Today I read a very informative blog post written by Jay Markanich a local home inspector. Read below what he suggests every homeowner should look for around your home.
Interestingly, within an hour of the earthquake my phone began ringing! People with questions about what to do and what to look for around their houses.
I had to admit to them that I have never done this before, but I visualized my house and checked off a verbal list for people to follow.
When the earthquake hit I was home in "my" chair. The house shook sideways and up and down! It was strong enough to knock books and things off the shelves in my office! The dog ran into the room and jumped in my lap! It really scared her.
Immediately I walked around my house to check it out. My neighbor was in her yard and said pictures had actually fallen off their walls.
The epicenter is said to have been 3.7 miles deep and 70 miles away in Mineral, VA. It reached 5.9 on the Richter Scale. And I have never experienced anything like it!
One client, for whom I had done an inspection a couple of months ago, called and wants an immediate inspection on the house.
Why?
Because they are settling Friday afternoon and want to make sure it is still in good shape! So I'll swing by late Thursday.
What will I check for (having no experience at this you understand)?
> The grounds to see if any new openings or sink holes have developed.
> Smell the gas meter to see if there is any odor.
> The exterior skin of the house for openings or abnormalities.
> Cracked windows.
> Any roof abnormalities.
> Chimney cracking or movement.
> Damage to the AC condensers or their connections.
> Indoor abnormalities to the walls, ceilings, floors and coverings. Any cracking in the slab.
> Inside the attic looking for cracking or separation of roof trusses, sheathing and structure.
> Movement of or cracking of the fireplace, inside and out.
> Damage to or separation of HVAC ducts in the walls and at the unit.
> Check kitchen and bath cabinetry for movement, cracking, separation from the wall.Of course this is a visual look around. That's the list off the top of my head. And that's what I looked for at my house when I did my sweep. When I arrive for my inspection other things might impress me to look at. It depends on the house!
And my dog is still following me all over OUR house! She is making sure daddy is right nearby in case this thing happens again!
Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC
Based in Bristow, serving all of Northern Virginia
" You would want to hire me as your REALTOR®, if you're looking for a high energy, positive, take charge,knowledgeable person that is passionate about helping you get what you want! "
That's me! I'm easy going, and prefer to communicate by email, text and I use the latest technology to not only to stay in touch with you, but to market homes for sale as well and to negotiate.Still not sure I'm the right local professional for you? Check out my LakeRidgeVARealEstateNews blog or head on over to my LakeRidgeVAHomesForSale.com website to learn how I have others just like you sell or buy a home in the local area.
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Note: This real estate blog is written by me Peggy James and it is is my opinion and may not reflect the opinion of Exit Choice Realty 14067 Crown Ct, Woodbridge Virginia 22193.
I have been blogging since 2008 and I am a full time REALTOR® .
Thanks for the reblog Peggy. And since writing that list I thought to add smelling for gas near the furnace and water heater.