5 Steps to Flood Damage Repair

A flood can strike when you least expect it and leave disastrous consequences. Unless you have a background in flood damage remediation, the key to minimizing the damages is to avoid handling the flood damage repair on your own. Instead, you should hire a reputable company in San Diego to handle it for you.

But why is this the case? What exactly does this service include? We’re happy you asked because we’ve prepared a breakdown of the 5 steps flood restoration companies follow to minimize flood-related damages. Read on!

How do you deal with flood damage?

As previously mentioned, you shouldn’t deal with floods by yourself. Leave the work to a certified expert who will first examine your house from top to bottom to determine what needs to be done. From there, if you’ve hired the right restoration team, they’ll typically take the following steps to fix your property:

1. Assess the situation

The first thing experts do is to identify the type of water damage you’re dealing with:

White water (little-to-no contamination and comes from sinks, pipes, water heaters, or bathtubs)
Gray water (some contamination and comes from dishwashers or washing machines)
Black water (severely contaminated and comes from toilets or sewage)

They also determine the percentage of porous materials affected by the flooding, so they can come up with the right dehumidification strategy.

2. Extract standing water

The next step is to extract any standing water with various machines, such as submersible pumps and industrial vacuums. Afterward, technicians remove lingering water with portable wet/dry vacuums and often use thermal cameras to detect hidden moisture under your floorboards or behind walls.

3. Dehumidify

Specialists dry and dehumidify your house using commercial dehumidifiers and air movers. In addition, they also open doors and windows to boost air circulation.

4. Clean and disinfect

Once experts dehumidify your property, they sanitize the place with antimicrobial solutions and high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuums and/or air scrubbers while wearing high-quality safety equipment:

Protective overalls or disposable clothes
Rubber boots
Goggles
Gloves
N-95 masks

5. Repair

At this point, professionals have set the stage for their repairs:

Deep-cleaning or replacing carpets
Reusing/replacing floorboards
Fixing drywall

Keep in mind that some parts of your house may be unsalvageable if the flood was intense or if they had been exposed to moisture for a long time before you scheduled your service.

How long does it take to repair everything after a flood?

The time it takes to repair your house after a flood depends on many factors:

Type and amount of water
How long your home’s been exposed to water
Size of the place
Number of people performing the repairs

In general, it can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks to fix everything. This might sound too long, but remember: it’ll take you much longer to go over everything if you take the DIY route, especially if you make a mistake when repairing your home. Therefore, don’t take a chance. Let a trustworthy professional handle the situation.

Where can I find a team for flood damage repair in San Diego?

With years of experience and absolute commitment, The Inspectors Company is the go-to team for fixing flood-related problems in San Diego. If there’s been an accident in your home, just give us a call, and we’ll be at your doorstep in no time.

All our technicians are InterNACHI-certified, meaning they use industry-leading methods and equipment to fix your house. We also have next-level attention to detail, which allows us to identify and eliminate moisture problems throughout your property.

Once we take over, your water damage will be history. You’ll go back to enjoying the marine life at Birch Aquarium without worrying about the condition of your house. Schedule your remediation service today!

5 Biggest Flood Restoration Mistakes

Water and flood damage restoration is a complex task that requires specialized tools and knowledge in order to be carried out properly. Unfortunately, many San Diego residents aren’t aware of this or are looking to cut down costs and attempt DIY solutions that ultimately cause additional damages to their property.

In the following article, we’ll delve deeper into this topic by discussing the top 5 biggest mistakes people make after their properties have suffered flood or water damage. Keep reading to learn more!

What not to do after water damage?

The main thing you shouldn’t do after your property has suffered water or flood damage is try to handle the situation on your own. Unless you work with a seasoned professional who takes the repair process seriously, you’ll likely make one of these 5 severe mistakes:

1. Not understanding the cause

Drying wet carpets or painting over moldy walls isn’t too difficult, but it doesn’t address the cause of your problem. It’s merely a temporary fix for an issue that will come back unless you handle the main culprit, such as a burst pipe, outdated plumbing, and foundation slab cracks.

2. Overlooking hidden damage

Some forms of water damage aren’t always obvious. Be it a pipe leaking behind your walls or somewhere in the attic, you can easily miss it if you don’t check every corner of your house.

