Things Home Inspectors Wish You Knew

Home inspections are a huge part of buying and selling a home. Remember, if you have an inspection before purchasing a house, the issues are the seller’s, but if not, the buyer is responsible. As a seller, you may want to tackle obvious problems prior to the inspection. These tips from home inspectors will help you navigate the process.

Check Your Water Heater

James Porter of Access Home Inspections notes that there should be a drain line connected to the TPR valve on your water heater. “If the water heater overheats, the valve will open and drain the water, otherwise the water heater can blow up,” notes Porter. “The drain tube should be visible within six inches of the floor.”

Check for Water Near Your Foundation

According to Porter, six-foot downspout extensions are recommended to move water away from the foundation. No matter if you have a slab, basement or crawl space, water near your foundation is bad news for you and your home.

Safety-Proof Your Range

According to Porter, using range anti-tip brackets is crucial to preventing your range from tipping over if weight is put on the door. These brackets have been required from appliance manufacturers since 1991, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you have one!

Watch Out for Condensation

Whether on your chimney, your ceiling, around an air vent or on windows, this is likely the sign of a larger issue. Try to determine the reason for the excess moisture and remedy it, or call in a professional to diagnose and solve the problem.

Look for Leaks

In general, it’s a good habit to regularly check your plumbing for leaks. Staying on top of plumbing issues can save you time and money when it comes time for a home inspection. It’s a good idea to do your own walk through before your inspector comes so that you’re not surprised by any repairs that are needed.

 

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