Interview with Kevin Wallevand – April 27, 2011
From: WDAY6 NEWS
Fargo, ND (WDAY TV) – As we all wait for warmer temperatures and a stretch of spring, home buyers are getting the house hunting fever. And following a wet spring, no one may be more important when it comes to buying a home than an inspector. There are red flags potential home buyers should look for.
As a licensed home inspector, Lars Knobloch of Nordic Home Inspection is used to climbing ladders and tight corners. But he also knows that, back on the ground, there are some things to look for when buying a home after our very wet spring.
LARS KNOBLOCH – Nordic Home Inspection: “You want to have proper extensions from downspouts to drain the water away from the house. It is going to go straight down into the foundation and getting inside.“
If a basement in a home has experienced seepage or water problems…
LARS KNOBLOCH – Nordic Home Inspection: “You want to get it as far away as possible. This is really good; it goes all the way around there.”
There will be red flags…
LARS KNOBLOCH – Nordic Home Inspection: “A couple of weeks ago, where there was a lot of water coming into foundation, and it was really wet in the basement, mold started to grow on the sheetrock near the furnace and there was no return register so the furnace was pulling moldy air and circulating it throughout the house.”
Another potential problem: Landscaping near the home. Planting this tree next to the house maybe seemed like a good idea 20 years ago.
“The roots can damage the foundation and drain tiles.”
Some simple tips for home buying that could spare you headaches and big bucks down the road. The American Society of Home Inspectors also reports that water and sewer lines should be looked at if the home had been empty for a long time.
Summary: Potential Buyers Need To Be Aware of Weather Conditions & How It Can Affect Their Dream House
There are certain things that Lars Knobloch warns potential new home owners when looking for a house. Always check out the condition of the basement because this can be a cause for serious flooding problems and mold issues in the future. There also can be landscaping issues that may cause foundation problems. These need to be taken care of right away. Even newer homes can have problems due to bad seasons. It is highly recommended to contact a certified home inspector. Call Nordic Home Inspection at 701-566-1446.