Oct 7, 2010

Home Inspection Guidelines

By Tara Millar

If you are all set to buy your dream home or are in the process of doing a home remodeling or reconstruction task, you are likely to find the need for help in understanding which is right or wrong with the home you are planning to get, or renovate or fix.

The good news is that there is an extended list of specialists who are acquainted with the key basics and greatest practices that make homes buttoned up. There are several communities of construction assessment professional who work for local construction departments and monitor the quality and shape of home and commercial building improvements. Their most important duty is to make sure that all home improvement projects will be up to minimum building safety standards. Another crowd of assessment specialists are hired by buyers to screen and scrutinize the general state of home properties so as to pinpoint troubles and complications that are present.

Notwithstanding the existence of competent and expert home inspection specialists, it is nevertheless indispensable that you have a basic understanding of the nuances of home inspection. There are certain areas of the home property that you need to examine before you decide to employ the services of a professional home inspection specialist.

1. Structure - You should examine at the home property from a sensible distance. Look at the general facade of the exterior walls. Do they seem flat and plumb? From within, inspect meticulously the walls if it is bent at the corners. Check the general condition of the flooring. Does it feel solid or not?

2. Roof - Examine the general condition of the roof of the property. Is it new and in a fine state?

3. Rainwater Control - Ascertain if the gutters, eave troughs, down spouts and drain pipes carry rain water away from the property? Check if there is a potential dilemma of flooding in the basement. Look for evidence or indication of water damage.

4. Finishing Details - Check for distinct signs of excellent workmanship in the finishing details of the home property. These shall consist of the tile work, paint, hardware and moldings.

5. Bathroom and Kitchen Fixtures - Determine whether the toilets, sinks and tubs are of good quality or not? Are they running well? Check the water pressure by turning on the taps and flushing the toilet.

6. Electrical System - Examine whether the scene and number of receptacles are plenty to the needs of the home or not? Check the main circuit breaker; it must be at least 100 amps.

7. Water Heating and Plumbing System - Determine if the water heater is electric or gas, as the latter is more cost-effective. The water supply pipes that supply water to fixtures must be made of copper.

8. Heating System - You must consider the site of the heater or furnace. It is also crucial to take into account the type of heater or furnace. Evaluate if the registers look as if ample for heating the home interior. Check if the property is air-conditioned or not.

9. Fireplace - Is the fireplace outfitted with glass doors or screens? Glass doors are considered more efficient than screens. Check the log lighters and dampers. Determine if there is an incineration escape that is capable in drawing air from the outside. It is also basic that the fireplace is outfitted with spark arrestor at the upper portion of the chimney.

10. Insulation - Look at the attic to inspect the type of insulation that the home property has. R-19 is the minimum standard for homes in areas with moderate climates. On the other hand, R-38 is usually required in homes located in places that experience cold climates. You also have to remove the receptacle cover of the perimeter wall to examine the whole state of the wall insulation. - 42255

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