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Inspecting Your Home’s Attic and Basement

Attic inspection

Inspecting your attic and basement is more than just walking through and looking for trouble spots. It requires looking at very specific areas and aspects of your home’s structure and being able to immediately identify red flags that an issue is occurring.

Often times, the attic and basement are areas of the home that are not visited and checked nearly as frequently as they should, because they are generally unpleasant areas to hang out in. As a homeowner, you should conduct a thorough attic inspection and basement inspection once per year and here are some tips on how to do that.

What does an attic inspection involve?

Many trouble spots can be missed during a roof inspection that an attic inspection can more easily identify. An attic inspection can point out prior fire or water damage which leads to a loss of structural integrity, wood rot, or mold. Insulation issues can also be pointed out, which is crucial to lowering your energy costs and keeping your home cool in the summer while warm in the winter.

Wet spots, dark spots, mold, signs of nesting by animals, water stains and rust on nails are some key items that you would want to note while inspecting the attic.

Attic inspections can also assess a homeowner’s chimney, keeping an eye out for any deterioration of the structure itself. Rust, cracks and missing sections and just a few signs you may need a chimney repair.

Attic inspections will point out any damage due to insect and rodents, nests that require removal or entry points that need to be sealed and secured.

What about my basement?

A thorough basement inspection requires both interior and exterior checks. On the inside, checking for a musty odor or any signs of moisture can point you towards a mold and moisture problem. Peeling paint and rotting wood are also telltale signs of a water issue in your basement as well. Any signs of insects or rodents in your basement quickly result in a call to your local exterminator.

On the outside of your basement, you’ll want to keep an eye out for any visible cracks in the foundation. You also want to check for more severe cracking around your driveway, porch, and other areas with poured concrete. Combined with noticeable poor drainage, water intrusion is definitely an issue should be addressed right away in order to protect your home.

Any sinking slabs of concrete can be addressed if they have not gone for too long. The process to fix sinking concrete is a process called mud-jacking that can extend the life of driveways, sidewalks, porches, and patios.

Can I do my own inspection?

You can do your own, but there are several advantages to having a professional do your inspections as well. A professional inspection will pick up on key issues that the average homeowner may overlook. Repair issues in the attic and basement that are overlooked can easily lead to a costly and time-consuming disaster down the road. A professional contractor also has the right tools and equipment to safely survey your property without any risk of damage or injury.

The experience that a contractor brings to the table will allow them to suggest the best solutions to attic or basement issues. Finally, the work done should come with a warranty or guarantee which protects both you and your investment.

Wondering what’s going on in your attic or basement? Pro Home Improvement is here for you! We can inspect your attic and basement, then provide a no-obligation estimate to you to replace your roof, and to insulate your crawlspace, walls or attic. Call us at 888-PRO-1998 or contact us online to schedule your appointment today.