior door, or left openings around pipes and wiring unsealed. Any breach in this fire barrier significantly reduces the time your family has to escape in the event of a garage fire.

Garage Door and Electrical Inspection

The garage door is the largest moving component on most homes and requires careful inspection. We test the automatic opener, safety reverse mechanism, photoelectric eye sensors, and emergency release cord. We also inspect the door panels for damage, warping, and weather seal condition, all of which are important in Rochester's harsh climate where freeze-thaw cycles and heavy snow loads take a toll on garage doors. Our garage inspection includes a thorough assessment of all electrical outlets, wiring, and GFCI protection within the garage.

Attached vs. Detached Garages

The inspection scope differs depending on whether the garage is attached or detached. Attached garages require the fire separation assessment described above, along with evaluation of shared structural elements. Detached garages in Rochester often have their own foundation, electrical service, and may include additional living space above. Regardless of configuration, our garage inspection covers structural integrity, floor condition, drainage, and ventilation. For a complete assessment of your home's electrical system, consider adding our electrical inspection service. Call (507) 721-0922 to schedule your garage inspection in Rochester, MN.