With the long winter behind us, Nevada County real estate is ready to bloom! March signifies a shifting season, and for homeowners in Truckee, CA, that means preparing for the real estate market or getting ready for much needed home repairs. While you can prepare your home for spring and a possible sale by decluttering and giving it a good clean, what about hidden damage?
A hard winter can impact the health of your home in more ways than you can see. From the health of your roof to your property’s soil drainage, hidden problems can be costly, and a hazard to your home and health. While cleaning your property for spring is a great first step, let the Armentrout certified home inspection team help protect your home, and ensure your home is ready for sale. Learn how a home inspection from Armentrout can help, or continue to read on to learn more about our comprehensive inspection services.
4 Costly Issues Your Home Can Have From a Cold, Wet Winter
The Truckee, Nevada County, El Dorado County and Placer County areas can experience difficult and testing winters. Between the cold, snow and heavy rain, the winter is a test of strength for your property. Just because your roof looks stable or you haven’t had visible issues this winter, doesn’t mean your home is issue-free. Many homeowners face problems that start with minor damage, only to spiral into major issues.
From ice dams to soil erosion, there are common issues that homeowners in and around Truckee should be on the lookout for. Discover the damage a heavy winter can cause.
1. Water Damage From Snow and Ice Dams
Throughout the winter and moving into the spring, the roofs in Nevada County take on heavy amounts of snow, with ice dams being common throughout the winter. As snow and ice melts and builds up on your home’s roof, it is easy for water to find its way beneath the roofing material. When this happens, water seeps into your ceilings, insulation, and even your wall cavities. If you haven’t had a professional inspect your property for water intrusion after a heavy winter, you can find a costly problem on your hands. From mold to structural damage, let Armentrout help you check for water damage and prevent costly repairs.
2. Soil Erosion and Poor Foundation Drainage
The heavy rain and rapid snowmelt in late winter can impact your home’s foundation drainage and landscaping. As the water pools and drains, it can wash away soil, leading to soil erosion. When a property’s soil composition changes due to erosion, the drainage around your foundation can change. This can lead to issues with foundation shifting, water seeping into crawl spaces and basements, and foundation cracks. If you are preparing to buy or sell a home in Truckee, CA, or the surrounding Nevada County area, a foundation and drainage inspection is a necessary next step.
3. Pest and Rodent Infestation
A cold winter is not just hard on your home; it’s hard on pests and rodents. To escape the elements and search for warmth, your home becomes a shelter for many pests. When preparing your home for spring, it is important to check for signs of pests or structural damage. Pests can lead to property damage, contaminated food sources, and even electrical issues by chewing through wires. If you want to protect your home and your health, check your home for signs of pests.
4. Mold and Mildew Growth Due to Water and High Humidity
Water is arguably the greatest threat to a home’s structural integrity. While a hard winter can bring visible water damage from snow or rain, it is the moisture you can’t see that can cause dynamic damage to your home. Throughout the winter, humidity from moisture in your home’s air can condense in your attic and wall cavities. This hidden moisture can cause rot and encourage mold to grow. If you have any reason to believe you have had roof leaks or experienced other water intrusion, ensure that your home doesn’t have a hidden mold problem.
How an Armentrout Certified Home Inspection Helps Homeowners
The changing seasons, from a wet and cold winter to a warm and dynamic spring, marks an important time for homeowners in Nevada County, CA. It marks a time when homes and properties should be prepared for the change of the season, and for homeowners looking to sell their property, a peak time to list your home for sale.
At Armentrout Certified Home Inspections, we have been helping Nevada County homeowners prepare their homes for the shifting spring market, and protect their property from winter damage. If you are preparing to list your home for sale, a home inspection can help you understand the health of your home and identify any areas of potential repairs before you place your home on the market.
For homeowners in and around Truckee, CA, a seasonal home inspection can help to ensure that any damage from a harsh winter is identified and fixed before minor issues become major headaches. Contact Armentrout Certified Home Inspections to learn how we can help or read on to learn more about the inspections we provide to help you succeed this spring.
Contact Armentrout Certified Home Inspections for Your Peace of Mind
The Armentrout Certified Home Inspection team is ready to help you prepare your home for spring. Don’t let hidden winter damage put your home sale or property health at risk.
For a free estimate or to schedule your Armentrout home inspection, contact us today, and let us help you find peace of mind.