That’s why you should partner with a trained expert. They have special equipment that detects residual moisture in your floors, walls, and other surfaces. On top of that, they can recognize and patch up any structural flaws that are easy to miss but often lie at the heart of your problem.

3. Salvaging or discarding wrong items

Your first instinct during a flood is usually to salvage anything you get your hands on. And we know where you’re coming from, especially if the items have a sentimental value. That said, don’t forget that the objects might be contaminated with floodwater, which often carries bacteria. As a result, they might be beyond repair or require disinfection before you can use them again.

On the other end of the spectrum, you may discard belongings automatically without considering their condition. To avoid making a hasty decision, contact a professional who will establish beyond any doubt whether or not you should throw the affected items away.

4. Ignoring safety

Safety comes first during these procedures, but many people forget about this rule and jump right into the restoration. From contaminated water and broken pipes to potential electrical fires and shattered glass, all sorts of risks lurk in a flooded house. So, never start the repairs without appropriate safety gear:

Rubber boots
Helmet
Mask
Glasses
Gloves

5. Using ineffective equipment

Mops, towels, brushes, and buckets are great for everyday tidying, but flooding requires a heavy-duty approach. Unless you have top-quality dehumidifiers, air scrubbers, air movers, fans, moisture meters, industrial vacuums, and other special tools, leave the restoration to an expert.

Who offers top-rated flood damage restoration in San Diego?

Rather than attempt a risky DIY repair and do more harm than good, reach out to The Inspectors Company, the finest restoration provider in San Diego. We use state-of-the-art tools and methods to return your property to its former glory. Plus, all our technicians are insured and certified, giving you much-needed peace of mind in such a dire situation.

We also take pride in our detailed approach. Regardless of the size of your property, we’ll inspect every nook and cranny of your house and fix each affected surface. Once we step in, you’ll be able to enjoy your hikes to Mount Soledad, knowing your place is in great hands. Give us a call today!

Negotiating After a Home Inspection: All You Need to Know

You’re in the market for a stunning house, but you don’t want to overpay for the property. However, this can easily happen if you fall in love with the place at first sight and overlook some of the issues that can help you negotiate a lower price.

There’s a simple way to keep this from happening: have the property in Escondido, CA, examined from top to bottom by reputable home inspectors. These professionals have a keen eye for all kinds of flaws to ensure you get a better deal. This article will explain the role of inspectors during negotiations. Read on for some of the problems they can uncover and how you can use these to your advantage.

Can you negotiate after a home inspection?

Absolutely. You can negotiate after a home inspection. In fact, you should always negotiate after an inspection, not before one, since it gives you insights into the condition of the property. This eliminates the risk of making a hasty purchase.

This holds true for any type of house, whether you want to purchase an aging property with lots of weaknesses for a bargain price or don’t mind paying extra for a modern, smart home with cutting-edge features. With seasoned inspectors by your side, you’re far more likely to make the right buying decision.

What fixes are mandatory after a home inspection?

The key to successful negotiations after a property investigation is to point out all the issues discovered during the examination. If you insist on urgent repairs, the seller will be more likely to agree to your price.

But what are these mandatory fixes? Here are the main ones:

1. Electrical panel problems

Many electrical panel issues are a hazard, which is why you should add them to your repair list. These can range from exposed wires to faulty connections.

Additionally, your inspector may uncover outdated outlets in the bathroom, kitchen, or outside the house. If so, they’ll recommend upgrading to GFCI outlets to make your electrical system safer and more reliable.

2. Roof damage

You’re generally better off replacing an aging roof, but it might not be necessary if it’s in good shape. That said, you’ll need to repair the structure if the inspector notices the following deficiencies:

Missing or broken shingles
Cracked ridge vents
Damaged flashing
Chimney holes
Deteriorated gutters and downspouts

3. Poor AC and window seals

Your AC and window seals play a pivotal role in maintaining comfortable temperatures all year long. So, it makes sense why you should fix them if an inspector identifies a malfunction.

On the one hand, deteriorated window seals allow moisture to linger between the panes, which leads to condensation. On the other hand, a faulty AC can’t circulate air properly, resulting in uneven temperatures in different parts of the household.

4. Foundation cracks

Buying a house with foundation cracks is ill-advised, but if you go ahead with the purchase, fix the gaps as soon as possible. Otherwise, you may deal with mold, structural issues, and other types of severe water damage.

