Anyone planning to buy or sell a home this time of year should think about seasonal maintenance items that can affect the perception and value of the house. Here are some common deficiencies and potential issues in home inspections in Frisco TX and other Northeast Dallas communities.
— Mike Martin, ASHI-certified Home Inspector
Home Inspection Preparation Tips
1. Clogged gutters and downspouts. The fall leaf drop fills roof gutters with leaves, acorns and other debris. This material can block water flow, preventing the gutter or downspout from draining the roof. This water can then penetrate and damage the underlying wood structure — and even the interior of the home. And from an aesthetic ‘curb appeal’ perspective, leaves on the roof or a clogged gutter are one of the first things a prospective buyer will see. This can make them wonder how well the rest of the house has been maintained and produce an unfavorable impression of the home.
2. Plumbing damage from freezing. Yes, we do get freezes here in sunny Dallas. And some of the houses we inspect don’t have adequate insulation between water pipes and the cold outdoors. This is especially true for exterior kitchen and bathroom walls in older homes. Insulation is inexpensive; new plumbing and water damage are not. Homeowners should also drain pool and sprinkler systems and cover exterior hose bibs to prevent freezing damage.
3. Chimney creosote buildup or inoperable dampers. These are serious issues because they can cause a fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. Homeowners should engage professional chimney inspectors to examine the damper mechanisms and check the flue for creosote. The inspector will also check the firebox and surround masonry for damage, and ensure that no combustible materials are too close to the fire.
AIS — TREC-Certified Home Inspections – Dallas Texas
Northeast Dallas homebuyers are fortunate because a high percentage of the residential construction in this part of Texas was built recently. The design and construction of these newer dwellings usually conform to current building codes. In most cases their developers have incorporated modern structural, electrical and plumbing systems with outstanding performance and reliability.
In this frenzied real estate market, it’s important for buyers to get their financing pre-approved – and schedule a prompt and thorough home inspection when their offer is accepted. This gives the buyer the key information needed to evaluate the condition and value of the property, and negotiate the price. We look forward to working with you and your clients to help make their home sale or purchase a pleasant and rewarding experience.
Call Advanced Inspection Service (AIS) – Mike Martin (972) 342-9183