As a homeowner, you likely recognize the importance of proper maintenance. There are certain tasks that you perform each week to keep your house in order. However, there are some additional tasks you could be doing each month that could help you pass an inspection in the event you decide to sell. Let’s review five monthly tasks that can help your property pass a future home inspection.
[Read more…]Top 5 Home Inspection Tips for Buyers
As a home buyer, there’s a lot at stake when it comes to your new investment. Purchasing a house with a myriad of underlying issues can be a significant financial burden – one that can potentially cause you to forfeit your new home. That’s why it’s important that buyers are directly involved in the home inspection process. Let’s review some home inspection tips for buyers and how they can ensure they’re making a sound investment.
[Read more…]Why Winter is a Great Time for a Home Inspection
Snow, ice, and harsh temperatures can make you second guess scheduling a home inspection, but these conditions may actually increase the effectiveness of an inspection. While some special considerations may need to be made to accommodate for the wintery conditions, the weather may reveal flaws that might be difficult to notice otherwise. Let’s discuss why winter is a great time for a home inspection and how to ensure things run smoothly.
[Read more…]When is a Second Home Inspection Required, and What Does It Entail?
Rarely do home inspections turn up nothing but perfection. There are numerous cases where even a second inspection is required after repairs or replacements occur. After all, a professional must inspect the changes to ensure everything is up to code. Yet, beyond checking on new repairs and replacements, what are the other reasons for a second home inspection? Let’s discuss when a second home inspection is required and what it entails.
[Read more…]What’s Not Included in a Home Inspection?
A home inspector has advanced knowledge of a home’s infrastructure, which is why they’re hired to identify flaws. However, a home inspection is often described as a “visible examination” of a structure. It’s important to understand that a home inspector is limited to what they can see. Since an inspection is essentially a visual evaluation of the home, let’s review what’s not included in a home inspection.
[Read more…]Bathroom Issues That Lead to a Failed Inspection
Bathrooms are one of the most frequently used rooms in your house. That’s why buyers find great interest in bathrooms flaunting modern embellishments, like a marble-top vanity or fashionable tiling. However, although aesthetically pleasing, these enhancements can hide problems that lay beneath the surface. Let’s take a look at some common bathroom issues that lead to a failed inspection.
[Read more…]What’s in a Home Inspector’s Toolbox?
Although home inspectors can’t dismantle anything within a home, there are tools that make their job safer and easier. The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) Standards of Practice recommends home inspectors at least have a flashlight and an electrical circuit tester, but an experienced inspector knows that their job requires more than just the basics. Let’s take a look at some of the items that may be present in a home inspector’s toolbox.
[Read more…]What Do Home Inspectors Look for in a Sump Pump?
Sump pumps play an important role in keeping basements dry. So, when a sump pump isn’t installed properly or is poorly maintained, a strong bout of heavy rainfall or a burst pipe can cause extensive damage to your home. To ensure your potential new home is protected from basement floods, let’s take a look at what home inspectors look for in a sump pump.
[Read more…]5 Common Exterior Issues Found During Home Inspections
Despite a lot of home inspection problems originating within the house, an inspector spends a great deal of time outside the home as well. While not expensive or difficult to repair in most cases, issues found outside of a home can lead to problems such as pest infestations and foundation damage. Let’s review five of the common exterior issues we encounter during home inspections.
[Read more…]What Oil Tank Issues Can Result in a Failed Home Inspection?
Oil is one of the safest heating methods, making it an attractive trait for homebuyers. However, despite this, it’s not completely without its risks. Depending on the condition or location of a residential oil tank, fire and pollution risks can arise. That’s why a home inspector must perform a close visual inspection of the unit. To learn what inspectors search for, let’s review what oil tank issues can result in a failed home inspection.
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