Danger Signs on Your Home Inspection Report

Some items to be cautious about if they come up on your home inspection report include:

Poor surface drainage: Water can have a devastating effect on a structure, either directly through moisture damage or consequently through soil-related settlement. Many homes with persistent water intrusion problems will show no physical evidence, due to cleanup efforts of the owners.

Foundation cracking: In most cases, foundation failure is a result of poor surface drainage. Look for a vertical crack eight inches in from the corners. Where there is one, there is a companion probably below grade.

Radon gas exposure: Radon is a tasteless, odourless and colourless radio nuclear gas formed in rock and soil due to the natural breakdown or radioactive decay of the natural element uranium-238. This element makes up about three parts per million of the earth’s crust.

Ice damming: Ice dams are responsible for clogged and damaged eaves troughs, and wet insulation in the roof and walls. Wet wood, paint failure, and decay will result if the problem persists unchecked.

Galvanized plumbing: Galvanized pipes are usually found in homes over 50 years in age. Commonly, these pipes will rust from the inside out, often restricting water flow. Eventually the pipe becomes blocked or bursts. Importantly, some insurance companies are now refusing to provide homeowner’s insurance on houses with this type of plumbing.

Failures of polybutylene: Polybutylene (Poly-B) piping has resulted in leaking pipes, possibly causing water damage. Homeowners can determine whether their homes have Poly-B by looking for grey-coloured flexible plastic pipe or tubing. The plastic insert fittings can leak with either aluminum or copper bands related to improper installation procedures rather than the materials.

Electrical problems: Almost every home has an electrical problem, some a missing ground or reverse polarity to undersized breakers and panels. Homes built prior to 1955 may have 60 amp services, and may not be insured by some companies until they’re upgraded. This type of outlet will have only two prongs.

Structural problems: Some larger than average homes have rafters that over-span. The roof sags and over time it may fail. Also watch for over-spanned beams or poorly reinforced beams especially when a post is moved for basement renovations.

Poor air barrier and insulation: Just about every home inspection requires additional caulking and insulation. The investment in caulking is returned in just a few months and additional insulation in key areas can have an ROI in less than three years.

Improper venting: A major issue is bathroom vents that are not vented directly outdoors. This is exacerbated when it is coupled to a plastic ‘slinky’ hose and the hose traps the condensation and leaks.

When you have your home inspection report returned, it’s a good idea to sit down with your Edmonton Real Estate agent and review the report with them. Their experience can help you decided whether or not to continue forward with the purchase of the Edmonton Home in question, and they may suggest reopening price negotiations to problems discovered during the inspection.

Thinking About Home Maintenance and Repair

There are three general types of homeowners: those who do all the work around the house themselves, those who do some and farm out the rest, and those who call in repair people for everything. You may think you belong to the last group, but when you buy a home you will probably surprise yourself with how much of the home repair and maintenance you decide to take on. When you own and live in your own home, puttering around can be very enjoyable, and a great way to spend an evening or an afternoon.

Sometimes buyers find they grow into becoming responsible home owners over time, the same way people become good, responsible parents over time. You don’t have to learn everything right away, and there’s a lot of help out there, including help from friends and relatives who have owned their own homes longer than you have, and are often happy to assist whether it be making phone calls or picking up a paint brush. Also remember you have an entire neighbourhood of home owners to meet and get to know!

Sales people in home repair stores and lumberyards are another great resource for home owners. These people are often very happy to pass on tips on where to find craftspeople, how to repair things around the house, and how to manage all the other complexities of owning your own home. There are also hundreds of books available on every topic of home repair!

The most important thing is to learn enough about your home in the beginning to spot problems early on, and to be able to identify when you should call an expert and when you can “do it yourself”.

 

It’s a good idea to pick a qualified Fort McMurray Realtor to help you look for a home if you’re relocating to Fort McMurray from afar. They can help coordinate every part of the move and help show you around your new neighbourhood.