IS THE WEATHER KEEPING YOU FROM SCHEDULING A HOME INSPECTION?

The best thing you can do is schedule your home inspection when it is pouring down rain!

If you can’t coordinate your home inspection with the next rainy day, at least ask your Realtor to take you back so you can look inside and outside as the rain keeps pouring down.

Poor grading & Clogged drains: A rainy day is perfect for observing problems with the grade and draining issues! Is there standing water anywhere in the back yard, front yard, or side yards? Is water pooling at the foundation?

Clogged rain gutters: Is water spilling out of the gutters in places other than the down spout? This can cause fascia board rot, as well as damage to siding or even damage to hidden areas behind stucco or siding! Are the gutters full of debris or sloped improperly? Are there adequate downspouts?

Damaged flashing / seals: Is there water pooling next to the gas furnace or gas water heater? This may be a sign of a loose seal on a vent pipe on the roof. If you’ve already had your home inspection, you may want to have a roof inspection as well.

Leaking windows: Is water coming inside the windows and dripping down the walls? Sheetrock, flooring, and baseboards do not do well in wet conditions.

Rainy days are a wonderful time to observe roof damage from the attic area!

Any uncontrolled water intrusion into the home may also be creating an environment conducive to wood destroying organisms or microbial growth.

Do not hesitate to schedule your home inspection with Busy Bea Home Inspection on a rainy day!

NEW HOMEOWNERS SHOULD ALWAYS DO THIS!

1. Change the locks on the door, sheds, and outbuildings. (Tip: Don’t hide spare keys under flower pots or under door mats. Thieves know to look in these places!)

2. Re-set the code on your garage door, pool gate, etc.

3. Create a list of emergency contacts (include insurance company, utility companies, neighbors, family) and post in a convenient location.

4. Create a folder for important home documents to include the property survey, the lender information, the home inspection report, final closing documents, and insurance documents.

5. Create a home owner ring binder for appliance information, warranty information, and repair receipts.

6. Make sure you know where the main water shutoff is located and have the proper tool in a handy place, if one is needed.

7. Make sure that you know where the main gas shutoff valve is. (It’s also a go od idea to be familiar with the location for the local gas shutoff valves, such as the shutoff valves for the gas heater, gas hot water heater, gas fireplace, etc.)

8. Know where the electrical panel is located and label all circuit breakers.

9. Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors to insure that they are working properly.

10. Place a fire extinguisher in the kitchen.

11. Check the temperature on the hot water heater. (120deg is recommended.)

12. Evaluate any items that were listed on the home inspection report and not repaired and make a plan for remediation, as necessary. (Minor issues can result in additional damage, sometimes hazardous. For example, loose gutters can create damage to fascia, soffits, and foundation. A faulty electrical outlet can create dangerous conditions.)

13. If there is a sump pump installed, test and make sure sump is clean.

14. Create a maintenance schedule to include the following:

a. Clean dryer vent and hose annually.

b. Schedule changing the HVAC filters, based on usage (every month during heavy usage; less often for less usage)

c. Drain / flush hot water heater annually.

d. Clean refrigerator coils annually (newer refrigerator coils are insulated and do not need cleaning).

e. Clean gutters every 3 months (more often if surrounded by trees; possibly less often if in the open).

Call Busy Bea Home Inspection, llc for an annual inspection of your roof, foundation, structure, electrical, plumbing, grounds, interior, laundry room, kitchen /appliances, HVAC, etc. to give you peace of mind!

· Lisa Bea Smith (license #11028)

· ChooseBusyBea@gmail.com

· www.ChooseBusyBea.com

Don't Waive the Home Inspection!!!

Protect your investment!

Call Busy Bea Home Inspection, LLC 318-419-3108 ChooseBusyBea@gmail.com www.ChooseBusyBea.com