Don’t Ignore Leaks: Hidden Damage could Empty your Savings

If you are a buyer looking for a new home, or a seller getting your property in good condition for the market, then it’s important to be aware of the damage that can be caused by a leaking roof.

You dont have to live with a leaking roof

Generally, a leaky roof is easily spotted and is noticeable by the water stains and tracks can easily be seen running across the underside of your ceiling. In most cases, you can trace where the leak has entered, through to the side of the ceiling from the attic, by following the discolored track.

Spotting a leak is easy, but finding the source of the leak can be a little more difficult. It’s important to understand that even a minor leak can amount to major damage. If you have a leak in your home or property then fix it straight away. That tiny drip that doesn’t really bother you can lead to serious mold issues. Mold rots framing, destroys insulation, and finally results in you paying an expensive repair bill that empties your savings.

You are less likely to have a leak in a newly constructed home, it is usually the case, the older the home the more likely it is to have a leak or two. Of course, that’s sometimes due to neglect by its current owner through the years.

One of the best ways to ensure that the property you are looking to buy is worth the asking price is to have it evaluated by a home inspector first. On the other hand, if the property you are looking to sell and you want it to sell quickly, get a home inspection, to assure the buyer there are no major problems.

Having a professional home inspector look over the property, the last thing you want to do is replace a whole section of the roof because you didn’t repair a leak right away.

Benefits of a Pre-Listing Inspection

Get the best from a pre-listing

Are you thinking of relocating to another home, if so, you will more than likely need to sell the current home that you are living in to help fund that move. Why not get an experienced, fully trained Florida home inspector, to inspect the home, and correctly evaluate it.

It would be a good idea to let Central Florida Building Inspectors inspect your property before you put it on the market and up for sale. There are some fantastic benefits that come from a pre-listed inspection. One of those benefits being that the seller can be confident that there are no major issues or detrimental factors affecting the negotiated selling price of that property within the buyers’ market.

The experienced home inspectors at CFBI will do a thorough and professional job. On completion of the inspection, you will be given a detailed report of all their findings, along with digital photos of problem areas.

Having a detailed home inspection report allows you to make the most of the time that you have and get the needed repairs fixed to improve your home’s chances of being sold. You can bypass the tough negotiations over your asking price, as your home will be in tip-top condition. This allows you to stay firm and not waiver on your desired asking price.

If you are interested in a pre-listing inspection, contact CFBI today to learn more about their services. They have many different types available that could be helpful in order determine the best price for your home or property.

A home inspection service is an excellent way to get an experts opinion on the true condition of your home allowing you to get the repairs performed in time before putting your home or property up for sale on the market.

How to Identify Dry Rot

Introduction

Serpula lacrymans or as its more commonly known, dry rot, is a fungus that attacks wood and timber throughout most parts of the world. Dry rot is most common in timber forests, but also known for its powerful ability to destroy timber, and eat away at the wood used in the construction of homes.

How to differentiate Dry Rot from Wet Rot

Dry Rot & Wet Rot

It’s important to try and identify if the damage to your timber is from dry rot or one of the other wood destroying wet rots that are around. Keep in mind that dry rot can easily pass through multiple building materials. What that means is it has the ability to break out and spread quickly.

In some cases, it can affect a number of areas in one building. So it’s essential that you look into possible masonry sterilization or a generous application of this treatment. Treat it regularly to avoid and prevent future outbreak of other wood rotting fungi.

The presence of Dry Rot typically shows:

  • Wood will form in a cuboidal (cube-like) manner
  • Wood will become darker cracks appearing to shrink
  • Velvety textured skin will grow over the wood; graying with yellow and purple colors.
  • Live decay produces a musty-like odor that accompanies the growth

Dry rot can be present in any home, regardless of age or home’s location, electing to have a home inspection service is a quick and trusted method that highlights and addresses any areas of concern. Dry Rot has the ability to spread like wildfire and cause unthinkable structural damage. It needs to be identified, treated, and stopped in its tracks.

If you are concerned about the issue of dry rot, then contact a professional home inspection company today and ask about specialist services that could help you address the issue of dry rot in your home or property.

Tips in Finding the Right Home Inspector

A home Inspector that ticks all the boxes

When looking to choose a home inspector, you should research and take the time to know what to expect, and be able to choose a trusted professional. A home inspection is a great way to prevent the usual headaches that come with buying or selling a home.

For instance, if you are looking to purchase a home, then an inspection is an excellent way to find out issues that would have otherwise gone unnoticed. In some cases, the issues that are found during a home inspection could sway you towards not buying, meaning that you escape making a financial decision you later regret.

If you are the seller, a home inspection can help highlight areas of repair that need sorted out before you put the house up for sale on the market, meaning no haggling issues over your decided selling price.

Here’s some helpful tip on how to find a home inspector:

Before you look for a home make sure to find a licensed and insured inspector! If you happen to select your home first, then time is of the essence, and you may be forced to choose the first inspector you come across.

Get recommendations from your family, friends, and check inspections regulating sites like, http://www.ashi.org for additional information.

Don’t be afraid to grill your inspector, and ask as many questions that you need answers to, such as, how long does an inspection take; what reports are provided, and what details are provided on the final report.

Pick the most experienced inspector with a wealth of knowledge in his/her industry and not just one specialized area.

It may be that where you are looking to live in could require a state licence for a home inspection to take place ensure that your selected inspector holds a current authorized license.

Look for accredited certificates such as links to ASHI and other professional organizations.

 

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3 Elements on your Home that need Regular Inspection

Foundation issues causing wall cracks

Homeownership can be overwhelming when you consider the upkeep and constant need to check the structure is continually safe to live in. The best way to make certain all is right is to be diligent in your efforts to check the following elements on your home regularly. Have a look at your property and check for the issues below.

The Roof & Chimney

It must be stated that we do not advise you pluck up the courage and venture out onto the roof of your property. If possible, try to look over the roof from a save vantage point. It’s easy to spot missing roof tiles and slates from ground level. If you live in an older home with a fireplace, you will also be able to see the chimney stack and spot any obvious deterioration in the flashing or surrounding stonework.

The Downpipes & Gutters

Gutters and downpipes are easily blocked with debris causing water to overflow out and over the outer walls. Cleaning your gutters regularly, checking for cracks, and rust helps prevent any excess moisture in, which can cause serious damage to the interior of your home.

The Exterior Walls & Brickwork

If you have any cracks appearing in the brickwork or stonework, or find missing beds of mortar this can be dangerous to the structure, ensure you get it checked out. Having all the (brick) joints repointed will help make your home look cared for and boost sale opportunities.

The above are only a few areas out of many that need your attention, whether you already own the home, want to sell the home, or intend to buy it.

If you are unsure or have any questions about these different elements, a home inspection service is an excellent way to highlight all areas of concern on the house. In any case, you should always have a professional home inspection company carry out an in-depth evaluation on any property you are looking to sell or purchase.

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