Monitor Your Roof Covering

Roofs are designed to resist water, but they are not waterproof. Roofs will eventually leak, and you can never predict when or where this will happen. Routine evaluation of your roof covering is your best protection.

You should make it part of your homes routine maintenance checklist and monitor your homes roof covering possible leaks. If the roof is inaccessible or you cannot safely walk on the roof you can use binoculars. Examine your roof and look for signs of deterioration or flashing that is loose. Look for debris that can clog up the gutters and roof valleys. You should also evaluate the exterior walls and trim underneath the eaves of the pitched roof.

Florida roofs experience intense heat and sun, wind, and rain. This type of exposures can cause significant damage to the roof.  After our intense storms, you may want to consider hiring an inspector, or roofing contractor to evaluate the condition. We are trained for the risk involved and know what to look for. We can advise you if there is any damage.

Infrared thermography can be used to detect areas of moisture in your home. Once the moisture is found it can then be further evaluated. These detailed inspections should be performed by someone that is trained in infrared thermography, such as Kelting Inspections.

Asphalt shingles are a well-known product that is used. The life of the shingles depends on the quality of the product, how it was installed and the maintenance it has received. A sign of the end of life of this covering is the loss of aggregate. The edges of the shingles will start to curl. A certified roof contractor is highly trained and can give more information on the lifespan.

Metal roof covering should be monitored for rusting, pitting or corrosion. Check for loose, open or seams that are leaking. A professional can determine the type of seam type and if it was properly installed. Proper installation is essential to provide the best water resistance.

Clay tiles are known to be durable, high quality and good lifespan. You want to monitor the tiles for cracks or loose tiles. They would be addressed by a roofing contractor if you see these signs of damage.

Protecting your investment is essential in the intense Florida weather. From intense heat and storms, your roof covering can take a beating. We have the experience and a trained eye to help you find those deficiencies. However, with a little time and research you can monitor your own roof coverings and seek professional assistance when you feel you need it.

The Inspectors at Kelting Home Inspections are trained to provide a thorough inspection of your home. We want to ensure you know the true condition of the home you are purchasing or selling. We also include several warranties with our inspections, at no additional cost to the clients. https://keltinghomeinspections.com/warranty-info/

 

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Property Drainage

Have you taken the time to evaluate the exterior of your home during or shortly after a good rain? You should. Walk around your home and look around the roof edge and evaluate the rain running off the roof. You will be able to see how the roof, downspouts, and the property grading are functioning during the rain. It is important that the ground and grading around your house is sloped away from the home, on all sides of the home.

The gutters, drains, and downspouts should be moving the water away from the foundation. This includes planters that are around your home. The flower beds and planters should never retain water next to the exterior of your home. You never want to see puddles next to the exterior or under the wood decking around your home.

If the rainwater is not properly draining away from your home’s foundation, you will develop moisture in the foundation slab and crawlspaces of your home. Drains and piping can help the water flow away from the foundation of your home. Once you have installed these drains you should monitor how they work. Make sure that the drains stay clear of leaves and debris. This can be an inexpensive project that will prove to be very beneficial.

I have inspected many homes that have experienced years of poor drainage issues. It can compromise the integrity of the home and over time it can turn into a costly repair. It is important to know that as a homeowner monitoring the rain drainage is an important part of maintaining your property.

Florida is known for its sunshine but don’t forget we get our fair share of rain and storms during those seasons. It is important to prepare your home and property for these rainy seasons. Taking the time to make sure your home is ready for the rain.

The Inspectors at Kelting Home Inspections are trained to provide a thorough inspection of your home. We want to ensure you know the true condition of the home you are purchasing or selling. We also include several warranties with our inspections, at no additional cost to the clients. https://keltinghomeinspections.com/warranty-info/

Copyright. 2018 Wesley Bulifant- Kelting Home Inspections & Services LLC. All Rights Reserved. “It is important to remember that no two inspections are the same. A home inspection is a snapshot in time and reports of the current conditions of the home. Our inspections are all performed in accordance with the InterNACHI Standards of Practice and without any personal interests of any party. An updated inspection should be considered”

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Garage Conversion

Do you want to live in your garage? In my experience as a professional home inspector, I have seen many garages that have been converted into home living space. Some of these converted garages have been done well however, I have seen my fair share of disasters.

Many times converting a garage into a bonus living space can cost nearly as much as an addition would cost. However, if you believe that converting the garage is the route you want to go make sure you go all the way. At the end of your project, you should not be able to tell that a garage was ever there. You should ensure that this converted room is a safe as the rest of the home. Homes that have been renovated to look like the garage was never there tend has a higher resale value, in my experience. Any type of home renovations should be done properly to give more value to the property.

Don’t keep the large garage door that doesn’t open any longer because you’ve installed a wall right behind it. Once you remove your exterior garage door you will need to repair the exterior. This should be done to match the existing home exterior. A professional contractor can match the block, stucco or siding. Garage floors are designed with a slope. You should level your garage floor if possible.

Another important factor in your garage conversion is adding Heating and Cooling to that space. An HVAC professional can help you determine the best way to approach this task. Many homes do not have insulation in the attic space above the garage, so this will need to be added. This will help heat and cool your new space as efficiently as possible. Many times, the garage will only have insulation on the fire wall that is connected to your home. You will want to add insulation to all the walls that are not currently insulated.

