Buying a home is a monumental commitment and desirable lifetime investment to many people. However, inspecting the condition of the property before buying it is a wise step to take. The home inspection does not only focus on the design issues, code and curb appeal of the home but mainly on the performance of all installed systems. Before you sign the purchase deal on the dotted line of the contract, involve professional inspectors from a reputable home inspection Des Moines company to avoid costly repairs later. The following are areas that professionals inspect in a residential house on sale.
First get to the roof to inspect it in different aspects. See whether there are missing or broken shingles and if the flashing has cracked caulk and rust spots. Check if the shingles are curling, blistering and buckling. You could also check if the rubber boots of the vent pipes have cracks. The presence of moss and lichen masses on the rooftop shows the roof is decaying from the underneath, and quick repair is crucial.
Check if the basement is damp and moist. Moist basements release damp and musty odors, which you can easily detect through sniffing. A damp basement indicates that the ceiling or the floor could be leaking. The cracks on the interior basement and the rotting wood of the exposed beam indicate the basement is leaking. Groundwater, precipitation and hydrostatic pressure are the main culprits behind the damp basement.
Mold growth at the basement shows there is water leakage. Molds produce an unpleasant odor, look awful, deteriorate curb appeal of the house and cause health problems. Molds normally grow in the dampest and darkest sections of the house. If you occupy the house with molds growing on the basement, you may suffer asthma, allergic reactions and headaches.
Examine the condition and performance of the air conditioners in the house. Poorly maintained air conditioners have faulty ductwork due to metal dents, torn or collapsed flex ducts, dirt streaks, loose seam fittings and peeling duct tape. Any air conditioner with a yellow or orange flickering flame indicates combustion problems. Find out if there are pet hair, dirt, dust, leaves, shrubs and other contaminants in the HVAC registers, grills, condenser unit fins and thermostats.
Electrical malfunctions are also common in some homes for sale, and you cannot identify some of them if you are not keen enough. Sparking fuse box and breaker panel, or disgusting odor from the sockets and wiring indicate faulty electrical system. Ensure there are no uncoated extensions, black switches, hot switch plates, blown fuses, hot plugs and fitted sockets in the skirting boards.
Walk into the kitchen, toilet and bathroom to assess the condition of the plumbing system. For instance, low water pressure is a common plumbing problem in sinks with calcium deposit buildup. Find out if the sinks and tubs are draining properly or if they need to be unclogged. Finally, check if the faucets are leaky and if the toilet is running or clogged.
Occupying a new residential house with properly maintained systems will save you expensive replacements and repair work. Thorough house inspection ensures that your family members are not exposed to dreadful electrical shocks and electrocution. Moreover, you will avoid health complications that damp and leaky basements cause to those living there.
First get to the roof to inspect it in different aspects. See whether there are missing or broken shingles and if the flashing has cracked caulk and rust spots. Check if the shingles are curling, blistering and buckling. You could also check if the rubber boots of the vent pipes have cracks. The presence of moss and lichen masses on the rooftop shows the roof is decaying from the underneath, and quick repair is crucial.
Check if the basement is damp and moist. Moist basements release damp and musty odors, which you can easily detect through sniffing. A damp basement indicates that the ceiling or the floor could be leaking. The cracks on the interior basement and the rotting wood of the exposed beam indicate the basement is leaking. Groundwater, precipitation and hydrostatic pressure are the main culprits behind the damp basement.
Mold growth at the basement shows there is water leakage. Molds produce an unpleasant odor, look awful, deteriorate curb appeal of the house and cause health problems. Molds normally grow in the dampest and darkest sections of the house. If you occupy the house with molds growing on the basement, you may suffer asthma, allergic reactions and headaches.
Examine the condition and performance of the air conditioners in the house. Poorly maintained air conditioners have faulty ductwork due to metal dents, torn or collapsed flex ducts, dirt streaks, loose seam fittings and peeling duct tape. Any air conditioner with a yellow or orange flickering flame indicates combustion problems. Find out if there are pet hair, dirt, dust, leaves, shrubs and other contaminants in the HVAC registers, grills, condenser unit fins and thermostats.
Electrical malfunctions are also common in some homes for sale, and you cannot identify some of them if you are not keen enough. Sparking fuse box and breaker panel, or disgusting odor from the sockets and wiring indicate faulty electrical system. Ensure there are no uncoated extensions, black switches, hot switch plates, blown fuses, hot plugs and fitted sockets in the skirting boards.
Walk into the kitchen, toilet and bathroom to assess the condition of the plumbing system. For instance, low water pressure is a common plumbing problem in sinks with calcium deposit buildup. Find out if the sinks and tubs are draining properly or if they need to be unclogged. Finally, check if the faucets are leaky and if the toilet is running or clogged.
Occupying a new residential house with properly maintained systems will save you expensive replacements and repair work. Thorough house inspection ensures that your family members are not exposed to dreadful electrical shocks and electrocution. Moreover, you will avoid health complications that damp and leaky basements cause to those living there.
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If you urgently need to arrange for home inspection Des Moines company is the right source of contact. Visit this page now and schedule a date via http://www.prositehomeinspections.com.
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