Tips For Home Inspectors
DOWN THE DRAIN:
INSPECTING FOR POTENTIAL WATER DAMAGE AND COMMUNICATING WITH CLIENTS By Inspect.com
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D
own the drain is where water needs to go, and one of the most important tasks of home inspectors is to make sure that water is going down the drain.
Water damage can devastate a home. Long before the homeowner sees the damage, bad results may be around the corner, hidden behind walls or in the ceiling. Water damage can invade siding, cement and brick mortar, and it can crumble a home’s foundation. Identifying sources of bad drainage is a key component of inspecting a home. As you go about your inspection, from roof to basement, you may encounter a variety of drainage problems. One important role of the home inspector is to help clients keep costs down. By identifying places where an ounce of prevention will forestall a large repair bill, the inspection can make a positive impact. Home inspection clients are typically not experts in water damage, so that’s where inspectors’ professional expertise makes a difference. Be sure that you know where to look and what to notice as signs of water damage.
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ASHI Reporter • FEBRUARY 2021
