Exterior Home Inspections to catch early on
The exterior of our home is not only a first impression for the eyes of those visiting or passing by, it is a protective shelter that keeps the mechanics of a house working effectively. Exterior home issues can carry significant costs to repair. Timely inspections help you identify and prioritize home projects.
An annual home exterior inspection will give you many insights into the overall wellness of your home from potential water drainage problems, foundation issues, paint condition, among other things. After you have evaluated the exteriors, you can make a list and determine what needs tackling first and how.
A key aspect of doing these inspections is also knowing and learning your skill level to complete the repairs or whether it is best to call a professional to handle it for you. Some small damages may seem like an easy fix, but could have other underlying issues that could lead to further expenses if not cared for properly. Sometimes it is easier to learn from the pros before trying to take care of it yourself, but home inspections are always good to do before calling anyone for assistance.
Inspections for your home:
Roof and shingles play a large part in keeping moisture out of a home. Looking for broken, damaged or missing shingles are a part of the inspection process. Sometimes shingles may sag, warp or have cracked caulking. Replacing the entirety of the shingles on your roof is generally unnecessary unless the lifespan of your shingles has reached its end or hasn’t been maintained well throughout the years.
Doors often need to be checked for a number of things such as damage to weatherstripping and hardware, peeling or chipped finish, cracks in glass or frame and moisture leaks in panels. The fix here is to refinish your door or replace any parts that show signs of deterioration, rot or water damage.
Windows also need to be checked for similar defects. Weatherstrips, cracks, gaps, rotting, hardware, finishing, and caulking and cleanliness. Insuring these areas are not damaged, deteriorating or dirty will help lengthen the lifespan of your windows, keep moisture out and energy bills low.
Pressure washing regularly throughout the year helps keep your home looking well kept and removes dirt, mildew or mold. This can be done on stucco, paint, or stone. It is important to not pressure wash doors and windows, preventing the possibility of water getting into your house or removing finish. While pressure washing be sure to look for any signs of cracks or deterioration on your exterior walls.
Chimneys will need to be checked for moisture, fire safety and pests. The main things to look for when inspecting chimneys are cracks, water damage, properly working water cap installation, and sealant of the chimney flue.
Vents should be checked around the house regularly to make sure they are clean and without buildup or lint preventing your systems to work properly and correctly. Sometimes these vents have covers, so making sure they are secured and undamaged also helps keep pests out of your home as well.
Foundation repairs can be up to nearly $11,000. Inspecting this for cracks or severe damages early on can help prevent a costly project. It is also good to inspect unintended vegetation growth, such as moss & vines which can trap moisture next to your home as well.
Paint is crucial to inspect in case if there is any peeling, cracking or chipping. Regularly maintaining your exterior paint job every few years can prevent chances of moisture build up and wood rot.
While this may seem like a lengthy list, catching these fixes early on will greatly diminish the possibilities of having to pay thousands of dollars on repairs and replacements and keep your home safer and looking nice.
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