Do-It-Yourself Home Inspection
View PDF | Print View
by: Tara Millar
Total views: 8
Word Count: 649
Date: Thu, 7 Oct 2010 Time: 11:13 AM
0 comments
If you are set to purchase your dream house or are in the process of doing a home redecorating or transformation task, you are likely to find the need for assistance in understanding which is right or wrong with the home you are aiming to purchase, or renovate or repair.
The good news is that there is an extended list of specialists who are acquainted with the key basics and greatest practices that make homes buttoned up. There are several communities of construction assessment professional who work for local construction departments and monitor the quality and shape of home and commercial building improvements. Their most important duty is to make sure that all home improvement projects will be up to minimum building safety standards. Another crowd of assessment specialists are hired by buyers to screen and scrutinize the general state of home properties so as to pinpoint troubles and complications that are present.
Notwithstanding the existence of competent and expert home inspection specialists, it is nevertheless indispensable that you have a basic understanding of the nuances of home inspection. There are certain areas of the home property that you need to examine before you decide to employ the services of a professional home inspection specialist.
1. Structure - You must examine at the home property from a sensible distance. Look at the general facade of the exterior walls. Do they seem flat and plumb? From within, evaluate carefully the walls if it is bent at the corners. Check the general shape of the floor. Does it feel solid or not?
2. Roof - Examine the general condition of the roof of the property. Is it new and in a fine state?
3. Rainwater Control - Ascertain if the gutters, eave troughs, down spouts and drain pipes carry rain water away from the property? Check if there is a potential dilemma of flooding in the basement. Look for evidence or indication of water damage.
4. Finishing Details - Check for distinct signs of excellent workmanship in the finishing details of the home property. These shall consist of the tile work, paint, hardware and moldings.
5. Bathroom and Kitchen Fixtures - Find out whether the toilets, sinks and tubs are of good quality or not? Are they running correctly? Check the water pressure by turning on the faucets and flushing the toilet.
6. Electrical System - Examine whether the site and number of receptacles are adequate to the needs of the home or not? Check the main circuit breaker; it must be at least 100 amps.
7. Water Heating and Plumbing System - Determine if the water heater is electric or gas, as the latter is more economical. The water supply pipes that supply water to fixtures should be made of copper.
8. Heating System - You must consider the place of the heater or furnace. It is also critical to take into account the kind of heater or furnace. Evaluate if the registers look sufficient for heating the home interior. Check if the property is air-conditioned or not.
9. Fireplace - Is the fireplace equipped with glass doors or screens? Glass doors are considered more efficient than screens. Check the log lighters and dampers. Determine if there is a combustion outlet that is capable in drawing air from the outside. It is also necessary that the fireplace is outfitted with spark arrestor at the upper portion of the chimney.
10. Insulation - Look at the attic to inspect the type of insulation that the home property has. R-19 is the minimum standard for homes in areas with moderate climates. On the other hand, R-38 is usually required in homes located in places that experience cold climates. You also have to remove the receptacle cover of the perimeter wall to examine the whole state of the wall insulation.
About the Author
Another great article by Lake Nippising Real Estate
Rating: Not yet rated
Login to vote
