Home inspections in Puyallup, WA, aren’t just box-ticking—they’re your last line of defense against buying a money pit disguised as a craftsman bungalow. Inspectors reference safety standards from the International Residential Code (IRC), Washington State WAC 51-51 (the state IRC adoption), and local Puyallup amendments to flag hazards such as wonky stairs or shocked outlets. In a town with rainy roofs and pier foundations, skipping these checks means wet basements and repair bills.
Puyallup enforces the Puyallup Municipal Code (PMC) Title 20, along with state rules. Inspectors call out violations without playing code cop—they report “needs attention” to leverage negotiation. Here are the common safety hits.
Structural safety: Foundation to roof
IRC R401 demands solid foundations—no cracks wider than 1/4 inch signaling settling. Puyallup’s clay soils shift; inspectors probe for water intrusion under pier-and-beam setups.
Roofing per R905: Asphalt shingles require 4 nails; no missing tabs. Inspectors climb (safely) to check valleys, flashings—leaks cause mold parties.
Attics: R806 ventilation (1/150 ratio), no blocked soffits. Overloaded rafters from heavy snow? Flag it.
Exterior guards and falls
Decks scream danger. IRC R507 requires 36-inch guardrails over 30 inches high and balusters no more than 4 inches apart—no kid head traps.
Stairs: Risers 7-3/4 inches max, treads 10 inches min, uniform height. Handrails 34-38 inches, graspable. Puyallup porches often fail here—loose bolts mean tumble risk.
Windows: Egress bedrooms require 5.7 sq ft of openable area (min 20×24 inches). Bars? Quick-release hardware.
Electrical: No fire starters
WAC 51-52 (NEC) rules. Panels: No double-tapped neutrals, labels clear, 200A service common for Puyallup homes.
Outlets: GFCI in kitchens, baths, garages, exteriors—test ’em. AFCI breakers in bedrooms catch arcs.
Aluminum wiring (1970s homes)? Pigtailed with COPALUM. Knob-and-tube? Full rewire.
Inspectors report “Federal Pacific panels known hazards”—replace ASAP.
Plumbing: Leaks and backups
Piping: CPVC/PVC per table R2914, no polybutylene (fails in wet Puyallup). PRV if pressure over 80 psi.
Drains: Cleanouts accessible, no sags. Sump pumps? Float switches work, discharge away.
Water heaters: T&P relief to pan/pump, straps at 1/3 and 2/3 height (earthquake zone).
Interior fire and fall traps
Smoke/CO alarms: IRC R314/R315—interconnected, 10-year sealed. Bedrooms and halls.
Doors: Self-closing to the garage; solid-core or 1-3/8-inch thick. No locks trapping inside bedrooms.
Floors: Even surfaces, no trip hazards. Cabinets secure—no tip-overs on kids.
HVAC and fireplace fixes
Furnaces: Clearances per manual, clean filters. Flex duct supported, no kinks.
Fireplaces: Chimney liners visible, dampers work. Gas logs? Shutoff valves.
Appliances and extras
Dryers: Rigid/metal vent; max 35 feet. Garages: Elevate flammables 18 inches.
Attic access: 30 x 30 inches, sturdy pull-down stairs.
Puyallup codes: PMC 20.05 adopts IRC 2021 with seismic bracing (D2 zone), radon mitigation ready.
Inspectors note “recommendations,” not “must fix”—your call post-report.
Radon, mold, pests—bonus checks
WA urges radon tests (2nd-highest risk state). Puyallup basements hit 4+ pCi/L—mitigate.
Mold from roof leaks, wood rot in crawlspaces.
Termites chew pier beams—WDI reports required.
Why standards save your bacon
Code violations tank insurance, scare lenders. FHA/VA loans demand fixes pre-close.
Puyallup market: Homes sell fast, but inspections cut prices by an average of 1-2%. Negotiate smart.
DIY misses: Inspectors use moisture meters, levels, voltage testers—eyes alone flop.
Spot hazards early with The Sterling Inspection Group
Puyallup buyers: The Sterling Inspection Group turns “looks fine” into “deal or no deal” with full safety scans.
They hit IRC, WAC, PMC standards, plus infrared for hidden leaks. Reports plain English, photo-packed.
The Sterling Inspection Group – Contact Information
Address: 3616 Lanyard Dr NE, Lacey, WA 98516
Phone: (253) 256-3553
Website: sterlinginspections.com
Source: sterlinginspections.com
Header Image Source: Photo by Jimmy Nilsson Masth on Unsplash
