Property inspections during the winter months can create challenges and limitations, however also a few unique opportunities.
- Important Note:
- The property inspection will proceed as scheduled as long as the inspector can safely reach the property.
- Any areas or systems the inspector was unable to inspect or operate will be noted in the report.
- Key limitations with snow during a home inspection:
- Roof inspection: Snow on the roof completely obstructs the view of shingles, flashing, and potential damage, making a proper evaluation impossible.
- Exterior surfaces: Snow covering decks, walkways, and driveways prevents the inspector from checking for cracks, rot, or other defects.
- Drainage issues: Snow can mask drainage problems around the foundation, gutters, and downspouts.
- Foundation concerns: While not completely hidden, snow can make it harder to identify subtle cracks or signs of foundation movement.
- Overall visibility: Reduced visibility due to snow can make it challenging to assess the overall exterior condition of the house.
- Unique Opportunities during winter property inspections:
Conducting inspections during winter allows potential buyers to observe how well a home performs in challenging weather conditions.- Roof structure: The added weight of the snow on the roof can help determine the strength of the structural and decking.
- Heating systems: The functionality of the property’s heating systems in colder temperatures can be better determined.
- Drafts/Cold areas: The colder weather makes it easier to identify drafts around windows or areas that might need more insulation.
- Windows: Drafts or condensation around windows can indicate their condition and performance.
- What to do if your home inspection is impacted by snow or ice:
The decision to proceed with the inspection is ultimately up to the client.- Proceed: It is important to read through the limitations and decide if you wish to proceed.
- Reschedule: If you are not comfortable with the limitations, the inspection may be able to be rescheduled once the snow melts. Talk to your Broker
- Reinspection: The scheduled inspection could proceed as scheduled however a second inspection, at an additional cost, could be scheduled to inspect the impacted areas.
Contact us with any questions.