Here’s Inspector Lonnie out on what appears to be a nice day. However, it was cold, when this in process inspection was being performed for an out of state client. Rain or shine, I go out into the elements to inspect. One of the main themes you will see over and over in my reports, among other things, typically has something related to weather. The grading and drainage, observable moisture damage, penetrations that may allow moisture intrusion to name only a few.
For you, when buying your dream home, there’s a lot of things to consider. One that many overlook is the weather. You want to get the most out of your home and its location, but if you don’t keep your region and the climate in mind, you may find yourself disappointed.
For example, if your home has a deck or sunroom, it’s important to make sure they get plenty of sunlight. Remember, just because your state may be known for great weather doesn’t mean your home is in the best location to enjoy the outdoors.
If the home is in a valley or on a mountainside, you’ll want to consider cloud cover and fog so you know when you’ll get shade and sun. Sunlight can drastically change the temperature, so keep that in mind.
Rain can also be a problem since many neighborhoods have poor drainage, and the streets can flood after a heavy downpour. If the roads have standing water, they can be dangerous to drive on, and you may not be able to get to certain locations. One tip is to stop at a gas station or grocery store and ask the locals how about the weather. You can also use your social media to find local groups and see what they have to say. Talking to people already living in the area is the best way to find out what you can expect.
Understanding Flood Zones
Buying a home in or near a flood zone can mean disaster when you least expect it. Not only could your home be at risk, but so could your family. Plus, you’ll likely have to carry an additional insurance policy, which could impact you financially.
Floods and bad street drainage are not the same thing. If a river or lake overflows, the water levels are generally measured by the foot. It’s hard to imagine your home with that much standing water. As it is, all it takes is a few inches of rain for a basement to start receiving water damage, which could lead to a nasty mold problem.
Floods can damage not only the inside of your home but the outside as well. Landscaping, driveways, patios, and decks can all be ruined in a flood. And if you have a pool, forget it. It will be filled with all sorts of debris that you’ll have to drain, clean, and refill.
The costs of repairing all this damage can be astronomical, and it is not covered by standard homeowner’s insurance. Like we mentioned earlier, a separate flood policy is often the only way to protect your investment, but you can only get so much coverage. The weather is unpredictable, and you never know what to expect. If you’re looking at homes near lakes or rivers, make sure there is adequate drainage. These systems are your first line of defense against flooding.
If your area gets heavy storms and hail, be sure the property has storm windows. Whether you’re looking for a home with lots of sunlight or prefer a waterfront property, researching the area before you buy is key. You can ask around, look up information on the internet, and, most importantly, drive by the home at different times of day to get a feel for the conditions in that area if possible.
Owning a home is a great investment, but it’s important to be prepared for anything weather-related that may come your way! All it takes is a bit of research and you can rest assured that you’re making the best decision for yourself and your family.
We are Above All Else Inspections, and we offer home inspections in Northwest Arkansas and Southwest Missouri. We offer first-class home inspections, rain or shine, so you don’t have to worry about the weather keeping us from helping you. We perform thorough inspections, considering the weather and how it could impact your future home. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out and contact us on our contact page or you can call us at (479) 381-1878.
