Whether you’re selling your home, buying a home, or want to check if your home is safe, you’ll need a home inspection. And, to most people, scheduling an inspection during winter seems like a bad idea, and that may seem logical. However, winter presents some unique opportunities that other seasons don’t, which make it the perfect time to do this. Of course, the ice, snow, and cold are factors to keep in mind, as they can be dangerous. But, with that in mind, this harsh weather can reveal flaws in your home that otherwise wouldn’t be visible. So, with all of that in mind, we’ve put together a list of reasons why winter is a great time for a home inspection.
Plumbing issues become more obvious
It’s no secret that a home’s plumbing is put under a lot of pressure during winter. Pipes freezing and bursting is very common during winter, after all. As such, spotting issues with plumbing during winter becomes a lot easier. This applies to every piece of plumbing in a home; the kitchen, bathroom, and plumbing running through the basement if a home has one. As such, winter is an excellent time for a home inspection as, if your plumbing can survive winter, it can easily survive any other season. Of course, home inspectors know this and will pay special attention to the kitchen and bathroom. So, if you’re going to have a home inspection this winter for whatever reason, remember to keep this in mind. Of course, if the assessment is being done because you’re buying a new home, this benefits you, so don’t worry.
It’s easier to find weaknesses in the insulation
Detecting problems with the insulation, such as drafts, is significantly easier during winter. During other seasons it can be hard to feel a draft or an area with poor insulation. But, during winter, it’s as simple as walking into a room and noticing it is colder. Of course, fixing problems with the insulation during winter is an entirely different problem. But, if you’re considering buying a home this winter, it’s easy to notice if the insulation isn’t good. And if you do find a home you like this winter, remember that moving during winter can be difficult. This can lead to all sorts of planning issues, and you must be particularly careful when packing. And if you’re unsure how to do it, you can always rely on professional packing services in Orange County to have it done in no time. Besides saving time, you can make sure your belongings are safe.
HVAC problems are more obvious
Another reason why winter is a great time for a home inspection is checking the HVAC system. Much like with insulation, it’s much easier to notice the HVAC system failing during winter. The difference is that insulation will usually only affect one or two rooms, whereas the HVAC system is noticeable throughout the house. And fixing the HVAC system during winter can be pretty problematic. But it makes deciding if you want to buy a home or not much more straightforward, at least during winter. After all, inspecting the electrical and HVAC systems is vital before purchasing a house. Both of these can lead to severe issues with the home in the long run. So, before buying a home, the very least you need to know is that the HVAC and electrical systems are fully functional. If they’re not, it’s best to look elsewhere.
Weaknesses in the roof are more obvious
Heavy snowfall and ice add a lot of weight to a home’s roof and cause many issues. As such, home inspections during the winter will be able to find weaknesses in the roof much more quickly. Roof problems are serious issues, and they should be fixed as soon as possible. So, if you’re looking to buy a home this winter, hire a home inspector first. And if they don’t find any issues with the roof, you can be sure everything is fine with the roof at the moment. Of course, roof inspections are important no matter what time of year you plan to buy a home. As we already mentioned, problems with the roof can get incredibly serious and escalate quickly. This is also why you should regularly inspect your roof for issues and ensure there are no problems.
Figuring out framing and foundation stability
Much like the roof, the framing and foundation of a home are under a lot of pressure during winter. So, home inspectors can be a lot more accurate when determining just how stable a home is during winter. Problems with the foundation and framing of a house are something that should be taken very seriously. After all, if either of these fails, the entire place comes crashing down. So, if a home inspection ever reports that the home’s stability has issues, fix the problem immediately. Or, if you’re looking into a potential home to buy, consider a different house. Besides being incredibly dangerous, these issues are usually costly to fix. And, if ignored, it can lead to much more expensive problems or even more severe ones. So, never take anything to do with the framing or foundation lightly, and be very careful.
Why winter is a great time for a home inspection – closing thoughts Scheduling a home inspection during winter can be a little complicated because of the weather. But, because this same weather puts a lot of pressure on a home, it’s also a great time to look for problems with a property. Winter is an excellent opportunity for anyone who needs to have a home inspected for whatever reason. You can expect much more accurate results than during any other time of the year. We hope that this list of reasons why winter is a great time for a home inspection helps you out, and we wish you a great rest of your day.
Photos used: https://www.pexels.com/photo/snow-covered-wooden-house-near-trees-3736487/
