So you have decided to create a DIY Home Maintenance Guide? Do it right and you will have a valuable tool for your construction project. The last thing you want is to take that last minute decision to improve your foundation or find the cheapest slate. For many people it’s much easier to create a DIY guide.
Getting into home maintenance can be intimidating for the uninitiated. First of all, who is the homeowner? What type of material is being used for their structure? This is the biggest thing to consider when creating a home maintenance guide. The builder is usually the person to consult.
When building a new home, it is much easier to have a professional inspect one’s house. However, that may not be possible with an older home. To prevent this mistake the buyer should get a building inspector to inspect their home, they will also most likely come to do a walk through.
What kind of dirt will be removed? Will foundation dirt or the stairs to be removed? While you are not required to have an inspection done on foundation or stairs the buyer should have it. This allows them to tell if there is a problem with their home and what steps need to be taken to fix it.
Where does the homeowner needs to keep their eyes when conducting a home inspection? While it is not a requirement that you have a hand held camera during the walk through, make sure you do so. Having a way to document everything can help resolve any issues once they arise.
Ask the homeowner to list all of the contractors that they use. Be sure that your list has the contact information of each contractor. Also ask if there are any complaints filed against the contractor.
If the homeowner wants to hire someone to come in and inspect their home then ask them to list this person as well. Ask if any permits are needed for this person to work in your home. Sometimes permits are required before a contractor can do any work. You can also check the BBB (Better Business Bureau) to see if the contractor has any complaints.
Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to complete the walk through. It will take time to make a Home Maintenance Guide that is organized and informative. You can do this by starting with a list of questions and always keeping notes throughout the entire process.