Protect Your Investment with this Exterior Home Inspection Guide
Spring is in the air for many areas of the Mid-Atlantic region. That means it’s the perfect time for a springtime home exterior inspection to make sure it’s free of the damage, like curling shingles that cost you time, money, and hassle.
Do use proper safety precautions.
The roof and chimney should be inspected regularly, but unfortunately DIY inspections put homeowners at risk. If you decide to do your own roof inspection, always use proper safety precautions, such as wearing rubber-soled shoes and working with a partner. When in doubt, it’s always safer to hire a professional roofer with the equipment and experience to conduct inspections safely and efficiently.
Don’t forget the gutters.
April showers will be here before you know it, so now is a smart time to give those gutters a look-see. Pooling water around a home can create significant damage, including cracked or bowed foundations. Make sure gutters are clear of debris, like leaves and twigs, so they can properly carry water off the roof. Check downspouts as well to ensure they’re moving water away from the home and its foundation.
Do inspect siding, too.
Siding is about so much more than putting a pretty face on your home. Damaged siding can lead to mold, drafts, interior damage, and more. As you do your spring exterior inspection, look out for bulges, cracks, and splits that could indicate a siding repair or replacement is in order.
Don’t forget to check out the windows.
Windows take a beating during storms, so use spring-like weather as a chance to inspect frames, sills, and jambs to make sure they’re free from cracks, warps, and other signs of deterioration. Learn the 7 Signs You Need to Replace Your Windows.
While you’re on window duty, check out window and door screens as well. You may be able to DIY a screen repair or patch, but if you have more than one rip or the damaged area is large, you’re better off hiring a professional to get the job done.
Do move firewood.
If you have a fireplace or wood-burning stove, it can seem convenient to keep wood near the home. But the problem is that puts out a welcome mat for pests—both the four-legged variety and the buggy kind that eats wood. Keep varmints, termites, and other bugs away from basements, shingles, and roofs by storing wood piles at least 30 feet from the home.
Do make a plan.
Even if Mother Nature renews her cold weather ways, you can still use the exterior check-up to make plans for when warmer winds arrive for good. What’s more, if you’re expecting a tax refund to arrive in the next few months, now is the ideal time to plan out your home exterior maintenance.
If you found a trouble spot or want an expert assessment, schedule a professional inspection. The Best Contracting team offers free inspections for roofs, gutters, windows, and siding for homes in Lancaster County, PA, Chester County, PA, and many other areas of PA, NJ, DE, and MD. Schedule your free inspection today.
Need financing? Ask us about our no-interest financing options.
