CRYSTAL’S REAL ESTATE TIPS

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REAL ESTATE TIPS

Fall Maintenance Tips with Brett LaRue

For this issues Real Estate tips I asked Certified Master Inspector Brett Larue to discuss fall maintenance tips for home owners and most common defects in residential home inspections. In the fall it is very important to make sure your gutters get frequent cleanings all the way until the last leaves fall. Maintaining gutters is a crucial component of proper home maintenance and can even be the difference between a wet and a dry basement! Another good fall maintenance item is cleaning air conditioning condensers (the outside unit.) Make sure to rinse off all four sides, and even shine a flashlight inside to see if that needs attention too! Lastly, take a look at your trees and make sure you don’t have any branches overhanging the roof. If you do, it’s probably a good time to contact your favorite tree trimming service to get them taken care of!

What are the three most common problems that arise in a home inspection?

1. Grading, grading, grading! Improper grading is one of the most common deficiencies found during a home inspection. It is also one of the most crucial things to maintain. Grading should be maintained at a minimum slope of 5° away from the house at all locations, and at least 6 inches in the first 10-feet. The only exception to this is concrete patios in driveways, which must slope at 2°, or 1/4” per foot.

2. Loose toilets. Too often when flooring is replaced in a bathroom, the contractor (or homeowner) will not reinstall the toilet properly. Toilets should be securely fastened to their flange so that no movement or “wobble” is present. If a toilet is loose, it needs to be removed and re-set with a new wax ring.

3. Improperly vented bathroom fans. If a house was built prior to the year 2000, it is very likely the bathroom vent fans discharge into the attic. Beginning around that time, building codes changed and contractors began venting them outside. This is due to the amount of moisture present in bathroom air.

What is one thing a home owner can do to preserve the integrity of their home?

If I could recommend just one thing that homeowners can do to maintain the integrity of their home, it would be to be diligent when it comes to maintaining a proper grade and drainage of storm water (gutters). Improper grading and drainage is the cause of so many foundation issues as well as water intrusion issues. Grading and drainage is even important if you don’t have a basement, as excessive water can cause the foundation to heave.