Up and Out!

I often get chided by my buyer clients because I am always looking "up" and "out" -- up at the ceiling and out at the yard. Maybe it's because I grew up in a floodplain and literally remember standing with my brother as he fished off the carport into our backyard (true story!), or maybe it's because my otherwise incredibly maintained rental apartment in law school (that's a whole other story...) had a minor but consistent leak around an exhaust pipe which resulted in major roof expenses, but I am ALWAYS looking up and out when viewing a home. Does the yard slope towards the home? Are there any slushy patches that hint at poor drainage? Are there any cracks that are more than the typical settling crack in a ceiling or over a door? Are there any water spots on the ceiling, old or fresh? Of course, when any of these are seen, my advice is to always consult the seller's agent but then, most importantly, consult a certified home inspector. Steve Martin with Pillar to Post sent out a blog about this very thing today, and here is an excerpt:
From "popcorn" to plaster to drywall, there are many different ceiling materials in today's homes. Look for signs of damage no matter what the material. Ceiling stains can indicate water damage from leaking pipes, a bathroom fixture overflow, or a leaking roof. Before any attempt is made to repair water damage, it must be determined if the cause of the leak will continue to affect the ceiling, or if it the damage is related to a single event in the past. If water is dripping from the ceiling, the source of the water will need to be found and stopped, and the ceiling will need to be thoroughly dried before attempting any repair work. If the damage is severe, a professional contractor specializing in structural drying should be consulted.... Minor ceiling cracks are not uncommon and may simply be the result of the home settling. Even older homes can continue to settle for decades. If the cracks are minor, they can be repaired with relative ease. The technique used will depend on the ceiling material. Old plaster ceilings will often sag and crack over time, and can be patched with drywall instead of new plaster. Popcorn ceiling cracks can be covered with aerosol sprays made specifically for this use. Major cracking can be due to seismic activity or structural issues and should be assessed by a professional before repair or replacement.


To learn more about Steve and his home inspection services, visit www.pillartopost.com.