DO-IT-YOURSELF REPAIRS
The homeowner can handle many inspection issues. The items below are relatively common and are within the capabilities of most homeowners or handymen. Specialized professional help is suggested as needed. Allow a couple of hours to evaluate your home's visible components carefully. Try to look at the house like you are seeing it for the first time. Carefully scrutinize the interior and exterior of your home. Go up in the attic and down into the basement or crawl space. Inspect the garage. The average home inspection report will have 20-30 items. Most will be very minor and are often issues due to a lack of maintenance. SPECIAL NOTE: These issues represent a small sample of potential concerns that could show up on an inspection report. Every home is unique in its design, construction, materials and condition. THE EXTERIOR Cut back all vegetation approximately two feet from the house. Keep pine straw, bark, mulch and earth six inches from the bottom of the siding. Replace damaged siding, chimneys and areas around windows and doors. Use cement-based lap siding to replace. A thick coat of paint will fill the open cracks that develop in moisture-affected hardboard siding. Caulk or seal all gaps as needed. A good power wash can make a paint job look new, If the deck is nailed or screwed to the house, the inspector will suggest bolting for additional strength. Bolting with carriage bolts is simple if the interior walls are unfinished. Extensive lag screwing is the alternative if no access is available. Are deck handrails secure at all corners or wobbly? Are deck stair treads in good shape? Are deck guardrail pickets no more than four inches apart? Buyers will be concerned if this is on the report. Power wash and seal the deck with stain.
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