The Importance of Personal Home Inspections

A home is often referred to as a haven or a respite from the chaos of the outside world. When all is well with the structural aspects of your home, it’s easy to forget that problems could be occurring that will disrupt the tranquility of your haven. You can avoid some potential problems by doing a semi-annual inspection of your home. This doesn’t take much time and it can save you a lot of money. Many times, it’s much easier on the budget to have a problem fixed in its developing stages than to wait until a major repair is necessary.

Check Out the Roof

A leaky roof can lead to a multitude of problems such as damage to your ceiling and the development of mold. Water leaking into your attic space can cause electrical wires to short out. A leaky roof can cause rafters, ceiling joists and other structural features to deteriorate. You should inspect your roof periodically to check for visible signs of damage. Loose shingles or buckling are problems that need immediate attention. If you notice moss growing on your roof, you should apply a moss killer to it.

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Check the Foundation

If you notice that your doors and windows aren’t fitting as well as they once did, the foundation of your home could be cracking. Another warning sign is that your floor will begin to lean. If your home has a basement, you will need to contact a professional to do basement foundation repairs as soon as possible. If your home doesn’t have a basement, a visual inspection will indicate if the foundation is cracking. If you see evidence of cracks that exceed ¼ inch, it’s time to call the professionals.

Inspecting the Gutters

Improperly working gutters and downspouts can be a cause of foundation issues. On a semi-annual basis, you should clean out your gutters and inspect them for leaks at the seams. Water should run freely through your downspouts and should be directed away from your home’s foundation.

Taking a little time to inspect important aspects of your home can save you a lot of money in future repairs. While you can take care of minor issues such as clogged gutters, the major repairs should be left to the professionals who have the training and equipment to properly resolve the issues.