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ServiceMaster of Portland(503) 234-0707

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31 Mar
DIY Home Inspection

by portlandservices | in Uncategorized | 0 comments

Toy house and check list

Now that most of us are spending a lot of time at home, complete a DIY home inspection. Your home may have sustained damage over the winter months. Now that it’s spring, warm weather is ahead of us. However, spring showers are common too. Start by inspecting areas of your home that are commonly affected by water damage so you can catch the most common culprit this season as soon as possible. When water damage is present, mold is soon to follow. Stay alert for signs of mold growth. To complete your home inspection, don’t forget about common fire damage risks.

Water Damage

Water damage is not always easy to see. That’s why it’s important to inspect your home or business regularly this season. Here are some common signs of water damage:

  • Look for stains on your ceiling and walls.
  • Discoloration or soft spots around your bathtubs, sinks, toilets or appliances may mean that you have water damage.
  • Hard flooring often warps or cracks when exposed to moisture.
  • Gaps around windows and doors can allow water to seep into your property.
  • Clogged or damaged gutters are a sign that water damage may be present in your home or business.
  • To assess your plumbing, turn on the water in your sink, tub and flush your toilet all at once. Look for leaking water, a drop in water pressure or a gurgling sound coming from your pipes.
  • Make sure you turn on fixtures in all of your bathrooms and kitchen to see how they work.

Mold Damage

If you have water damage, mold damage is soon to follow. It only takes a few hours for even a small amount of moisture to cause mold growth. Look for the following signs of mold growth in your home or business.

  • If you see visible mold, there is most likely more beneath the surface that you can’t see.
  • Mold is often accompanied by a damp or mildew smell.
  • Health issues like lingering cold and flu symptoms, difficulty breathing, or irritated skin can all be caused by different mold types.
  • Take note of excess moisture in your home. Damp basements or crawl spaces are likely to have mold growth.

Fire Damage

Round out your home inspection by looking for common causes of fire damage.

  • Yearly chimney sweeps should be conducted by professionals, but you can look for stains and test all elements of your fireplace. Stains may indicate soot buildup. In that case, you may want to stop using it until you can schedule a cleaning.
  • Test kitchen appliances and vent fans to make sure they’re working properly.
  • Check on your electricity, HVAC system and water heater. There shouldn’t be any leaky pipes, gaseous odors or exposed wiring.
  • If you have a receptacle tester, use it to test your outlets to make sure they’re functioning properly.

All of us at ServiceMaster of Portland hope you and your family are staying safe and healthy during this uncertain time. Our team is here to support you with your disaster restoration needs. ServiceMaster of Portland has over 50 years of experience restoring water, fire and mold damage in the Portland Metro area. Contact us day or night for emergency water restoration services. Our team of experts uses leading industry protocols and standards to provide the high-quality service our customers deserve.

 

Photo by: istockphoto.com/takasuu

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