January begins a new year and for many people it is a month to evaluate things such as lifestyle and budget. For homeowners, it is a popular month to inspect properties for repairs, safety conditions and energy efficiency. It is important to attend to both exterior and interior areas. Typically a homeowner will spend 1-3 % of their home value on maintenance & repairs annually. Routine maintenance is essential in avoiding property neglect, often resulting in costly repairs.
The following are some helpful hints for the inspection and maintenance process. Likewise, you will find tips that can save your household hundreds, if not thousands of dollars annually. (Some of the mechanical items may require a professional serviceman).
Evaluating your home’s true condition:
Exterior
Note* The exterior of the building includes; siding, trim, gutters and downspouts, windows, roof, garage, stoops, decks, patios, grounds and related items. A thorough inspection includes each item’s condition and how it relates to the dwelling. Defects in exterior components such as the siding, windows, roof ETC can greatly affect other components of the home. The exterior of the building is designed to protect the interior components. Inspect the complete exterior of your home looking for:
- deteriorated materials
- mold
- cracks greater then industry standards (commonly 1/8 of an inch)
- chipped paint
- separated materials that may require caulking
- wood siding in contact with soil
- ground elevation relevant to the foundation. Any ground water within six feet of the foundation should flow away from the home at ¼ of an inch per foot.
- Trim any bushes or tree’s that come into contact with the building or roof area. Clean any debris out of gutters and down spouts.
- Check ventilation openings around the home for nests or blockage.
The roof is part of the exterior, which typically requires individual attention. There are many roof styles and finishing materials. Each style and material should be inspected carefully for wear, leaks, defects and other deficiencies. Roofing problems that go undetected can cause serious harm to other components of the building. Styles and types of roofs are dictated by location, age, and preference. Make sure the roof is free of debris, mold, loose, missing or damaged roofing materials. Check condition of chimneys and vents and take note of roofing type (asphalt shingles, clay tile ETC).Do not walk on clay tile, concrete tile or slate type roofs. Walking on these roof types is a safety hazard and may cause damage to the roofing materials! Do your inspecting from a ladder or with binoculars for these roof types.
The type and condition of a home’s windows can determine its comfort level. Properly sealed and operating windows can save a bundle in all seasons. There are many types of windows, and materials used to make them. Most windows are made out of wood, steel and aluminum. Newer windows are vinyl covered with thermo pane glass. Thermo pane glass is two or more panes of glass with a sealed air space between panes and provides a good resistance to heat and cold. The most popular window types are double and single hung, casement, sliding and awning windows. Older windows can be drafty, leaky and difficult to operate. Check all windows, doors and sliding glass doors to make sure they close properly and seal into their jams as designed. Check putty or glazing and caulking around windows and doors. A few tubes of caulking could save hundreds of dollars annually!
For questions and comments please contact Above All Home Inspecting at info@aainspecting.com. We will gladly answer your home maintenance questions free of charge. Services are available for those who require professional assistance. Above All offers a variety of services and packages for your needs.
Check back next week to find helpful hints to inspecting the interior of your home!
