7 Surprising Areas You Should Inspect on Your Property
Owning a home or commercial building is a huge responsibility. Over the years, it is common to overlook a few areas that need regular inspections. Or, you might be buying a property and want to know where to look for potential problems. Staying on top of these seven areas can make your property purchase a worthwhile investment.
1- Look Behind Water-Based Appliances
Many properties come with appliances, such as dishwashers, that use water. Most people will make sure that the work, but they often overlook one of the best places to check for a problem. If you can, look behind and underneath water-using appliances. If you see wet spots or rot, then it is likely that they leak.
2- Inspect the Dryer Vent
One of the biggest fire hazards on a property is frequently overlooked. Dryer ducts and vents often become filled with flammable lint. A clogged vent can also cause the dryer to stop working. Cleaning the vent is a quick process that can preserve your property from serious damage.
3- Check the Underground Utilities
Beneath your property lies an intricate network of sewage, water, electrical, and gas lines that you can’t see from above the ground. Checking for water leaks and clogs in the main lines is essential for helping you to get them repaired before they lead to a major disaster. You might also need to know where other utility lines are before you begin a landscaping project.
4- Give the Air Filters and Vents a Look
If you own a building, then you should already be making sure to change out the air filters on the HVAC system regularly. However, many property owners don’t, and this can lead to premature wear on the system. If you’re considering buying a property, then ask to see the air filters. Then, check the ventilation system for signs of neglect such as dust on the grilles. Dirty vents and air filters are a sign that the property owner might also be neglecting other essential maintenance tasks.
5- Climb Into the Attic
Hopefully, you don’t find bats in the belfry. But, you could find a host of issues happening right above your head without your knowledge. Going into the attic is a safe way to check for problems with the roof. If you see leaks or pockets of light, then the roof needs repairs. This is also a great place to start with checking for pets such as mice that use attics for nesting spots.
6- Open the Electrical Panel
A professional electrician should conduct a full inspection of the wiring, but you can also get a good idea of how well a home’s electrical system functions by opening the panel. Ideally, you shouldn’t see tripped breakers. Everything should also look nice and neat. If everything looks thrown together inside, then it is possible the whole wiring system is also hastily put together.
7- Walk the Fence Line
The outskirts of your property can also yield clues to its overall state. The fence should be in good repair without any holes. You might also check the ground to look for signs of water runoff or underground leaks that you might not see during a normal walk up to your property. As you check the fence line, look for trails or small holes that indicate pests are running back and forth from a potential flood source to your home.
Property maintenance begins with a thorough inspection. While you’ll always want to check out new problems as they arise, it also helps to arrange for regular checks that tell you about issues before they cause too much damage. Make a schedule for inspections, and keep a detailed list of the reports so that you can follow up on any concerns.