Hard Surface Inspections....which surface are you looking at.....ceramic tile, stone, marble, wood, laminate, engineered wood, vinyl, and so on. Besides understanding the type of hard surface you are looking at, there also requires the understanding of so many aspects....from the materials, to the manufacturing, to the installation, to the maintenance, and finally the expectations. Without this understanding, diagnosing the causes of certain conditions during the inspection of a hard surface can be difficult.

Following are just a few examples of how the same condition may have many different causes.

	Marks in this Hard Surface First....what material is this? Ceramic tile, marble, stone, or vinyl? Secondly...the causes? Could it be crazing from manufacturing? Etched from maintenance techniques? Characteristic based on the material?
	Joint Visibility  Once again, First....what material is this? Wood, engineered wood, laminate, or bamboo?   Secondly....how is it installed? Floating, nailed down, stapled, or direct glue down?
Thirdly...what is the subfloor? Pier and beam, wood, concrete? And is the subfloor below-grade, on-grade, or above-grade? Now....what are the causes? Could it be moisture, if so...from where? Could it be an issue with the tongue and groove? Or....is it the way the lighting is hitting the floor?
	Seams Curling  First....how is this material installed? Perimeter glued, fully adhered glue, or peel and stick? Secondly...what is the subfloor? Pier and beam, wood, concrete?
Now....what are the causes? Could it be moisture, if so...from where? Could it be the adhesive, if so....from the manufacturer or purchased separately? Could it be the seams are not sealed? Or...was there something topical placed on the floor that entered through the seams?