5. Wood rot

Large-scale wood rot on support beams shouldn’t be ignored. Unless you fix the issue, timber and many other materials may collapse.

Where in Escondido, CA, can I find trustworthy home inspectors?

Buying a house is tricky, which is why you shouldn’t be alone during this process. Unless you investigate a property in depth, you can never know if it requires extensive renovations, even if it’s a huge house near Frances Ryan Park that looks great on the outside. That’s where The Inspectors Company comes in.

We are a certified house inspection team with a proven track record of examining different types of properties. From apartments and condos to farmhouses, cabins, and mansions, we have the next-level attention to detail and expertise to detect even the tiniest of problems.

So, rest assured, knowing you’ll be well familiar with the condition of the place before the purchase. Give us a call today and schedule top-rated inspection services in Escondido.

What Every First-Time Homebuyer Should Know About Inspections

Buying your first home can be intimidating. You may not know what to look for while viewing the property, giving experienced sellers an edge during the negotiations. If you make a hasty decision, you risk overpaying the house or purchasing a home that’s unsuitable for you and your family.

But there’s a simple way to prevent this: all you need to do is hire the finest home inspectors in Escondido, CA. By investigating a property in detail before you buy the place, they can tell you whether it’s the right fit or needs large-scale renovations. Keep reading to learn more about property inspections and why they’re so important for every first-time home buyer.

What is the biggest red flag in a home inspection?

Whether you’re looking to buy an older property for a low price or a high-end smart home with many bells and whistles, you need to schedule an inspection beforehand. That’s because professional inspectors can discover the biggest red flag of today’s houses, which is foundation damage, which can come from different sources:

Earthquakes
Erosion
Settling soil
Rogue tree roots
Flooding

Whatever the cause, foundation damage is a serious issue because it can destabilize the rest of the house. For instance, cracks in the concrete slab usually expand over time, allowing the moisture from the surrounding soil to enter the home and wreak havoc on the interior. Left unchecked, the crack can compromise the walls, ceilings, and other structural elements.

The good news is that home inspectors can easily pick up foundation problems. Using visual checks, cameras, and other tests, they have quite a few methods to assess the condition of the foundation.

In addition to foundation issues, there are a few more major red flags that can be identified during a property examination:

1. Mold

The last thing you want as a first-time home buyer is to purchase a moldy place. It might not look too ominous, but mold can further compromise the structural integrity of the house by weakening support beams and other essential components.

On top of that, mold can be a serious health hazard. If you’re sensitive to the fungus, the following symptoms are nearly inevitable:

Coughing
Sneezing
Difficulty breathing
Headaches

To avoid dealing with mold, schedule a comprehensive property inspection.

2. Roof problems

A trained house inspector also specializes in identifying various roofing problems:

Cracked or blown-off shingles
Sagging roof
Flashing and decking damage
Improper gutter and downspout drainage

3. Malfunctioning electrical system

Repairing a malfunctioning electrical system can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Instead of forking out this much money, hire a professional inspector to detect the following red flags:

Poor connections
Sparks
Loose-fitting plugs
Flickering lights
Overheating appliances

Can you fail a home inspection?

Now you know a bit more about house investigations, but what happens once your property inspection is over? More specifically, can you fail a home inspection? Technically, no. There isn’t an official pass/fail grade assigned after an inspection.

This doesn’t lessen the importance of an investigation since it offers crucial information about the condition of a property, which is the key factor to consider as a buyer.

Looking for detail-oriented home inspectors in Escondido, CA?

Buying a house without an inspection is a shot in the dark, even if it’s an upscale property near Queen Califia’s Magical Circle. Rather than take a chance and regret your decision, get in touch with The Inspectors Company.

We’re the number-one house inspectors in Escondido and beyond, providing all kinds of investigation services. Has a cozy 2-bedroom apartment caught your eye? Or are you looking to settle in a massive family home? Either way, rely on us, and we’ll tell you for sure if the place is in good condition. Contact us today and let our seasoned inspectors help you make a smart buy.

5 Questions to Ask Before You Hire Water Damage Inspectors

Every water damage restoration in San Diego starts with an inspection. It’s one of the most (if not the most) important steps in getting back to normal life after your property has been flooded or otherwise suffered water damage.

