Tighten That Dripping Faucet Right Away

If you are buying a house and found the perfect one, Congratulations! If you are planning to sell your home, Goodluck! Either way, before closing the deal or listing your property in the market, a home inspection should be ticked off your list! Of course, your agent will most likely guide you through the process but it’s important that you have a rough idea on when to call and schedule for a home inspection. It’s a no-brainer that whether your home is new or a century-old, a home inspection is the wisest decision you could ever make to protect your most prized possession. Every home should be inspected to ensure that its major systems are in good working condition. Below is our guideline for when to call your local home inspector: When Buying Before closing the deal, a home inspection should always be considered even if the home looks really good on the outside. “A BRAND-NEW HOUSE DOESN’T NEED A HOME INSPECTION”, says no home inspector ever. True enough because the existence of a perfect house is a myth that needs to be debunked. As a matter of fact, most construction issues and structural problems can go unnoticed until 3-5 years, the time when issues are no longer the responsibility of the builder. One major reason for a home inspection is to secure and protect your investment. The last thing you would want is to find unpleasant surprises upon moving in. While it may actually cost you extra to have a home inspection, it can actually save you thousands down the road. You will know what you are buying and you know what to expect. A home inspection can also help you negotiate and bargain the price down or negotiate with the sellers should there be any necessary repairs. Typically, a home inspection is a non-invasive visual examination of the home’s major structure, systems, and components. This can include the roof, wall structure, crawlspace, basement, exterior, attic, insulation and ventilation, heating and cooling, plumbing system and electrical system. A home inspection helps identify defects or deficiencies on the major components that might need extensive repairs or may raise safety and maintenance issues. When Selling There are 2 good reasons why conducting a home inspection before listing it to the market is a major selling point. One, you get to see the actual condition of your home through the eyes of a neutral third party. Two, it only shows that you are transparent and willing to be upfront about the property. Even more, homebuyers will be more confident as it only shows you that your home is an open book. A pre-listing inspection also helps you sell your home faster. Putting yourself in the position of a homebuyer, you are more likely to consider a home where the seller discloses all information, be it positive or negative. As a seller, this inspection can protect you against potential claims from the buyer and get rid of back-and-forth negotiations that might ultimately kill the deal. A pre-listing inspection is also one way for you to learn the best- selling points of your home, price it accurately and appropriately, and most importantly, save yourself from stress and worries. All these being said, it is important to schedule ahead of time so you don’t feel rushed in such an important process. Just remember, be aware of the time of the year you opt to sell or buy a home. In some seasons, especially, summer, schedules tend to fill up faster so it’s best to call and schedule right away. Most home inspection companies also offer services specifically designed for one area depending on the need of the client which includes but not limited to roof inspection, mold inspection, termite inspection, radon inspection, pool inspection, and 1-year builder’s warranty. In any case, remember to only seek professional help.

It’s A New Home. What Could Be Wrong With It? When you are buying a home, it is important to have as much information as possible to make an informed decision. A home inspection can provide you with detailed information about the condition of the property and any potential problems that may need to be fixed. This is especially important when buying a newly built home. While builders may do their best to build a quality home, things can and will go wrong. By having a new home inspection done, you can catch most any potential issues before they become larger problems. Though it may seem unnecessary, it can save you a lot of money and headaches in the long run. Here are reasons you should always have a home inspection on a newly built home. 1. To ensure that the construction was done properly When buying a new home, you always hope for the best. A home inspection will discover and make sure that the home was built properly during the construction process. It will ensure that everything from the framing to the finishes has been inspected and addressed. This will give you peace of mind knowing that your investment is safe and ensures you get a quality product. Some homebuyers and homeowners may consider it an unnecessary expense, but hiring a professional inspector to inspect your new construction is well worth the money and could save you costly repairs later on. 2. To detect any potential problems with the property Have you just bought a home that is brand new? Or are you thinking of doing so? If so, remember that no matter how careful the builder is, there are always snags that can crop up during construction. The best way to avoid problems on a newly constructed property is by having a home inspection. This will detect any potential problems with the new home. A home inspector will check all of the systems in the house, from the plumbing to the electrical wiring. They will also look for any signs of damage or deficiencies. By catching any potential problems early on, you can save yourself a lot of money and hassle in the future. You can rest assured that you’re making a safe and sound investment by getting a home inspection. 3. To get an idea of what needs to be fixed/repaired A home inspection on a newly built home will give you an idea of what needs to be repaired and/or improved before you move in. It also helps ensure that the builder is held accountable for any issues. You’ll be able to see how well the construction was done and whether the builder followed all the building codes. If there are any major issues, you may want to reconsider buying the property. Talk to your home inspector about any potential and existing problems so you can make a fully informed decision. 4. To negotiate repairs with the builder if needed A home inspection on a newly built home not only ensures proper construction work is done and catches any potential problems but also allows you to negotiate repairs with the builder. This could end up saving you money in the long run. Be sure to ask your builder about their warranty and how long it will last – you may be able to get some of these fixes taken care of free of charge. Here are some things to keep in mind when negotiating repairs with the builder: Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want – The builder wants your business, and they will likely work with you to get the repairs done. Make sure the repairs are documented – Get written confirmation from the builder that the repairs have been completed. Keep copies of all documentation related to the repair negotiations – This will help if any problems arise in the future. No one ever wants to think about potential problems with their home, but it’s always better to be prepared. Remember that not all newly built homes experience issues, but it’s important to be aware of them nonetheless. When buying a new home, you’re about to embark on one of the biggest investments of your life. However, as with any investment, certain risks are associated with it. It’s essential to have a home inspection done to get an idea of what needs to be fixed, if anything at all. You can then use this information to negotiate with the builder. If you’re unsure where to start, hire a professional home inspector who will inspect the property for you and give you a detailed report on the new home.

Before you list your home, remember that potential buyers are going to be impacted by their first impression, and no one wants to purchase a house with a worn-down, unappealing image. Landscaping is a simple way to give your home’s overall curb appeal a huge facelift. Try adding height and curves into your landscaping or installing a new irrigation system. It’s also possible to incorporate different pathways into the design, constructed from a material of your choice—brick, colorful concrete, or even stone and moss. Whatever you choose, a fresh landscape can take your home off the market in a snap. Contact us for more landscaping advice before putting your home on the market.

Clean gutters ensure that rainwater drains away from your home effectively. If your gutters become clogged or broken, you could experience expensive water damage in many areas of your home. Take time to regularly check and clean your gutters throughout the year, especially at the beginning of winter when they may be full of fallen leaves. Check for broken brackets and cracks in the gutter troughs. You can also explore gutter protection options, such as sheathing that allows water to enter your gutters while keeping out debris. Contact us if you have any questions or concerns about preserving or improving your home’s gutter system.

If you own a home with a basement, you may already have big plans for using it as additional space. Some people use it as an office, mother-in-law suite or even storage. Whatever the purpose you have in mind, keeping the space dry is important. To combat dampness in a basement, common home maintenance tips include purchasing a dehumidifier. This is a low-cost solution that helps to remove much of the humidity in the air. If you have water seeping in through the basement, take a look outside to see if you can divert drainage from your house by using longer gutter hoses.  In some cases, you may still have dampness inside the basement. When this happens, you can rely on professional services to help you rectify the problem quickly.