Home inspectors encourage deck inspections ahead of summer [Video]

SCOTT DEPOT, W.Va. (WSAZ) – A porch collapsed in Charleston on Monday, injuring a dozen people.

Porch collapse injures 12, sends 6 to the hospital

Firefighters say the incident was likely due to a weight-bearing issue.

As a homeowner, porches, and decks aren’t areas that are inspected yearly.

David Dew, a home inspector with Freedom Home Inspections, encourages homeowners to take the extra step and preventive measures.

“I always start asking people when was the last time your home was inspected?” Dew said.

He encourages annual inspections but understands that may not be in everyone’s budget.

If it’s been longer than five years, you’re likely overdue, according to Dew.

To complete an inspection at home, Dew says you need a couple of tools including a screwdriver and a flashlight.

Dew pressed into a wood board, saying “We will press it [the screwdriver] into here. If that goes in, the structural integrity of that board is gone.”

Dew said homeowners …