But how can you tell which water damage inspection and repair company is reputable? What sets one such company apart from another? In this article, we’ll help you determine just that by providing you with 5 questions you should ask your water damage repair company before hiring them. Read on!

What to ask water damage inspectors?

Ask each provider you contact these X questions to make sure you book the finest remediation specialist available:

1. How long have you been in the business?

Only an experienced team knows how to inspect your property in detail, covering even hard-to-reach areas where some forms of flooding damage tend to hide. That’s why you should only work with a company that’s inspected a large number of properties over the years. They know exactly what to look for in each flooded house:

Moldy walls and ceilings
Buckling or warped floors
Discoloration
Rust
Wood rot

Booking a seasoned provider is also important because it ensures you don’t work with someone who skips 2 or 3 steps of the repair process, which is a costly mistake that can lead to even more harm. So, don’t take a chance. Hire a professional who’s been in the business for at least a few years.

2. Do you offer repair services?

Having your house inspected won’t matter much unless you repair the place afterward. Yes, you could book 2 different companies, but why waste money and time when you can partner with a team that offers both services?

For this reason, ask your inspector if they also provide repairs. You won’t have to worry about hiring multiple companies and risk even more damage by the time you make all the appointments.

3. What tools do you use?

Another important question is what tools a professional uses to assess your home for flooding damage. If the provider lists most (if not all) of these items, chances are, they’ll do the job correctly:

Hygrometer
Moisture meters
Infrared cameras
Mold testing kits
Video pipe cameras

4. How long will the inspection and repairs take?

If you want to prepare for your service adequately, you need to know how long the process will take. When it comes to inspections, it usually takes providers about 1-3 hours to examine a property in-depth. The duration of repairs, on the other hand, can be anywhere from 2-3 days to 2-3 weeks, depending on the size of your home and the severity of the situation.

5. How many technicians do you have?

A one-man inspection and repair company can take months to examine and fix your home. Look for a provider with at least 2-3 technicians to speed things up.

Looking for top-tier water damage restoration in San Diego?

Your home might have suffered a lot of harm, losing you a lot of money and keeping you from enjoying the sunset at the sandy La Jolla Cove. The longer you search for your provider, the more severe the consequences, so don’t waste a second longer. Book The Inspectors Company, the finest water damage remediation and home inspection team in San Diego.

The moment you reach out to us, we’ll pack our advanced equipment and reach your home in record time. We’ll then examine the place carefully and perform every necessary repair to return your property to its former condition. A comprehensive cleanup is guaranteed. Book today!

Water Damage Inspection Checklist

Floods are some of the worst things that can happen to you as a homeowner. Unfortunately, they’re common in California, which is why you may need professional water damage repair in San Diego to save the day. A trained expert can fix some of the worst kinds of moisture-related issues, but before they start the remediation, they first have to inspect your property.

In this article, we’ll look at the water damage inspection process and provide some pointers on what to look for if you suspect your property may have suffered water damage. Read on.

How do they check for water damage?

Once you reach out to a certified flooding restoration provider, they’ll typically assess the situation using this checklist:

Examine the walls

The walls are often in harm’s way when it comes to flooding, which is why experts prioritize them when scanning your property for signs of moisture. The main thing experts look for are wet spots or watermarks because they indicate the area has been exposed to too much water and requires in-depth repairs.

Another important detail professionals check for is discoloration. More specifically, walls tend to develop brownish stains when soaked, which tells your inspector the surface has suffered a lot of damage.

On top of that, mold is a major indicator of large-scale flooding. It generally means the affected area has been exposed to moisture for 24-48 hours, allowing this microorganism to grow and spread to the surrounding walls.

Check the attic and ceiling

Not all floods come from a burst pipe in the bathroom or kitchen. Some may also be caused by a roof leak, leaving the attic and ceiling as the first line of defense. Once they absorb too much water, they show several signs of flooding-related deterioration:

Stains and discoloration
Wood rot
Mold
Peeling ceiling paint
Bulging parts of the ceiling

If your provider is thorough, they may also climb the ceiling to look for warped or buckling boards, both of which require immediate attention.

