Home Secrets – Owning a home has its rewards and headaches, but is a great way to build equity and having that creativity to make a space your own. There is no landlord to fix leaks, patch walls and do other minor home repairs, it’s all on the shoulders of the owner. There are often defects that go unnoticed hiding in areas that most owners don’t frequent. These items can be found during a home inspection, but it’s up to the owner to stay on top of them to ensure they don’t return.
The Roof…
Homeowners rarely need to get on their roof, but there are a number of things that can be wrong. There may be broken, damaged or missing shingles. There may be flashings that have become compromised. The chimney may have a cracked crown or damaged spark arrestor. Some of these items can go unnoticed until there is a ceiling stain, which then may just be the beginning of issues.
The Attic…
Most homeowners won’t set foot in their attic unless they are storing seasonal items. Venture up there and you could find squirrels, birds, mice and bats. There could be leaks or mold developing. Insulation could be missing, bathroom vents could be discharging in the attic space, ducts could not be sealed, open junction boxes may be present. There could be non IC rated lights which are a fire hazard and also cut or damaged rafters, trusses and joists.
The Crawlspace…
Rarely do homeowners get up the courage to go into the crawlspace to see what’s going on down below. The crawlspace could be damp, have mold present or have a number of pests. Joists could be damaged by moisture or wood destroying insects. Plumbing may have leaks, ducts may have been disconnected. Crawlspaces can be dirty, scary and gross but neglecting them is not wise.
These areas need to be monitored and checked regularly. The best thing you can do for your home and wallet is to have your home inspected annually to ensure all these areas are in satisfactory condition. Or, at least have these areas checked to ensure your home is in tip top condition.
The Roof…
Homeowners rarely need to get on their roof, but there are a number of things that can be wrong. There may be broken, damaged or missing shingles. There may be flashings that have become compromised. The chimney may have a cracked crown or damaged spark arrestor. Some of these items can go unnoticed until there is a ceiling stain, which then may just be the beginning of issues.
The Attic…
Most homeowners won’t set foot in their attic unless they are storing seasonal items. Venture up there and you could find squirrels, birds, mice and bats. There could be leaks or mold developing. Insulation could be missing, bathroom vents could be discharging in the attic space, ducts could not be sealed, open junction boxes may be present. There could be non IC rated lights which are a fire hazard and also cut or damaged rafters, trusses and joists.
The Crawlspace…
Rarely do homeowners get up the courage to go into the crawlspace to see what’s going on down below. The crawlspace could be damp, have mold present or have a number of pests. Joists could be damaged by moisture or wood destroying insects. Plumbing may have leaks, ducts may have been disconnected. Crawlspaces can be dirty, scary and gross but neglecting them is not wise.
These areas need to be monitored and checked regularly. The best thing you can do for your home and wallet is to have your home inspected annually to ensure all these areas are in satisfactory condition. Or, at least have these areas checked to ensure your home is in tip top condition.