Five Things to Fix Before a Home Inspection
Before you have a home inspected, there are many things that you need to look at and fix. Buyers don’t expect a perfect house, but they want to know that there are no heavy burdens on them. While a home inspector will often note minor issues, buyers can easily spot the biggest issues. Here are five things that you should look for. In addition to fixing obvious issues, you should also repair water damage and leaks, warping and termites.
Termites
Termites can damage your property. They can damage your house if they live in or near wood. Get rid of all wet wood around your house. This includes stumps from trees, wood from home improvements, and gutters. Make sure to clean out all wood mulch and store it at least five inches away from your house and slope it away from it. Termites like moisture and wood so you should take immediate steps to remove any wood from your home.
Leaks
One of the most common problems during a home inspection is water damage and mold. These problems can result from a variety of causes, including poor drainage and plumbing leaks. Untreated water can cause structural damage to the home and allow termites growth. Not to mention the fact that damp homes can pose a risk to occupants. Here are some common issues to address before a home inspection.
Water damage
Before scheduling a home inspection, it is important to determine if water damage has been repaired. Many people try to fix the problem but don’t have the money or the time. Neglecting this problem could lead to serious consequences later. Listed below are some of the ways to ensure that water damage has been fixed. Continue reading to learn how!
Warping
There are many reasons why a home may be experiencing warping. Warping can have a negative impact on the appearance of your home and cause other problems such as mold infestation or vermin infestation. In many cases, warping can go undetected for a while, but it becomes more noticeable as time passes. Periodic inspections can be a good way of detecting warping as panels may appear to be pushed out at the middle.
Sagging
Sagging is a sign that something isn’t quite right. Sagging can be caused by many factors, including poorly installed plywood, rot, or insect damage. A sagging floor could indicate a sloped floor towards the center of your house. If the sagging is toward the exterior walls, it could be a sign that the foundation has settled, which is more severe and expensive to correct.
Buckling
While we will all have to deal regularly with ants and spiders in our homes, the discovery of a nest can cause serious problems for potential buyers. Although a home inspector may find minor problems, you will be able tell if there is a problem by yourself. Luckily, there are a few ways to prepare for a home inspection so that your buyer has no reason to be put off by the findings.
Unfinished wiring
The electrical system in a home is an important component of safety. Unrounded wiring can cause a home inspection to fail. From 2010 to 2014, home fires were caused by electrical distribution equipment. These fires caused an average 57% fire in a home. During an inspection, the inspector will inspect each outlet to ensure safety and check for ground fault circuit interrupters. The home inspector will also inspect the electrical panel for potential safety hazards such as aging systems and multiple wires that use the same breaker.