Home Inspection Finds Missing Gutters: What's The Problem?
How important are gutters to a detached garage? This may be a detail you could overlook without a qualified home inspector. Even your detached garage needs to have proper drainage of water in order to avoid damage over time. Standing water that is not directed away from a structure, in this case a garage, will cause damage and possibly even mold growth.
At Tri-County Inspections, a home inspection company in the Cleveland area, we make time to inspect the roof, even the ones on a detached structure. In addition, we want to make sure you will not purchase a home with unnoticed problems like a leaking garage roof. So, when looking for a home inspector make sure they will get up on the roof. Also, will they check details like gutters and drainage paths? More importantly, would they take the time to make sure you won't be putting an offer on a house that will later cost you thousands in repairs. The purpose of a home inspection first, to make sure you can negotiate with the seller. Secondly, to allow you to make an informed decision on your purchase. Lastly, to prioritize any upcoming repairs based on your budget.
Some people may be tempted to waive the home inspection, which we do not recommend. However, we posted about it in, "Should I Waive the Home Inspection in a Seller’s Market to Win a Multiple Bid Situation?." You do not want to be stuck with costly unforseen roof issues after purchasing a new home without a roof inspection. If you know the issues upfront, you can make a plan for repairs and even save money by avoiding a completely new roof.
Home Inspection uncovers Damage From Missing Gutters
In this short video Cleveland home inspector, Mike Vakos, shows you a detached garage that does not have any gutters installed. Then he shows the outside structure and how and where the rain water would flow without gutters. You can clearly see that there is no way to divert water coming down off the roof onto the lower side bump out of the garage. Consequently, over time standing water will cause rot and damage that eventually leads to mold.
In the second part of the video, the inspector takes us into the garage revealing the actual damage that has been caused by the missing gutters. Firstly, you can openly see the discolored wood, revealing the major problem area that the lack of gutters has created. Lastly, it is pointed out by the inspector that the water damage is occurring all around the electrical wires and boxes for the garage. This is an added hazard that is yet another testament why having a home inspection is so important when looking to buy a home.
Missing Gutters Explained By Cleveland Home Inspector
Cleveland Home Inspector Saves You Money
At Tri-County Inspections our goal is 100% satisfied customers. As we inform you of all the things going on in a home, we prioritize honesty, being straightforward, and easy to understand. So, whether we're inspecting a home before you sell it, a pre-listing home inspection, or if we're doing an inspection of a home you're considering buying - we want to equip you to make you best decision.
Home Inspectors Cleveland
Contact Mike Vakos, Cleveland home inspector and owner of Tri-County Inspections for your home inspection services:
- Full Home Inspection
- Pre-Listing Home Inspection
- Commercial Home Inspection
- Radon Inspection
- Mold Testing
- Lite Home Inspection for Investors
- Walk-Through Home Inspections
