What a long Winter and Spring has sprung!

 Yowza, we got 194% more moisture this year than average. It was a long winter and nice weather has finally arrived! Last week we hit 62 degrees and it caused the snow to melt quickly. Here in town it's all gone, at my home only 3 miles north there are a few piles on the north of buildings but only 6 miles north of town, Summit Lake is still frozen over and there is a lot of snow!! I've lived in Mancos for 32 years and have never seen a winter like this before. My red signed road flooded over Mud Creek. A red signed road means the county does not maintain the road. What a disaster! Cars were stranded on either side. Since being able to get emergency vehicles over Mud Creek, my son James and I plus a few friends fixed the road. What a chore. Several ponds up north are at capacity and we shall see if there dams break if our road holds. We are expecting a few colder days this week in the high 40's which is welcomed since it will slow down the snow melt. There is also flooding around Dolores as well. Click here to see my road! So if you are buying a home on a red signed road, make sure there is a road agreement with the neighbors.

Common Problems found in Home Inspections

 

1.    Water Intrusion

Water damage can be very tricky to deal with. Roofs are often the first spot for water to leak and travel downwards. Inspectors usually start in the attic when looking for water damage. Some of the signs of water damage include:

·         Cracks and holes. - Cracks or holes on the exterior walls are areas water can enter your home

·         Warped floors and damp carpets

·         Stained walls and ceilings - Even if the stain results from an old leak that has been repaired, inspectors will still check for mold buildup.

·         Peeling paint and wallpaper - This issue may be an indicator of a leak behind the walls

·         Musty odors - This can be an indication of mold buildup, often caused by leaks.

 

2. Faulty Wiring

·         If you see open junction boxes, mismatched amperage, or extension cords running everywhere when you view a home, these are bad signs.

·         Homes built between 1900 and 1950 often have outdated and inadequate fuse boxes. Unfortunately, that means the entire wiring needs to be replaced as it is not enough to keep up with today’s needs.

 

3. Foundation Flaws

·         Foundation problems arise in the form of sloping floors, doors and windows that stick, or even doors that swing in one direction when left ajar. Foundation cracks can be caused by a variety of serious issues.

4. General Problems

·         Poor home maintenance? How's the furnace?

       ·        Is repainting, or new flooring needed, or grout in bathroom is decaying?

 

5. Faulty Plumbing

        ·           Turn on every faucet, and check if drains are working properly.

        ·           Flush every toilet. Are they loose?

·         At each area look for inadequate water pressure, slow drains and signs of leaks. Open the cabinet under the sinks and check for leaks. If there is a kitchen or bathroom on the second   floor, check the ceiling below them for signs of water damage.

 

All of these problems can be costly to fix.  It is really important to do a thorough inspection!  For a list of trusted inspectors, give Carrie Summers with Colorado Ranch & Home Realty a call, 970-759-2540.