Avoid headaches down the line by having a professional home inspector check the home you’re buying or selling. Don’t forget to ask them to take a closer look at the following problem areas:
Roofing
Problems with a roof often go unnoticed. Aged and faulty roofs with cracked shingles, leaks and water damage are in need of full replacement. That can run homeowners upwards of $20,000, depending on the size and pitch of the roof. Additional damage to sheathing, rafters and ceilings will add to the bill.
Says Tsirlin: “A weak roof exposed to heavy snow buildup can jeopardize a home’s structure because the added weight of snow increases the load put on the structural components of the house.” Source: FamilyHandyman
Drainage
In a perfect world, every lawn would have at least a 3% slope away from the home, which allows water to flow away from the home, preventing water damage. Even if the ground were graded correctly (for every 10 feet away from the foundation, the land should drop two to three inches), the house would settle, and the soil under the foundation may shift.
When there isn’t proper drainage, the home could suffer significant water damage. It could cause cracks in the settlement, create dampness in the crawlspace, and even make the foundation move.
If water doesn’t drain away from the foundation, the moisture could be absorbed through the foundation and could also cause mold and rot.
Other factors that can lead to water intrusion include:
– Improperly built flashing systemsbehind the walls
– Significant changes to the landscaping (poorly laid patios, re-sloping the yard, etc.)
– Standing water Source: HomeLight
Foundation
Foundation problems are one of the most costly issues to fix, in some cases in excess of $10,000. Signs of foundation issues include doors and windows that stick, cracks in walls above doorways, sloping floors, and L-shaped or horizontal cracks in the visible parts of the exterior foundation. Source: HGTV
Whether you’re buying or selling a home, investing in your roofing will always yield you good returns. If you want to have it repaired or replaced, call us and we’ll get it done right away!
Contact:
Kerrisdale Roofing & Drains Ltd.
168 W 71st Ave, Vancouver, BC V5X 4S7
(604) 360-2114
