December 18th, 2008 at 5:33 pm

 

In this home inspection video we take a look at hurricane Ike storm damage. This house was abandoned by the owner shortly after the storm and is currently in foreclosure. Our client is a Houston real estate investor and plans on making repairs and selling the house.

 

Home inspections conducted for investors focus on the large/big ticket items in the home that need repair and/or replacement.  Most experienced inspectors can offer rough estimates of repairs. Once the inspection is completed the buyer will have a list of needed improvements and a reasonable estimate of repair costs.

 

Bank owned houses are usually sold as is, so it is incumbent upon the buyer to make sure he has calculated all repairs.   

 

In this home the entire roof covering will need to be replaced along with several sections of roof decking. Major sections of sheetrock will need to be replaced and the floor coverings will also need to be replaced.

 

We are finding that most homes in Houston sustained some type of storm damage. This damage is often hidden in the attic or areas of the roof where the home owner cannot see. Many water heater and furnace vent pipes are no longer connected.

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January 31st, 2008 at 5:41 pm

 

As a homeowner, most of us don't pay much attention to the roof of our house until it starts to leak.  However, the roof of our home provides protection from one of nature’s most destructive elements. Water leakage inside the home results in some of the most expensive repair costs and can significantly reduce the life and value of a home.

 

One of the ways to avoid roof problems is to periodically inspect the roof. This roof check should be performed at least two times each year preferably in the spring and fall.  During the fall inspection you want to make sure that leaves are cleaned from the roof surface, and all gutters are intact and clear of debris.  During the spring inspection, you should be looking for weather related damage such as shingles missing and flashing missing or pulling away from walls and chimneys. 

 

A roof inspection can be performed from the ground, with a ladder at eves or on the roof.  If you're making the inspection on the roof surface, don't try to walk on a roof that has a steep/severe angle. Loose asphalt shingle granules and /or a damp roof surface can present a slipping hazard.  You may want to give some thought to having a qualified roofing contractor provide the inspection.

During these roof inspections you are trying to accomplish three major activities.  The first is looking for any repairs that should be made.  The second is to make sure that the roof is performing appropriately and the third is to identify areas of weakness, hazards or deterioration.

 

Your check of the roof should include the following;

• An examination of the all the roofing materials, asphalt, wood or metal roofing panels.  You should be checking for excessive wear, loose shingles, and blistering in flat or rolled roofing.
•  The structure of the roof decking should be reviewed to determine any areas where the roof is starting to sag or pull away from a wall.    
• An examination of all metal flashing such as step flashing at the intersection of a roof and wall, roof jacks around all vent pipes and other attached items to the roof such as a satellite dish.
• Verifying that the roof gutter system is complete with downspouts and splash blocks at ground level.  All screens over the gutters or leaf guards should also be examined and repaired or replaced, if necessary.
• Housekeeping of the roof, such as cleaning drains, and blowing off leaves and pine straw.

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January 20th, 2008 at 2:58 pm

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