A home is a place that you spend the majority of your time. But, how much do you know about the one you call “home?” Unless you are an experienced real estate investor or have spent years in construction, it can be hard to know what is really going on with your house.
Today, we will discuss 11 things every homeowner should know about their property – from why they need a professional inspection to how to spot problems before they happen!
The importance of a professional inspection.
A home inspector will take the time to go through your house, inside and out, with you. They’ll be able to spot any problems that may not have occurred to you before – from broken windows or mold in the basement all the way up to faulty wiring or water damage at roof level.
How important it is for everyone on the property’s title deed to provide consent when making repairs.
If there are multiple people on a property’s ownership deeds, they each need their own signature if there are going to be any major changes being made like replacing appliances or fixtures.
What happens during an appraisal?
Appraisals don’t just happen so banks can know what they’re lending against! An appraiser will also check to make sure that the property is in good shape and not over-mortgaged.
As homeowners, it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on how much we spend on our homes each month – but there are other major costs you should be aware of too!
A typical home spends between 20% and 30% of its total value every year for things like insurance, taxes, utilities, maintenance work etcetera. So if your house was worth $200 000 today then this would mean about $40 000 per year goes towards these kinds of expenses alone.
What happens during a walk through?
This starts with inspecting the exterior from windowsills up into the roofline so any problems will become apparent right away. It also includes checking the roof, insulation and plumbing to make sure there are no leaks or unrepaired damage. Inside, an appraiser will check electrical outlets for proper grounding as well as wiring integrity in the attic where it’s less likely to be seen at a glance.
What about inside?
Windowsills, siding and gutters should all be inspected from outside while close attention is paid to other details like air conditioning units by looking up through windows into these spaces too! The same goes for ceilings downstairs because water can leak down onto appliances such as dishwashers that would then need repairs.
Appliances themselves may have been replaced with newer models so they’re not on the list of things checked during this type of inspection but they’re worth a glance.
A typical inspection will take about an hour to complete and it all starts with the front door.
Front Door: Inspect for proper locking mechanisms, evidence of tampering or recent repairs that might indicate past break-ins as well as any damage like dents from attempted entry points (windows on the side entrances are often targets).
In some cases, a security system may also be installed by your home inspector which would identify potential problems before someone can enter your house undetected.
When considering whether you need one or not, remember there’s more than just burglaries to worry about – storms can cause flooding so water seepage under doors is another possible issue!
If you’re considering buying a home, the first thing your inspector will do is walk around and see if there’s any visible signs of trouble.
In some cases, a security system may also be installed by your home inspector which would identify potential problems before someone can enter your house undetected. When considering whether you need one or not, remember there’s more than just burglaries to worry about.
Storms can cause flooding so water seepage under doors is another possible issue! A typical inspection will take about an hour to complete and it all starts with the front door.
Inspect for proper locking mechanisms, evidence of tampering or recent repairs that might indicate past break-ins as well as any damage like dents from attempted entry points.
Some of the best home inspectors are certified and licensed by organizations like ICA or ASHI. This ensures they have completed appropriate training, which may include specific safety courses for working with natural gas systems in your house.
It’s worth getting a quote from two or three different companies to see who offers you the most comprehensive service at the fairest price before making a final decision.”
A Leaking Water Heater
The water heater is more than a heating device. It’s also an important part of your plumbing system – and one that can leak without you noticing for some time.
This is because the average tank holds around 50 gallons, so even a small leak will take hours to hit the point where it starts making noise or spilling out from behind closed doors.”
Make Your Furnace Last
There are many ways to extend the life of your furnace. If you want it to last as long as possible, be sure that: It’s in good working condition and is properly installed. The ductwork is clean and rust free and your air filters are regularly replaced.
Don’t Squish Ants
If you squish ants in your kitchen, they can leave a chemical trail that will attract more of them. This is because the crushed ant emits an alarm pheromone and this warns other ants to stay away from what it defines as danger.”
Sealing Leaky Windows
Leaks are inevitable when windows need replacement or repair. But there’s a way to minimize these leaks while protecting against drafts: caulking the window frame with silicone sealant on both sides before replacing glass panes.”
Keep Your Dryer Vent Clean And Clear Of Clothes Hangers. Dryers work by drawing air through clothes and tumbling them around – so if something blocks airflow, like hangers, then efficiency drops significantly”
Homeowners Have A Responsibility To Mow Their Lawn
Lawns can grow up to four inches in a single day and if left unchecked, they will choke out other plants around the house.”
Blocking Out Sunlight With Trees Or Shrubs Can Help Keep Your House Cooler In Summertime
Trees or shrubs planted close to your home’s foundation offer shade from direct sunlight. The shaded side of these living barriers will thereby absorb less heat energy from the sun than what is reflected on the sunny side.
A Clean Chimney Makes Your Home Safer
If a chimney is clogged, the risk of fire increases and if it’s not cleaned regularly, soot can build up inside which makes for an additional hazard”
Repairing Broken Windows Prevents Wasted Energy
Broken windows allow heat to escape from your house. When you repair them as soon as possible, they prevent wasting this valuable energy.”
Fix Signs Of Water Damage Before It Gets Worse
Water leaks that are left unattended will cause wood rot and mold growth in addition to other health problems around your home. You may think you are doing something good for your home by using a wet mop to clean your floor, but it is actually worse.
Cleaning with water can encourage mold growth. Soap only should be used on hardwood floors as well.
In order to prevent these problems from happening, homeowners must make sure they have an emergency kit handy – this includes first aid supplies.
To conclude, make sure you are water-proofing your home to prevent any damages.
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