Checklist for DIY Home Inspection
Most homeowners postpone property inspections until they are ready to sell. And the term “most” is used loosely. When the housing bubble burst, over 1.4 million American houses were sold with no inspection.
Even if you have no plans to relocate anytime soon, examining your property for damage is a smart idea.
Although nothing surpasses a professional inspection by a certified contractor, electrician, or plumber, a do-it-yourself house analysis can save you hundreds of dollars in the long run. By detecting issues early on, you may address them cheaply before they worsen (and are more expensive).
To get you started, here’s a useful DIY house inspection checklist. All you actually need is a lantern, a clipboard, and an afternoon to yourself:
-Examining the Foundation for Damage
The foundation is undoubtedly the most crucial part of a house. As such, it is deserving of its own checklist. However, you should keep an eye out for cracks, crumbling concrete, collapsing pillars, and water damage.
At the first sign of trouble, contact a specialist right away. It is nearly always a terrible idea to do your own foundation repair.
-Walls that are cracked, crumbling, or peeling
Begin a comprehensive inspection of all the walls — both inside and out — after checking for foundation damage:
Vertical cracks are ugly, however, horizontal cracks are frequently a sign of foundation problems.
Crumbling plaster or building material (in any location) need prompt action.
Water damage can be identified by stains, mildew, and condensation (especially on interior walls).
The decision to cover up peeling paint is a personal one. However, putting an extra layer of paint on external walls helps protect your property from the weather.
-Windows and doors that no longer properly close
Foundation deterioration might be indicated by loose-fitting doors and sticky windows. Even if they aren’t, closing these gaps may save you a lot of money on your energy costs.
-Plumbing and electrical wiring
You may have a leak in your house and be unaware of it. Turning off the water and watching the meter for many hours is an easy approach to testing your plumbing system. If this happens, you’ll need to hire a skilled plumber.
Checking your electrical wiring is a little more difficult. It’s preferable to leave it to the professionals unless you know what you’re doing. However, you may lessen the pressure on your electrical system (and utility cost).
-Roof and attic inspections
The attic should be adequately aired and free of moisture buildup. Furthermore, missing roof shingles make it simpler for rainfall to enter your property and cause harm elsewhere. These should be addressed as soon as feasible.
Don’t overlook the significance of seasonal gutter cleaning. One of the primary causes of foundation deterioration is improper water drainage.
The Single Most Important Home Inspection Tip
If you truly want to maximize the value of your annual home inspections, stroll around the house as if you were a prospective buyer:
Is the stairwell banister shaky?
Do you have any bulges beneath the rug that you can’t explain?
Strange sounds emanating from behind the wall?
Be merciless. Make it a family competition to see who can find the most tics and repairs.
But what if you need more expert assistance?
We would like to emphasize that the RLM Retrofit Foundation does not charge for its estimates for Foundation Inspection Agoura Hills . For further information, please contact us at (800) 824-6699.
