Mold and Mildew at the Home Inspection
1. Mildew stains and odors scare buyers, especially because toxic black mold is such a hot topic. You likely won't even get an acceptable offer if mold and mildew are present. Even if the mold in your house is the normal variety, treat it and address the source of the problem.
Crawl spaces/Attics: The inspector might use a meter to determine how much moisture is present in these spaces because moisture deteriorates building materials and attracts insects. Cover exposed earth in basements and crawl spaces with plastic to help keep moisture levels down. Most foundation "leaks" are a result of poor drainage that funnels water towards the foundation.
2. Roof: Deteriorated shingles or other roof coverings are one of the first things home buyers and home inspectors notice. If the elements underneath the shingles are moist or rotted, repairs will likely be requested. Some states require a separate roof inspection.
3.Plumbing Problems: Fix leaks long before the inspector arrives! The inspector will check water pressure by turning on multiple faucets and flushing toilets at the same time. The inspector will also run the dishwasher. The home inspector might check the septic system. One method uses dyes that are flushed down a stool. The inspector waits to see if the dye surfaces on top of the septic drain field, which would indicate a drainage problem.
4. Inadequate or Inferior Electrical Systems: The electrical panel and circuit breaker configuration should be adequate for the needs of the house. Depending on the code, these systems change over the years, especially with older homes. The inspector will look for receptacles with ground fault circuit interrupters (GFI) in bathrooms and kitchens.
These receptacles contain mini-circuit breakers that click off during a short circuit or overload. The home inspector will likely make sure the receptacles are what they appear to be, and not "dummies" that aren't wired correctly. The inspector will test a portion of the remaining receptacles in the house.
5. Other Important Home Inspection Checks: The home inspector will check the heating and cooling systems, making sure they work and commenting on their efficiency.The home inspector will take a close look at the structure and foundation.The home inspector will check appliances that remain with the house, including smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.
Meg Kalimon Realtor at Treeline Realty Corp.
meg@treelinerealty.com
239-789-7772
www.MegKalimon.com
Many thanks to Elizabeth Weintraub 1/19/2019 the Balance