Examine the crawlspace, ducts, and the outside

After combing the obvious parts of your home, inspectors may move on to hard-to-reach areas where more forms of damage could be lurking. The list includes the crawlspace, ducts, and the outside of your house:

Garage
Shed
Gutters and downspouts

Besides mold and buckling sections, experts normally scan these areas for rust on metal materials. Corroded surfaces are hardly salvageable and need comprehensive repairs. Keep in mind that some professionals may skip this process, especially if they’re inexperienced.

That’s why you need to make sure you hire the right company that won’t make one of the many mistakes associated with inadequate flood repairs, such as ignoring hidden problems. So, ask your provider to describe their examination procedure from start to finish.

Who offers comprehensive water damage repair in San Diego?

A flood is a serious issue, even if it seems insignificant at first. The longer you postpone the repairs, the greater the harm. To avoid large-scale damage, get in touch with The Inspectors Company as soon as you notice your house is affected.

Once you contact us, we’ll be at your address in no time, fully equipped and ready to scan your property from top to bottom. From there, we’ll go to great lengths to fix every impacted surface, so you can re-enter your place safely, enjoy a dry home, and watch exciting baseball games at Petco Park without worrying about moisture in your house.

Schedule our services today. We guarantee the finest inspection and remediation in San Diego and the surrounding communities.

Home Inspections in the Age of Smart Homes: What’s Different?

Super-fast smartphones, electric vehicles, and robot vacuums aren’t the only hallmarks of today’s technology. You can also find many so-called smart houses in Escondido, CA, which is why you might be considering a home inspection to help you decide whether you should buy one such place.

After all, just because a property is smart doesn’t mean it’s in good condition. Your inspector will determine the shape of the house, and we’ll tell you what exactly they’ll look for in their investigation. Read on to learn about the nuances of inspecting a SMART home.

What is smart house technology?

Smart house technology encompasses devices and features that automate various activities in your home. They usually increase the comfort, energy efficiency, and security of your property from gadgets with an internet connection.

Technically, any device is considered smart if it automates a certain process in your home. This can be a tailor-made coffee machine, light bulb, or air conditioning, as long as it reduces or altogether eliminates manual operation.

How to inspect a smart home?

Inspecting a smart house is challenging since there are so many important areas to investigate. Whether you’re an experienced home buyer or you’re just entering the competitive property market, this job is best left to a trained professional.

A reliable inspector will focus on the following areas to establish the condition of the place and help give you the upper hand when negotiating the price:

1. Smart lighting

Smart lighting is a remote-controlled lighting system connected to a smartphone or any other device with an internet connection:

Computer
Tablet
Intuitive control panel

When inspecting smart lighting, professionals normally test if you can control it remotely through automation or scheduling. They may also check if the signal from the central device weakens with distance, which generally indicates a faulty connection.

2. Smart HVAC

Smart heating and air conditioning enable you to control your home temperature with a click of a button on your smartphone or dedicated control pad. Another great thing about this system is that it works with most voice assistants, including Google Home and Alexa, allowing you to heat or cool your house without even touching the connected device.

To ensure a smart HVAC unit works correctly, an inspector may test the network for the following features:

Remote hot water heater control
Seamless switch between cooling and heating mode
Setting heating zones for different rooms

3. Smart security

Another common item on a home inspector’s checklist is smart security. If a house is equipped with this feature, the professional will determine if the cameras and intercoms capture footage in real-time and convey it to the connected device. Plus, they may test any biometric scanners, which allow the owner to enter the house without keys.

Where in Escondido, CA, can I schedule a professional home inspection?

The scope of the investigation isn’t the only reason inspecting a smart home is hard. You might not be familiar with different technologies, either, so it makes perfect sense why you should outsource the job to a certified professional. The only question is, who do you recruit for your property inspection?

Look no further than The Inspectors Company. With a proven track record of examining cutting-edge homes, we have all you need to make the right decision. We’ll use next-level skills and attention to detail to determine the condition of the house and tell you if it’s a smart investment.

If you’re not a fan of modern houses and are considering an older home for a bargain price instead, you can once again turn to us. The age of the property is irrelevant when you have the finest inspectors by your side. Give us a call today after your tour of Daley Ranch Park. We’ll cover every nook and cranny during our examination to ensure you make the right buy.

Navigating Home Inspections in Older Properties

One of the most important considerations when buying a house is the age. That’s especially true if you’re in the market for an older home. In general, the older the property, the worse shape it’s in, which is why you want to schedule a reliable home inspection in Escondido, CA, to take a closer look at the place before purchasing it.