Many times, a homeowner will find Great Value by adding additional living space to their home by doing a garage conversion. My advice as a professional home inspector is to make sure it’s done right because I will be inspecting it.

The Inspectors at Kelting Home Inspections are trained to provide a thorough inspection of your home. We want to ensure you know the true condition of the home you are purchasing.

www.KeltingHomeInspections.com

CLICK HERE to REQUEST AN INSPECTION

Copyright. 2018 Wesley Bulifant. All Rights Reserved.

“It is important to remember that no two inspections are the same. A home inspection is a snapshot in time and reports of the current conditions of the home. Our inspections are all performed in accordance with the InterNACHI Standards of Practice and without any personal interests of any party. An updated inspection should be considered”

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4 Point Inspections Video

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Why You Need a Pre-Listing Inspection

A Pre-Listing Inspection is also referred to as a Seller’s Inspection. These inspections hold a tremendous amount of value for the seller, the real estate agent, and the buyer. This is simply because a Pre-Listing Inspection can virtually eliminate the many obstacles that could occur during a real estate transaction. Let’s look at some of these advantages and how this process will work.

Pre-Listing Inspection for the Seller:

Congratulations. You have decided to list your home and your anticipating that you will get the full asking price or close to it. A Seller’s or Pre-Listing Inspection will help you reach that goal.

You should arrange for the Pre-Listing Inspection before the home goes on the market. Hiring a Certified Home Inspector with experience is the first step. You should be able to schedule the inspection at your convenience and you should be present during this inspection. It is important that you work alongside the inspector during the inspection. You can discuss the history of the home, repairs, and improvements that you have made, and discuss any concerns that you may have.

If deficiencies are found, you will be given the opportunity to make those repairs before listing your home. You will then have time to get quotes from different contractors to ensure that you are getting the best price for the repairs you need. Once repairs are made your home will show better, and you will feel more comfortable knowing you took the extra steps to help you substantiate a higher asking price.

Don’t get overwhelmed if you cannot make the repairs because they are costlier than you can afford. The first thing to do is use the repair quotes to accurately adjust your asking price based on those quotes. You will be prepared and knowledgeable about the current condition of your home and able to select a price that you are comfortable with.

Pre-Listing Inspection for Real Estate Professional:

We know how hard you work for your clients and how diligent you are in helping them get the best price possible. The worst feeling is to have a sale contract in hand and then lose it because an inspection revealed something that either party could not overcome. Let’s try to avoid that if we can.

The Seller’s Inspection report will help you with your negotiations and help you avoid that 11th-hour re-negotiation. Clients will be encouraged to know that a home has already passed inspection and deficiencies have already been addressed. Not only is a clean inspection report a great marketing tool, but it also provides you with full-disclosure protection.

Pre-Listing Inspection for the Home Buyer:

You are looking for the perfect home and you finally found it. You also have just been informed that the seller has already had a complete home inspection and the report is available for you to review. This has several benefits to you. The first benefit is you just saved a few hundred dollars because the seller has already paid for the inspection. You will feel more confident in moving forward with your purchase because the deficiencies have already been revealed and possibly even repaired.

We encourage you to consider a Pre-Listing Inspection in your next real estate transaction. The benefits will be appreciated by everyone involved. Kelting Inspections offers Pre-Listing Inspections, Radon Inspections, Mold Inspections and much more. Schedule your Pre-Listing Inspection today.

Copyright. 2018 Wesley Bulifant. All Rights Reserved.

“It is important to remember that no two inspections are the same. A home inspection is a snapshot in time and reports of the current conditions of the home. Our inspections are all performed in accordance with the InterNACHI Standards of Practice and without any personal interests of any party. An updated inspection should be considered”

 

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An Easier Way to Move

 

Regardless if you’re packing up a home, apartment or condo, there is a way you can make this process easier. These few tips might be all you need.

TAKE PICTURES. Take a quick snapshot of each room before you start boxing it up. You can use them as a blueprint for your new home or just for reminiscing. Decorating in your new home with your favorite belongings will help make you feel settled in.

PACK THE BOXES WISELY. Group the boxes together so they make sense. Pack up each room in a separate group of boxes. Each box should contain like items. For example: Start with your living room and place all your pictures together in a box and books in another box.

PACK A SUITCASE. Pack a suitcase for each family member. Most your belongings will be packed away in boxes for the first few days. Using a suitcase will make things easier. You will quickly be able to get access to your clothes until the boxes are all unpacked. Plus, the kids can pretend they are on a fun vacation.

PLAN FOR THE NEW HOME. Last thing you want to do is have to run out to the store when you are buried under boxes. Buy everything ahead of time. Let’s start your shopping list…

  1. Cleaner
  2. Paper towels
  3. Command Hooks & nails
  4. Trash bags

MAKE A MOVING TO-DO LIST. List your goals to stay on task. Check them off as you go. This will give you a great sense of accomplishment through this process.

Kelting Home Inspections offers inspections to help ensure your new home is safe for your family and helps you protect your investment. Make the move easier by calling us first.

 

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