A Home Check

Had something interesting come up this week. As I began the inspection my client drew my attention to some step cracking in the brick veneer wall. She had a concern that it was a serious problem. I informed her that it was a minor issue, probably the result of the steel lintel shifting or swelling. Satisfied with my answer we moved on, but other red flags started to show themselves. There were indicators to suggest that something, probably the brick veneer, was moving or shifting. I decided to push against the wall, it moved.a lot. The brick veneer appears to be detaching from the building structure and could collapse at any time. This of course poses a serious hazard that should be repaired immediately.

There were many issues in this 100 plus year home. The soil erosion from under the foundation was perhaps one of the more serious problems. I suspect that sometime over the last 100 years the crawlspace was lowered and a retaining wall built to hold back the soil. But that retaining wall is now damaged and the soil is moving. If this is not repaired soon this foundation could one day just simply drop, bringing the house down with it.

Came across this a few weeks ago. I'm thinking either mold.... or an alien parasites' :)

Had a home this week, listing stated 1955, but the structure and old knob and tube wiring suggested something closer to a century old. Client was a young and e...nthusiastic. However, the home was old and poorly maintained. Some of the issues found were major plumbing repairs needed, obvious roof replacement along with an active roof leak, active water into the cellar, major foundation repair and furnace and ac were 24 years old. There were other problems but those were just the more expensive issues. So, unless you have $100 000 in extra cash just lying around for needed repairs, you would be wise to get yourself a home inspection to help you avoid the home of nightmares and not the home of your dreams. Stephen A Home Check https://ahomecheck.ca

Found this last week. Have a tree in your yard? You might have roots getting into your lateral pipe to the sewer. This will be an ongoing problem unless the pipe is repaired.