The foundation, plumbing, and electrical grid are some of the systems your contractor will examine to help you make an informed decision. Let’s delve deeper into these key areas and guide you through the whole inspection process.

What do home inspectors look for in older homes?

Whether you’re purchasing a property for the first time or expanding your investment portfolio with a second or third house, booking a property inspection will give you the edge during the negotiations. That’s because inspectors leave no stone unturned when investigating aging houses, meaning they can uncover even the tiniest of flaws.

Here’s exactly what they look for:

1. Mold

Aging houses are notorious for mold infestations since they often feature poor insulation and weatherstripping. That’s why most inspectors put mold checks on top of their list of priorities, especially if the home is in a humid area. Besides being unhealthy, mold can also be a structural hazard.

2. Plumbing

Old homes typically have outdated plumbing, which is either corroded or punctured and allows all sorts of impurities to contaminate the water. Inspectors generally use cameras to examine the lines and see if they’re in good condition.

3. Foundation and roof

If a home has a neglected basement or crawl space foundation, many unpleasant surprises could be lurking. A detailed inspection can uncover things like termite colonies eating away at wooden elements and destabilizing the place in the process.

Beyond termites, an old foundation can be home to tree roots penetrating deeper and deeper inside the house. If that’s the case, extensive water damage is inevitable. The roof is just as important as the foundation. By taking a close look at an old property, an inspector can discover rotting, cracked shingles, chimney damage, and other signs the roof may need replacing.

4. Wiring

In addition to standard wiring problems (loose and/or backstabbed wires), old houses are plagued by outdated electrical systems that are incompatible with modern appliances. For this reason, examining the electrical grid of a home is a must.

5. Lead and asbestos

Many older properties were constructed before the discovery of some toxic materials, including lead and asbestos. So, your contractor should verify that the insulation, walls, and other areas aren’t contaminated by these elements.

What would be considered a structural red flag?

When investigating an old property, an inspector can discover several structural red flags that are usually too expensive to fix:

Sagging roof
Large foundation cracks
Uneven floors
Gaps between floors, walls, windows, and doors
Damp subflooring or drywall

Ready to book the top-rated home inspection in Escondido, CA?

Gone are the days when you had to examine a house yourself and risk missing a major structural flaw. The Inspectors Company is here to help you make the right choice by doing the work for you.

Give us a call, and we’ll investigate the property that’s piqued your interest from top to bottom, be it an old home or a modern one with smart technology. Thanks to years of experience and the finest detection methods in the industry, we’ll examine the place and tell you if it’s the right fit. Whether a house near San Diego Safari Park or any other part of Escondido has caught your eye, our inspection services will be the ace up your sleeve. Book today!

What NOT To Do When Purchasing a Home

When buying a house in Carlsbad, CA, you might think there’s no need to hire trained home inspectors to take a closer look at the property you want to purchase. After all, the property looks great from the outside, so you can go ahead and buy the place without evaluating it.

However, buying a property without inspecting it beforehand is one of the biggest mistakes you can make, and we’ll explain just why it’s so serious. We’ll also list a few other errors you should avoid to help you make a smart investment. Read on!

What are the biggest mistakes people make when buying a home?

If your goal is to buy the right property for your family, here are the mistakes you want to avoid at all costs:

Not hiring property inspectors

Both buyers and sellers make a lot of mistakes, but the biggest one is closing the deal without having the place inspected first. But what makes this error so serious for buyers? It’s simple; if you buy a house without examining it, you pretty much make a blind purchase. You can never know if the house has some of the following problems:

Sagging or leaking roof due to damaged shingles, decking, or flashing
Faulty wiring or outdated electrical system incompatible with modern appliances
Poor plumbing
Mold and moisture in different areas, such as the basement and attic
Peeling wallpaper

The repairs can cost a fortune, which is why you want to identify these issues ahead of time. The only way to detect all of them, including those in hard-to-reach areas, is to hire a trusted property inspector.

Buying the place without a real estate agent

Technically, you can complete the whole buying process yourself, but it’s overwhelming. Even a small purchase requires tons of paperwork, which can take days to fill out if this is your first time buying a property. That’s why you should have an experienced realtor by your side.

