Most homes undergo a home inspection when a home is being purchased.   Assuming that recommended repairs have been taken care of, the home is probably in its best condition at the time of its sale or soon after.   However, with the passage of time, even the most attentive homeowner may not be willing or able to personally cover all the various maintenance items in an aging, relatively new or newer home.  Periodic home inspections will aid in identifying potential or existing problems, items in need of ongoing attention or immediate repair, and  recommended actions to be taken at some future date.  Periodic home inspections also support the homeowner in budgeting for regular home maintenance services, normal repairs, and the replacement of equipment or systems as they reach the end of their useful life expectancy.

    Examples of maintenance or safety issues which if addressed early prevent costly repairs later:

1. •Clogged gutter and storm water run off systems (downspouts)
   

2. •Beginning stages of dry rot in siding and/or decks
   

3. •Carbon monoxide leakage from defective heat exchangers in the heating system
   

4. •Water heaters beyond their reasonable life span (esp. water heaters located above living areas)
   

5. •Soil and/or shrubbery in contact with wood siding
   

6. •Outdated or overloaded electrical systems
   

7. •Ungrounded electrical outlets near wet areas e.g. kitchen or bath sinks/tubs.
   

Note:  Homeowners are not required to keep their homes up to date with City Building Codes implemented after the time their home was built, nor are home inspectors required to include Code requirements in an inspection report.    However, considering that code updates are based upon advances in knowledge and technology for insuring home safety, familiarity with current Codes is a source for possible improvements regarding home safety.  Major Code issues will be identified with a recommended remedy, for example installing an egress window (large enough to climb through) in a bedroom where one is lacking.   In the event of fire, easily getting out of a bedroom window may be a life-saving option.