Property inspections warning signs! Worst things to find in an inspection.

Basically, we are addressing the question of what is a bad inspection?  When should you run away? When might it be a chance to get a better deal due to small things that can easily be fixed?

To start, when the property inspector shows up to a property and the first thing they see is a sagging roof, or the grade of the landscaping around the house in a bowl shape it is clear that there are going to be moisture/water issues and possibly foundation issues.

Roof and Foundation (The big issues)

Roof and foundation issues are a definite concern. Downspouts are there to move the water away from the building and the grade of the area around the home is designed to shed and move the water also away from the house so that over time the foundation is not damaged by water.  A sagging roof can point to moisture issues to the structure or the attic.

If you are interested in hiring Josh Born, Please visit the following page to get Josh's details (Be sure to tell him that you found him through Derek's video)  https://dkeet.ca/guest-speakers.html

Josh is from Canadian Residential Inspection services here in Edmonton.

Lack of Insulation (relatively small issue to fix)

A little off the topic but lack of insulation can be clear when most roofs have snow on them but the snow on the roof of the property is all melted.

Also, where the roof meets the soffit, if there is a lot of ice there, that is called ice damming and that definitely means that there is a lack of insulation at the wall and ceiling connection. Warm air is getting up there in both cases and melting the snow which can wreck your shingles and in the case of the ice damming that can also wreck your gutters.

There are other YouTube videos that can go over adding insulation to your attic. I have done it before on my own home. We bought packs of Pink Panther insulation and rented a machine with a long hose on. Basically, one person wears the proper facemask and goes up in the attic holding the long hose while the other person stays outside, turns on the machine and puts the bails of insulation into the machine and it goes through the hose and is sprayed inside the attic. The cost was minimal, and it definitely wasn't rocket science.

Foundation Damage vs Foundation Crack vs Foundation Slanting

Water is the enemy of buildings, and it will find a way if there is a crack and generally will get worse over time.

There are different variations of foundation cracks. Small vertical cracks you are going to find in many older homes and isn't a huge scare, but if you have a large lateral crack or the foundation has a knee joint (looks like a knee or angle on it), that needs to be repaired and is a big deal.

If the foundation is on a slant or bowed, it isn't holding up the house properly and can be a major issue to fix.

Although there are some kits that can seal off vertical cracks and may work for around $250, it is recommended to hire a company as they also offer guarantees and will make sure it is done properly. Using tools that go into crack to insert the epoxy and fill the whole crack.  Also making sure the timing is correct as it should not be done when there is already water or moisture in there, or if the temperature is too cold.

Cost for fixing minor to medium cracks

It depends on the size and the location, but roughly $500 to $700 if you are doing the digging and hard labour.

Or $2000 to $3000 if you are hiring a company.

Or depending on the situation using an epoxy product for $200+ (which may be used without digging as it will go through the full crack if used properly) or digging down on the outside and using a tar product to block from the outside.

Stopping the water from getting too close to the home

The other point is making sure the water is not getting close. As mentioned your downspouts and eavestroughs are designed to move water away from the home along with the landscaping and grading.  Making sure your gutters are clear also prevents damage and allows for the water to flow in the way they are designed.

Renovations

Another point to note is that if you are planning on finishing or renovating the basement make sure the points mentioned are looked at.  The last thing you want is to finish your renovation and find out that water is getting under the floor or behind the walls.

Remember that the major issue for most homes is water related.

Derek has a long history of owning and renovating, buying and selling and managing his own properties as well as helping his clients.

If you looking to buy or sell reach out to Derek @ 587-598-3248