Not only will they take care of the paperwork for you, but they’ll also help you get a better price for the house. They’re familiar with the target market, so the seller can’t take advantage of you if you haven’t done your homework. When partnering with a real estate agent, look for someone with at least 2-3 years in the business. The more experienced they are, the smoother the shopping process.

Not considering the neighborhood

If the house is in good condition and is big enough for your family, don’t sign on the dotted line just yet. Besides the property itself, you should also consider the neighborhood. Ask yourself the following questions to determine if the seller is offering a reasonable price:

Is the area relatively quiet? Do you have to invest in additional sound insulation? If so, you can negotiate a lower price.
Are there schools, healthcare centers, and other amenities nearby?
What development plans are in the pipeline? Will a bridge or highway be constructed in the vicinity?
What are the zoning laws?
Are the prices of other houses on the rise or decline?

Where in Carlsbad, CA, can you find reliable home inspectors?

The importance of inspecting a property you want to buy can’t be overlooked. It puts you in a better position when negotiating the price and, more importantly, it keeps you from making a costly mistake you’ll regret for many years.

However, you should only work with reliable inspectors, and it doesn’t get any more reliable than the Inspectors Company. Whether a house near the Batiquitos Lagoon or somewhere else in Carlsbad has caught your eye, let us evaluate the property in detail. We’ll check every corner of the place and tell you what needs repairing to help you make the right decision. Book today!

3 Common Home Selling Mistakes

You can’t wait to move out of your house and start afresh in a new, better-looking home. However, you first need to sell the old place, but no matter what you do, you can’t seem to close the deal. This can be caused by several factors, and we’ll list some of the most important ones right here.

Keep reading for the 3 most common mistakes that can keep you from selling your property. You’ll also find out how reliable home inspectors in Carlsbad, CA, can help you prevent those mistakes.

What is the common reason a property fails to sell?

Avoid these 3 mistakes, and you’ll be able to sell your home quickly, even if you’re in a hurry:

1. The property is in a bad shape

Put yourself in the shoes of buyers for a second. You want to purchase the perfect house in Carlsbad, meaning it should be in mint condition. If you notice a deteriorating roof, damaged walls, or leaky plumbing, you’ll probably walk away.

Now you understand why it’s essential to address these problems as a seller. Here’s a more detailed overview of all the issues that may make your property unattractive:

Missing or cracked shingles/tiles
Mold
Faulty electrical system
Peeling paint or wallpapers
Damp flooring or carpeting

Sometimes, these can be hard to spot, which is why you should hire a property inspector when selling your house. Chances are, potential buyers will also have an inspector by their side to ensure a smart investment, so have your place examined thoroughly before advertising it for sale. Professionals will evaluate your home from top to bottom and reveal the tiniest of flaws.

2. Working with inexperienced agents

The last thing you want is to sell your home yourself. By hiring an agent, you outsource piles of paperwork and other challenging tasks to a professional who can ensure you sell your house for top dollar. But don’t hire just about any agent. Look for someone who’s been in the business for at least 2-3 years. They’ll help you with pricing and many other key stages.

3. Not cleaning the place & using poor listing photos

Another mistake to avoid is showing a cluttered home to prospective buyers. You should present a neat, spick-and-span home that allows people to visualize themselves living inside. Here are a few tips to make your property more attractive on the staging day:

Remove cobwebs and mop and vacuum the floors.
Consider a new paint job.
Remove unnecessary items from cabinets and closets.
Plump up all the pillows.
Open all curtains to invite natural light.
Rent high-quality furniture if you don’t have it already.

Once everything’s in place, don’t take random listing photos. Instead, consult your agent on how to show your home in all its glory using different angles and lighting.

Where can I find the finest house inspectors in Carlsbad, CA?

If there’s one selling mistake you should avoid at all costs, it’s putting your home for sale without inspecting it first. Even if the place is near the Museum of Making Music or other landmarks, it won’t help you if you don’t examine your property thoroughly.

That’s why you should reach out to The Inspectors Company today. We know exactly what to look for in homes of all types and sizes, so you can rest assured, knowing we’ll discover even the smallest of issues. Once we examine the place, you’ll get a detailed report that recommends what you should do next to improve your property and make it more appealing. Book our services today. We’ll help you sell your home in no time!