Settling sidewalks and sloped uni-stone patios are common causes of water being directed against your foundation. This can allow water or moisture to penetrate you basement wall and even cause potential settling of your foundation. Always ensure your exterior grade will direct water away from your foundations.
Roof shingles come in many colours and patterns. Most typical shingles will have a life expectancy of 18 to 20 years. The shingles installed on the south side roof will normal show signs of deterioration first due to exposure to sunlight. The granular material of the shingle is there to protect your shingle from UV rays of sun. Although there are many shingles which are advertised as 25 or 30 year shingles, it is unusual to see them last more than a couple of extra years when compared to regular shingles.
Electrical wiring issues is by far the most common problem found in most older homes with a renovated basement. The wiring issues are usually un-supported electrical cables, missing junction boxes and adding circuits to existing breakers in main panel. This is always an indication that the home owner has done the work and a licensed electrician should be called in to inspect and repair all the wiring. I will typically recommend that potential buyers ask for an electrical certificate for home which indicates that all wiring has been inspected and passed by licensed electrician.
Any renovation in your home is required to have a building permit. Part of the building permit process is having plumbing, structure, electrical and insulation inspected by your local building officials or electrical authority. When a renovation is done with out taking out a building permit you run the risk of un-seen problems coming back to haunt you and most likely costing a great deal of money to repair.
Annual maintenance and caulking of exterior joints in your home can prevent needless repairs and save you hundreds of dollars. Caulking seams in window sills and ensuring mortar is still in place on brick window sills can save a lot of repairs for a couple of dollars. Just caulking your asphalt driveway at joint where it meets your garage can prevent separation and sinking of driveway.
When installing pot lights in an attic ensure your lights are designed to be installed in insulation. So many home owners just stick a pot light in there attic without checking. This is a huge waste of energy and is also a big fire risk. The insulation in the attic is usually disturbed and not replaced causing more energy loss and increased heating costs.
Visit Simcoe County Home Inspector Service for Peace of Mind when buying your next home. Buying a home then go to City of Barrie Inspection Services to protect your investment.