"It's a pretty decent system, I think. They send you the pieces and you install them yourself, which is pretty easy. The only real problem I have is that one sensor is too far away from the panel...or there's some interference, and they haven't been able to fix that. It's an interior door, so it's not the end of the world, just a little annoying. Their customer service is pretty good though. Nice, smart customer service people on the other end, very polite and helpful."
A sagging, cracked, or uneven foundation, worn or outdated electrical systems, poor plumbing, and slow sewer lines are all common deal breakers that stem from home inspections. Musty odors, uneven floors, and sticky doors and windows may also be deal breakers that will tell you when to to walk away from a home inspection.
Inspections for new construction may not be legally required, but you should consider them a must if you’re buying a new home. The quality of the construction can vary widely by builder, and many inspections, even for brand-new homes, can uncover problems with framing, structural components, mechanicals, appliances, and more. Professional inspection reports give you leverage to push the associated repair costs to the builder rather than paying for them yourself, so they’re always worthwhile, if only for the peace of mind they provide.
There should be small gaps between your roof and the walls of your home, and other buildings. These small gaps let building materials shift, expand, and contract with weather and other outside forces, and they prevent moisture from wicking down walls from roofing and gutter systems. Without these strategic gaps, your home’s exterior and its finishes can sustain water damage, decay, peel, delaminate, and crack. However, there is a fine line between a smart gap and a problematic gap—all gaps should be small, intentional, and covered or filled in with foam insulation to prevent pests from using them as access points.
You only need to replace a roof before moving if it’s extremely old or has more than just a couple minor damages. For instance, leaks, uplifted shingles, or obvious holes are issues no one wants to deal with right when they move in, and will automatically repel potential buyers that might have otherwise been interested.
The best way to know if your roof can support solar panels is to hire a structural engineer. They’ll look at your roof and approve the design of your solar panel system or suggest changes. The best roofing for solar panels is made from strong materials like asphalt shingles and metal, but tile and gravel will work. Softer materials like thatch or temporary structures are not a good fit.
The Wrangell, AK homeowners’ guide to chimney inspection services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Getting annual chimney inspections is essential for maintaining a functioning chimney. Prepare for a chimney inspection by understanding what to expect and how to prepare.
Stay on top of your chimney safety and maintenance with our chimney inspection checklist featuring expert tips on how to work with an inspector near you.
If you want to be sure your chimney is working properly, you’ll need a professional inspection. So who does chimney inspections? We’ve got all the info.
