Too many homeowners get stressed out by home inspections. They wait until they are ready to sell and hold their breath that no problems are revealed. It does not have to be this way. Home inspections can–and should– be part of a routine home maintenance regimen. They can help you assess the ongoing value of your property, nip any potential issues in the bud, and plan for future renovations. When viewed from this angle, home inspections can actually be an exciting component of the homeownership process. To further reduce any lingering stigma surrounding home inspections and ensure that your property will put a smile on the inspector’s face, keep reading for some of the best materials to choose before your next home inspection!
Elite Roofing
Many people take an “out of sight, out of mind” approach when it comes to their roof. However, it is likely to be the first area of your home an inspector checks, as roof leakage can lead to many trickle-down issues that can turn into ongoing money pits. Common roofing materials, such as asphalt shingles and wood shakes, tend to lose their efficacy in as little as 15 years without the proper due diligence. Therefore, to help your roof shine come inspection time, consider materials like metal, slate, or composite shingles. While these materials will have a higher up-front cost, they will last 50 or more years with minimal attention and provide the home with the highest fire and impact ratings on the market.
Durable Flooring
In a best case scenario, cheap flooring options such as carpet and vinyl add no value to your home. In a worst case scenario, they stand out for all of the wrong reasons. As such, it is worthwhile to consider more durable options, such as engineered hardwood or polished concrete, to guarantee the ongoing performance of your floors. They will score high marks with inspectors for their low maintenance features and ability to maintain aesthetics in the face of ongoing traffic.
Waterproof Foundation
The foundation is another commonly overlooked area of the home that will take center stage at inspection time. Damaged or shifting foundations will cause significant structural problems to the home that can be difficult or even impossible to fix. As North Carolina is known for high humidity and hurricane-force weather from time to time, you can really help your home stand out by waterproofing the foundation. Consider adding membranes to the foundation walls that divert water away from the home and explore vapor barrier basement features to further reduce the threat of moisture damage due to hydrostatic pressure.
Functional Kitchens
Although it is tempting for home chefs to add niche features to their kitchens, such as built-in deep fryers and wall-mounted soda streams, these types of items are more fluff than function. They simply cause too much work to maintain for the occasional benefit they add. With this in mind, choose materials that streamline the day-to-day use of the kitchen. Porcelain tile floors, nonporous quartz islands, and energy-efficient appliances are features that appeal to the broad market and are less likely to create difficulties that will draw a red flag from inspectors.
Premier Insulation
Modern homes are increasingly being scrutinized for their energy efficiency–a fact that home inspectors will undoubtedly take into consideration. While renewable energy features, such as solar panels and PV window glazing, immediately come to mind, there are various insulation tools homeowners can use to stabilize interior conditions and reduce reliance on energy altogether. Below grade insulation for the floors, exterior wall insulation, and roof cover board are just a few of the materials homeowners can deploy to fortify the building envelope and prevent unwanted air transfer into and out of the home, reducing utility consumption in the process.
Inviting Exteriors
Functional exteriors are no longer a “plus” for a property–they are quickly becoming as vital to a home as the bones itself. With more and more people working from home and/or living remote lifestyles, exterior space is crucial for providing a much-needed change of scenery for residents and helping them break up their day. And this is on top of the equally important aspect of ensuring curb appeal. Therefore, spruce up your exterior at inspection time by using stylish pergolas for shade, the best screws for decking boards to enhance the structural integrity of exterior hangouts, and adding central gathering points such as an outdoor kitchen or gas fire pit.
Impress Your Next Home Inspector With These Materials
Routine home inspections should be an important component of any home maintenance regimen. By considering any of the durable and high-performance materials listed above, you can rest assured that your next inspection will be as favorable as possible. For additional information on all aspects of home inspections, explore the resources at Advantage Inspection for the leading insights in the industry!
Author Bio
Brian Jeffries is a freelance writer who loves sharing his knowledge and expertise on construction projects and materials. He lives in Winter Park, Florida where he enjoys spending time with his wife and working on projects in his spare time. Brian’s work as a freelance writer can be found on Building Product Advisor, a construction industry resource site.
Dave Park
Advantage Home Inspection Raleigh NC
Your “Home Inspector Near Me“
advantagenc.com
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