by cfbi1 | Mar 24, 2014 | Home Inspection
Keeping your roof in good condition is very important; let’s be really honest here, how often do you check the roof or do you even check it at all? Most people are too busy with carrying out their other daily duties to think about checking the condition of the roof covering the home.
In fact, the only real check that the roof gets is a quick glance from over the shoulder of the homeowner, who is actually checking to see if the front door closed behind them.
If you make a point of checking your roof regularly, then it means you can keep on top of the little repairs that can arise. Take the time to ensure the correct materials have been used, and the condition of your roof is in good shape. Choose to actively reduce the chances of major repairs becoming a problem with routine checks. Issues that are spotted, as soon as they arise, can be resolved before they become a financial mess.
The condition of your roof is one of the areas during a home inspection that a home inspector will check over meticulously, especially if you are looking to sell your home. For example, if you were looking to buy a home, would you make the financial decision to purchase a home if the roof was caving in and falling apart with water leaking in from all angles? Didn’t think so, as the seller make certain the roof is in great condition to improve the chance to sell it.
The best practice is not to wait until your dining room has turned into an indoor swimming pool, and you and your family are eating breakfast on a float. Stay on top of the roof’s condition by using your observation skills, and fixing small repairs as needed.
Having a stable roof over your head is essential; it needs to be in good shape in order to keep your family safe and dry, in addition to the fact, a happy home is a shelter protecting family from the weather elements.
by cfbi1 | Mar 20, 2014 | Home Inspection
When you are looking through suitable properties as a homebuyer, you need to be certain the investment choice you are about to make is a wise one. The only way you can get a clear picture of the home you want to purchase is to request a home inspection. Inspections offer a clear and concise report that you can read over and evaluate.
When an inspector reviews a property, they will be looking out for any signs of structural damage. They will also be checking the age and functioning of major operating systems connected with the structure. Once the review is completed, the inspector leaves a written report with digital photos included for the client to refer to and use as a guide.
A completed report should include information about…
- The foundation condition
- The roof condition
- Accurate evaluation of heating and cooling systems
- Accurate details about the electrical wiring
- Any structural issues of significance
When the inspector is doing the walkthrough part of his or her service, it would be good for you, as the buyer, to attend for the few hours it takes. Taking the time to attend a walkthrough allows you to learn the ins and outs of the property, and lets you ask any questions you may need answers to.
Home inspections can vary in cost. This comes down to a few factors like age of the property, size of the property, location, and specialist services rendered, like water quality inspection or termite inspection.
The good thing about a home inspection is that there is no place for any issues to be hidden. An inspection report can give you negotiating power and assurance that there are not issue the seller has not disclosed. A home inspection is a wise choice of service for anyone looking to buy a home.
by cfbi1 | Mar 19, 2014 | Home Inspection
Your home needs to be regularly checked, and maintained in order to keep on top of any repairs. The reason you need to keep on top of maintenance is that you don’t want to neglect issues, which can amount into costly repairs. As the homeowner, you don’t want to be sitting “out-of-pocket” because of problems that could have been prevented.
The guide below is a simple but effective list that if you keep on top of can help prolong and keep your home in good condition.
Are gutters clean and do you regularly check them?
It is the gutters job to collect rain from the roof and direct that water away from the house. If gutters are blocked by debris, then you are going to have an issue. Water will not be able to drain correctly due to the blockages. The blocked water gathers and overflows onto the ground, flooding the surrounding area. The soil soaks up the excess water and your home’s foundation is put at risk. Homeowners can often find leaks in their basements, and in some cases, cracks in the foundation structure.
Keep your eyes open for mold growth.
In rooms that have high levels of moisture like the bathroom and kitchens, keep an eye out for mold. A simple scrubbing brush, hot water, disinfectant, and even white-distilled vinegar can help kill and clean mold spores before the growth escalates and causes serious damage.
Check electrical wiring and appliances.
Depending on when the home was built will determine if you need to have the electrical wiring replaced because of it being outdated, and a health, safety, and fire risk. Electrical fires spread easily and get out of control at a frightening rate. You also don’t need the structural damage that comes with an electrical fire.
These are simple ways of keeping on top of a few areas around your home and keeping it free of major repairs. The best way to get a professional evaluation of your home would be to hire a home inspection company; an accurate report is exactly what you need to get the correct repairs carried out and keep your home in good shape.
by cfbi1 | Mar 18, 2014 | Home Inspection
The roof is exposed to the elements of each passing season. It should be able to withstand years of exposure to the wind, rain, snow and sun. The average lifespan of a roof will depend on a number of factors, i.e. what type of materials it’s made from and what type of weather those materials are exposed to the most?
The roof of your home is just one area of importance that is checked during a home inspection service.
A roof can fail prematurely at any time under normal everyday weather conditions. If your roof does fail it can usually be traced back to either faults in the design or it has been built using the wrong type of materials.
A roof inspection or a wind mitigation service is a professional evaluation of the condition of a roof and its stability during hurricane force winds. Once the roof is inspected, and if any concern is brought to your attention, the home inspection company will recommend what actions to take in order for the issues to be corrected.
If it turns out there is a leak, simply track the water stains running across the underside of your ceiling to a gathering spot (drip point). Now it may be easy to spot the leak, but finding its point of entry needs an expert’s eye and proper investigation; the type of knowledge and experience that you would find in a fully qualified and experienced home inspector.
A professional home inspector should be able to pinpoint the leaks entry point from the roof to your living space. Generally, they will look out for water stains, moisture patches, and water gathering points in the attic. The home inspector would then advise on the correct action to take in order to get back up to the standards that are required.
As mentioned, a home inspection is an evaluation of the many different aspects concerning your home. To see a full list of what is inspected on a typical home inspections report, visit our home inspections page. Whether you own a home, wanting to sell a home, or buying a home, we have the inspections services you need.
by cfbi1 | Mar 17, 2014 | Home Inspection
When you want to sell a home, anyone who considers buying it might want a home inspection first. Therefore, it would be more beneficial for the seller to get the inspection over the prospective buyers. It’s within your best interests to find issues in your home and get them repaired before selling. Having repairs done, saves the embarrassment you might feel if a prospective buyer had their own inspector point out the home’s issues.
Main reasons it’s important to have pre-listing inspection service:
· It allows you to see the true condition of the home from the view of a third party.
· It helps you figure out an accurate asking price and value your home accordingly.
· It allows you the valuable time needed to get any repairs fixed which leaves little room for haggling during negotiations.
· A pre-listing is also a good reason to make the prospective buyer waive the contingency fee.
· It’s possible you could be living with radon gas, or your home could be infested with hungry termites, both of which can go unnoticed if an inspection is not done.
· The report is accurate and detailed this will help ease the buyers suspicions and/or concerns regarding the home’s true condition.
· It is a way to make you, the seller, aware of any health and safety hazards. Letting you know if any major components need upgraded according to the codes of practice before any agents bring prospective buyers to tour your home.
Pre-listing or seller inspection is an important part of the entire process. Keep in mind, that when you want to hire a home inspector, check if they are affiliated and certified by the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI). This certification is an assurance that the inspection company provides strict and high quality training for any inspectors.
