1. Electrical
2. Landscaping
3. Roofing shingles not in place
1. Electrical
2. Landscaping
3. Roofing shingles not in place
Home inspections are an important part of home buying. The process allows a buyer to get a rough idea of what the home is worth, or if the property is worth pursuing. Home inspections should be done before contracts are signed and when everything is fresh in your mind. Keep a list of things that need replacing or repairing with the contracted date for completion by the seller, so there will be no surprises later on.
Home inspection companies use many different methods to inspect homes from X-rays to radar scans, but most often they will do thorough visual inspection inside and out as well as taking certain measurements and making notations where problems may exist. The inspector will look at siding, windows and doors for water entry as well as peeling paint, dry rot and other common structural defects. They will also check for faulty wiring, gas lines, plumbing and heating systems both inside and out.
Water penetration may be an indicator of a leaky roof or foundation or even improper grading around the house. These are not signs that you should automatically cross a property off your list because everything in a home can be fixed, but it is important to know what you are getting into before purchasing a home. Here are some things to look out for:
1. Electrical
2. Landscaping
3. Roofing shingles not in place
4. Water damage on ceiling, walls, door frames, etc., from roof or plumbing leaks
5. Vinyl siding doesn’t match the manufacturer’s specifications or missing pieces of siding; warped or dented fascia boards and other trim boards can be a sign of extensive water leakage; broken window panes indicate possible vandalism and security problems; damaged flashing around doors and windows is a sign that water has penetrated inside walls as well as outside to become part of the building’s elements over time
6. Exposed nails are usually a problem with old fences or if storm-damaged panels need to be replaced without a complete tear-off of the old siding
7. Missing handrails on steps and porches; loose or missing step and floorboards; exposed nail heads indicating substandard carpentry “repair” jobs
8. Bulging window or door frames, windows that won’t open properly or easily, dropped ceilings, patches where drywall has been removed to run wires: these are signs of potential termite damage
9. Cracks in wood trim boards around doors and windows can mean water has gotten behind the sheathing causing mold and rot on an exterior wall or beginning termite infestation under a floor—the affected area must be inspected for evidence of wood destroying organisms
10. Failing exterior paint: peeling and blistering paint can indicate wood rot and mold damage underneath where the sheathing has been penetrated by water; missing shingle tabs (the little plastic or metal caps that hold down the ends of individual shingles) are often associated with roof problems, namely leaks
Some inspections take longer than others depending on what is being inspected, but generally they run 1-2 hours per 100 sq ft. This includes attic space which often provides inspectors with some of their most interesting finds! To get the best Home Inspection Los Angeles, give us a call today
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