A Case study of a Lower Mainland Home Inspection - Part two
People often ask me why they have to attend a home inspection with me, instead of waiting for the report.
I’ve been an inspector for over 27 years now, all over the Lower Mainland — from all over Vancouver and as far east as Hope, and I’ve never had a client tell me after accompanying me on the inspection say, “this was a waste of my time”
More often than not, they’ve learned many things they were unprepared for, and are relieved that they have answers and understand the importance of ongoing maintenance and proper repair.
Here’s a typical case study of a home inspection that I’ve completed with a client on site.
We’re going to cover many aspects of the home, using examples from many inspections I’ve done over the years, including solutions.
The house we’ll be inspecting over the next week or so, is a three bedroom two bathroom home built in 1969, in North Delta.
It’s springtime, and a clear day, when the clients, a young couple, Bruce and Heather, are buying their first single family home and they arrive. They’ve owned a townhouse in Surrey, and now have a family. Bruce is an accountant, and Heather is a stay at home mom. Five years ago, I inspected their first home — a townhouse with them, and they were pleased with that inspection. Now, we’re going to look at their new purchase.
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We’re still on the exterior of the home.
What are we looking for?
We are walking around the house, looking in particular for the quality of the workmanship of the windows, which include the metal flashing, to ensure it’s properly installed and maintained, the doors and other horizontal parts, which prevent water from penetrating the exterior wall of the home. All of the door and window openings as well as any wall openings should be caulked with a long life caulk. This is a simple barrier against water damage. Caulking above and below the window flashings will stop wind-driven water.
Solutions?
Allowing damaged flashing to remain can end up causing severe damage to both the window and the homes structure. Replacing flashing may be time consuming, but as long as you follow the directions you can do this yourself, or if you’re uncomfortable with this level of d-i-y, there’s local handymen who are experienced in this repair. Another help is painting the face and bottom edge. A high-quality low or no-caulking acrylic latex paint, properly applied to the face and bottom edge, will give the siding protection from the weather.
BOTTOM LINE: Flashings are one of the most important defence components against the elements, protecting the home.
Visit us tomorrow. Bruce and Heather and I will be looking at the anatomy of the roof.