Porter’s Wisconsin Inspections, LLC

Inspections and Evaluations of Homes, Wells,Septic Systems & More

www.porterwisconsin.com

608-583-6024

Ask Many Questions• The only dumb question is a

question not asked

We are just touching on some basics today

Do you have a maintenance checklist?

Do you know what to check?

Maintaining a home will help keep it’s value

Spring

Summer

Fall

Winter

Four seasons

Each with specific needs

Courtesy of DIY Network

This chart and others are in my links section on our Web Site “porterwisconsin.com”

You can also do an internet search for Home Maintenance Schedule Charts, then print it off

Maintenance Summary

• This is but a start of a maintenance list. As a homeowner it’s up to you to determine what your list is. Just do a little regularly. Get the whole family involved plus it’s a way to instill good work habits at an early age and have family together time. By doing these things you will have the satisfaction of a maintained and well kept home.

Roofs and Chimneys

Nice rubber membrane roof and metal chimney

Roof conditions

Aging shingles Lots of missing grit

Shingle lay pattern

How old is this roof? How long will it last?

Just some of the many questions buyers may ask.

RoofsHow long will these roofs last?

Something to remember is home inspections are limited to what is visible.

Are Home Inspectors required to shovel off snow to see the roof?

Chimneys

This is how they should look

Chimneys

• Looks good on exterior

Not so good on the interior

Chimneys

What’s wrong here?

Its very obvious, disconnected flue pipe for an oil furnace

Shifted flue with missing refractory mortar

Leaking Chimney flashing?

Deck’s

This deck was not fastened properly.

There were people on this deck when it fell!

Deck flashing and fasteners

This deck lacks flashing at the top of the plate.

With today’s pressure treated wood you can not use just any kind of fasteners. They need to be non-corrosive and rated for this use.

Deck railings

All Stairs

Directing Moisture Away

Just because there is good soil pitch does not mean water runs

away from home

Gutters & Downspouts

Gutter cleaning needed

Downspout extension needed

Grade & Drainage

Settled backfill. Needs soil added again

Very obvious repair need, but how?

Poor drainage evicence

Settled footing with foundation dropping

Sump In Basement

Usually sumps are connected to drain tile but not always

Exterior walls

• Includes “Door’s, Windows, Wall’s

Electric

I would say handyman done, wouldn’t you?

Electric

Older 100 Amp Newer 100 Amp

Electric

Older 60 Amp Newer 200 Amp

Knob & Tube Wiring

Usually with knob and tube there are open connections or unsecured wires

Interior Electric Needs cover

Handy man wiring ‘Hazard”

Interior Electric

Over loaded junction box Improper location and no access behind bathroom sink pedestal

Interior Electric

GFI Outlet’s should be located where finished plumbing fixtures are located and also garages, outside and unfinished basements.

This bedroom floor outlet did not have a box,It was just attached in a hole in the floor. The hot wire was attached but not the neutral.

Heating & AC

Condensate water leak on a high efficiency furnace

Air Conditioner blocked by vegetation

Heating & AC

Typical Furnace

Do You Have An Emergency Plan

Just in case you need it

Wood Stoves

Be sure that manufacturers separation distances are met. These will be listed on newer stoves

Be sure to have fire proof material on floor under and in front of unit.

Plumbing

Very nice

Washer drain?

Not so nice

Dryer Venting

Should use metal vent hose or pipe

You don’t want this

Attic

Some moisture stains and plugged soffits

Nice chimney chase

Attic Insulation to R42 would be great for these days of higher energy costs but as a very minimum R19.

Also be sure there is adequate attic ventilation both upper and lower and that the attic is well sealed from the living areas of the home.

Wells

Typical and correct well head

Whitewater type

Wells

Nice installation but should not have the threaded faucet

Septic Systems

Finding the tank can be a challenge at times

Septic Systems

Typical conventional system