Shopping for a home can be a frustrating process. Everyone has their own requirements, but some areas always need extra attention. Here are some areas to give attention to – some are DIY projects, others require the assistance of an experienced home remodeling contractor.
Paint Jobs: One of the first things people do when they move into their home is to repaint the walls. That also happens to be one of the last things they do when they’re ready to sell the home. Paint can be tricky because the wall needs to be prepared correctly before paint application. The surface needs to be clean, and all old paint should be scraped before a fresh layer can bond to the material underneath. For external paint, simply spraying won’t do the job. Using a brush or a roller forces the paint into the wood fibers.Unfortunately, in many cases the paint job done in preparation to sell is cosmetic in nature, and won’t stand up to use or close inspection.
Drain Pipes and Gutters: Check for pipes that have been installed to go uphill. This practice guarantees a clog.A building inspector should catch this, but it might have been overlooked. Drains coming from gutters should be installed at a downhill angle, preferably a quarter of an inch per foot. Gutters themselves should also have a slight drop towards the downspout openings to keep the water flowing.
Bathroom Exhaust Fans: During hasty installs, some people cut the vent hole to go into the attic, instead of through the roof. When moist air is pumped into an attic, mold and mildew become a problem quickly.
Decks: Permits are required when building decks, but most homeowners pass over the step if they’re doing it themselves. Because of this, potentially serious problems are overlooked and haven’t been addressed. Decks may seem like a good DIY project, but because there are so many requirements, it generally is a job for a deck contractor. Below are some ways buyers can make sure the deck of a potential home is safe.
The frame should be made with pressure treated wood. There should be blocking over the beams and diagonally between joists. The board anchoring the deck to the house should be attached to the house’s wall studs or rim joists by 3 inch lag screws which are 16 inches on center, alternating top and bottom. Flashing to keep water from entering the home should be installed. Footings should be poured concrete, a foot deep and at least 18 by 18 or 16 by 16. Hand rails must be easily gripped.
Ask for permits whenever you see anything was done after the original construction of the home. Always pay close attention to the construction, and when in doubt, contact a professional for help.
