A 10 “Prep your home for spring“ tips

1. Evaluate and inspect the home’s exterior.
Prepare a list of items that need to be repaired after winter damages. Create a plan that best suits your needs and budget to repair or replace identified items.
One of the top priorities should be to direct water away from the foundation wall as much as possible. It is especially true during thawing season. Make sure that the lot grading is correct and is sloping away from your foundation wall. The rule of thumb is that the lot should slope away 1 inch for every 6 feet.

2. Make sure your sump pump is operating properly and that the drainage pipe is properly connected and not blocked. It is also a good idea to install a second pump and battery in case of a power outage.

3. Conduct a visual inspection of your roof every season. It only takes a few minutes and it is fairly easy to detect missing shingles by taking a look from across the street or backyard.
Respond to obvious signs of leakage as soon as you detect them. Avoid even more costly repairs should the problem develops.

4. Clean the gutters and downspouts. Make sure they are intact, connected and extended at least 6 feet away from the foundation to prevent any water damage to structure and foundation.

5. Reconnect all garden / garage hoses to their faucets and turn on all the faucets’ inside valves (usually located in the basement) after winter time.

6. Check that exterior caulking and paint are intact, apply or replace as needed. In addition remember to reinstate all window screens to windows.

7. Humidifier maintenance: Close the humidifier damper and clean or replace the filter. The humidifier damper should stay closed during summertime so that conditioned air will not be drawn back to the humidifier and cause ice build-up.

8. After using wood fire places in winter time it is a good idea to have it inspected by a WETT (Wood Energy Technology Transfer) certified person and cleaned before next use. Often it is better to do so in summer time and prepare ahead of time and not wait for last minute when it is a busy season.
As for gas fireplaces, you may want to shut off the pilot light during summertime. Remember that if you want to clean the fireplace's glass, use a specific cleanser, any other cleaning agent may cause stains on the glass and damage its appearance.

9. Check that all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are in good working condition.

10. Turn back on the breaker of the air conditioning on the electrical panel during summertime at least 24 hour before the first use.

Should a buyer request the seller to prep the house for a home inspection

Last week I was a presenter at a First Time Home Buyers’ seminar organized by the Bank of Montreal, after the presentation I was asked if a buyer should request the seller to prep the house for the home inspection.

I thought it was a great question so I wanted to share my answer ...

Ask your real estate agent to provide your home inspector access to the property and sufficient time. If this is a private sale, it is your responsibility to provide your home inspector access to the property with the consent of the seller.

Second, since home inspectors are not allowed to move or remove any furniture and items as it could damage the property, you may want to ask the seller to remove any storage items that may limit the visibility of the structure and systems. For example, attic hatch should not be sealed and electrical panel accessible, foundations wall clear of any storage etc..

Ask that all utilities will be on during the inspection so they can be inspected properly. Keep in mind that a home inspection is visual in nature, which means that your home inspector need sufficient access as much as possible to all the systems (electrical, plumbing, Heating/Cooling, Insulation etc.) as well as to structure components such as the foundation wall both interior and exterior.

During the inspection, the home inspector has to turn the electrical power off for a few minutes to open and inspect the electrical panel (new regulation). Ask the seller permission to do so otherwise the inspector will not be able to inspect the inside of the electrical panel.

Lastly, this is your inspection, remember that you are encouraged to be present and follow your inspector during the course of the inspection; the typical inspection takes about 3-4 hours depending on the size and complexity of the property. That allows you to ask questions and raise concerns, be prepared to come with comfortable shoes and dress appropriately according to weather (exterior inspection usually lasts about 30 – 45 minutes).