Are you thinking of buying or selling a house in Auckland? Before you do so, you should take the time to hire an expert home inspector to do an in-depth report on the property. This will help you make sure that the property is in good condition and will provide you with peace of mind while you move forward with your purchase or sale process. In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know about getting a Healthy Homes Inspection in Auckland.
Preliminary Preparation
Ensure Your House is Safe and Secure
Get the Plumbing Checked Out
Tackle the Electrical Issues
Make Sure You Have Enough Heating and Cooling
Look at the Foundation and Walls
Take Care of Any Structural Problems
Start with the Roof
The roof is the first thing that we inspect. The general rule of thumb is to look at the shingles and ask, Is there any moss or mold? Moss or mold are signs of poor drainage. We also check to see if there are any leaks coming from the roof. If there's no sign of leakages, then we'll proceed with looking at other areas of the house. First, we need to make sure that the gutters have proper slope so water can be directed away from the house. Then, we're going to take a closer look at the eaves and make sure they're not leaking. Finally, it's time to head down into the basement and make sure it has proper ventilation and foundation drainage tiles are functioning properly. All of these things will go towards ensuring you have a healthy home!
Chimneys, Fireplaces, and Ventilation
Chimneys are not just to provide ventilation; they also have the important function of removing dangerous gases from your home. For safety reasons it is crucial that you make sure your chimney is clean and in good working order. You should hire an expert, such as an Architectural Technician to inspect your chimney and if necessary, carry out any repairs. Make sure the chimney sweeps have been certified by the Council so they know what they're doing. The only way to know whether or not your chimney is safe is to consult with an expert who can do a thorough Healthy Home Inspection Services and report on what needs to be done.
Windows and Doors
To be healthy, your home needs to be at the right temperature and humidity. When it's too hot, you can't sleep well or focus. If it's too cold, your immune system may suffer and you could catch a cold or flu. To ensure that your home is being kept at the right temperature and humidity, have your heating and cooling systems inspected by an expert every year. Your heating system should not run without being properly ventilated. This can lead to moisture buildup on the walls which will eventually cause mold growth. A professional inspection will also ensure that there are no leaks or cracks in the ducts which could affect airflow and cause problems with your home's HVAC system. It's important to note that this doesn't mean opening all of the windows - when air goes through these channels, it picks up dust particles from furniture, carpets and floors and brings them into your home. Have a company come out for an annual inspection of all of your doors as well. Doors should open smoothly without any resistance or squeaking noises when they close. The locks need to work easily and be sturdy enough so that they don't break under pressure.
Ceilings and Floors
Ceiling and floors form an important part of the home, as they are what cover the walls. If there are any cracks or holes, it can lead to many problems. The ceiling should be solid and free from any signs of water damage. The floor should not have any cracks or uneven surfaces that could cause trips and falls, nor should there be gaps where dirt can fall through. You may also want to look at how accessible areas underneath stairs are.
Plumbing Systems
A key component of any home is the plumbing system. It's responsible for delivering water and removing waste, making sure that no sewage gets back into the building. In order to have an efficient system, it's important to maintain it regularly. The frequency and type of maintenance depend on how many occupants are living in the house and what kind of plumbing fixtures are installed. For example, if you live alone, you might not need to clean your pipes as frequently as someone who has three kids under five years old. One way to check your pipes is with a camera inspection. This type of inspection doesn't require excavation or tearing up floors or walls.
Electrical Systems
A functioning electrical system is essential to safety and comfort. Inspectors will check the system's grounding, wiring, breakers and fuses to make sure that everything is up to code. Inspectors also take note of any damage or corrosion on electrical components which can lead to short-circuits. This inspection should be done every few years by a licensed electrician who can offer recommendations on how best to maintain your home's electrical systems so they last longer.
Heating and Cooling Systems
A home's heating and cooling systems play an integral role in the comfort level of the entire house. The systems should be checked annually to make sure they are working properly.
The heating system is typically used during the winter months to keep the house warm, while the cooling system is used during warmer months to keep it cool. When these two systems are not functioning properly, it can lead to higher energy bills and uncomfortable living spaces.
Health Concerns in Homes - Air Quality and Mold
The air quality in your home is one of the most important factors to consider when it comes to home safety. The EPA recommends that we maintain a healthy indoor air quality with less than 0.5 micrograms per cubic meter of particulate matter (PM) and ozone. If there are high levels of PM or ozone, then you need to take steps to fix the problem. It's also important that your home doesn't have mold growing anywhere indoors because it can cause health problems like asthma and allergies. Mold needs moisture and lots of organic material to grow, so if you find any signs of mold, make sure you clean up the source right away and fix whatever caused the moisture problem.