Say the words “home inspection†and both home sellers and buyers quake a bit. There’s no sense in anticipating what may be wrong. Rather, look at a home inspection as an opportunity to offer or buy a home that has been well cared for and in great shape.
Home inspections aren’t just for buyers. More and more, sellers will schedule an inspection before the home is put on the market. That’s a good way to fix any issues that may decrease your home’s marketability. Buyer home inspections are usually built into the contract process.
Fireplaces are the center piece of a room. They are also a potential fire hazard. We recommend hiring a chimney sweep to check it out every autumn. Clean chimneys don’t start fires make sure you hire a good chimney cleaning service. Use only seasoned wood; don’t burn wrapping paper, cardboard boxes or pine branches. The Chimney Safety Institute of America also cautions that, while a chimney helps your home to breathe, it requires special care and maintenance to avoid carbon monoxide fumes and fires behind the lining.
So, the first step is finding a reliable home inspector. Ask friends and neighbors for recommendations as well as your real estate agent. You can also visit the American Society of Home Inspectors‘ website to find a professional inspector. Be sure to choose an inspector who is also very familiar with your community and homes like yours. Ask your inspector how much the inspection will cost, how and when you will receive a report and how long the inspection will last.
Your inspector will visually examine more than 300 things in your home, from the foundation up through the roof. Major systems, such as a heating and cooling, electrical and plumbing are all on the list, in addition to an exterior look at decks, gutters, windows, doors, crawl spaces and porches. You might need an emergency plumber, like ther emergency plumbers in Portsmouth.
Accompany your inspector on the tour with your own checklist and ask questions if you are not familiar with certain terminology. You are an important part of this process; the more you know, the better you can sell or buy your home.
If you are selling, you can do many small fixes before the inspector comes. To prepare, clean your HVAC filters and the chimney; replace burned out light bulbs and install energy efficient fluorescent bulbs. While you’re up there on a ladder, make sure your smoke detectors work and clear the way to the attic, especially if you have a pull-down ladder.
Drips are out. Inspect all faucets and drains. Replacing washers is easy, but, if your drip is more like the river runs through it, install new faucets in your kitchen and bathrooms. Caulk around sinks and the tub.
Outside, seal your asphalt driveway and remove firewood that is in close contact with the house. Trim bushes that block the natural sunlight and repair any loose porch or deck boards.
Finally, provide any warranty information you have for appliances, major HVAC systems or any remodeling projects.
With a bit of pre-planning, home inspections will be smooth and free of stress.