Plumbing problems can be among the most dangerous and potentially costly of any system in a home, and they’re not always easy to spot with a cursory glance. Homeowners looking to sell their properties and prospective buyers alike do have one powerful weapon in their arsenal, though: a home inspection report. Obtaining a building inspection report is an essential part of purchasing a new home, and a wise move for sellers who are preparing to sell their property. A building inspection report prepared by an experienced and reputable inspector allows homeowners to be aware of many plumbing issues before they have the potential to deal a killing blow to a promising sale. A thorough report similarly helps potential buyers make an informed purchase.
Some plumbing problems are more common than others, and the likelihood of them appearing on your report is affected by a variety of factors. The age of the property in question, the quality of workmanship at the time of construction and the materials used to install or repair a plumbing system can all have a bearing on the end result of a building inspection report. Having a basic knowledge of the issues most commonly discovered through a building inspection gives both sellers and buyers a variety of advantages.
The Effect of Do-It-Yourself Plumbing on a Building Inspection Report
One of the more popular new trends in home improvement is the do-it-yourself movement. More and more homeowners are literally taking matters into their own hands in terms of repairs, renovations and upgrades. While there are many areas in which a bit of DIY work can improve the chances of a sale, plumbing is generally not considered one of them. The average homeowner is not likely to have a vast knowledge of codes and legal building requirements. As a result, DIY projects which include plumbing work can be a major issue when the time comes for a building inspection.
If you’re a homeowner who’s ready to sell your property and has also completed DIY renovations on your home which included plumbing, obtaining a building inspection report of your own before listing your home is a wise move. You’ll be able to find and address any potentially problematic repairs or workmanship before you home goes on the market. Plumbing work which does not meet regulations certainly has the potential to completely derail an otherwise promising sale if it’s discovered as part of an inspection commissioned by a prospective buyer. Protect yourself and boost the chances of a sale by obtaining a thorough building inspection report before your home is listed or shown. This gives you the opportunity to address any DIY plumbing mistakes properly.
Pipe Damage and Building Inspection
Plumbing tends to be one of the areas of a home which goes largely ignored until there’s an immediate and noticeable problem. As a result, pipe damage and degradation can go mostly undetected until a building inspection report identifies a problem. In older homes, it’s also fairly common for building inspectors to discover old or outdated piping materials, incompatible materials, water hammer, leaks, or other problems. Leaking fixtures and waste lines, as well as leaking at pipe joints, may also be discovered during a thorough building inspection.
Where significant plumbing problems are identified through the building inspection process, a building inspector who is also a licensed builder can usually recommend possible rectification work, and the appropriate licensed tradesman or specialist to do the job. This may entail further investigation by a specialist plumber, roofer, or a combination of trades, or simply a recommendation on the specific fix to be applied.
Leakage and Evidence of Water Damage
A building inspection report will also detail any findings of mold, mildew or fungus growth which could indicate leaks and excessive moisture within the home. Water stains, rotting wood or building materials and buckling are also common signs of a water leak.
The plumbing system in any home is a fairly complex but ultimately essential one, which is why professional building inspectors are trained to spot any problematic areas or potential issues. If left unchecked, plumbing problems can quickly lead to large expenses and extensive property damage, which is why it’s so important to obtain a quality building inspection report before selling or purchasing a property.
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