Housing inspectors are an invaluable asset to any homeowner. As an owner, your house is one of the largest investments you will ever make, so it is in your best interest to ensure the appreciation of your house’s value. This can be done effectively through home renovations, especially in the bathroom, an area of the home where updates in technology and contemporary style are expected. However, before taking on any large-scale renovation projects, it is important to seek out a housing inspector.
Importance of Housing Inspectors
For many, the idea of hiring a housing inspector seems unnecessary, thinking that bathroom renovations are as quick and simple as a weekend project. However, a housing inspector is able to identify areas of concern which may go unnoticed by the untrained eye. Inspectors, which specialize in either housing or commercial properties, examine the property and ensure that it fulfills building standards set by various licensing associations. In hiring a housing inspector, homeowners are protecting their investment from expensive repairs and unintended devaluation. In accordance with their certification, housing inspectors are capable of accurately diagnosing many areas of concern, including:
· Structural
· HVAC (Heating, ventilation, air conditioning)
· Plumbing
· Electrical
· Roofing
All of these systems may be involved and relevant to a bathroom renovation project. Hiring a housing inspector enables the homeowner to be informed about these systems which would most likely go unnoticed otherwise. Additionally, they are trained in identifying contaminants and infestations, further considerations involved in developing a renovation plan. Housing inspectors are clearly an invaluable asset to any homeowner, helping to protect the largest investment many individuals will make.
Bathroom Renovation Projects
The value of a house can be significantly increased with updates made in the property’s bathrooms. As stated previously, buyers expect updated fixtures and contemporary styles to be reflected in homes on the market. As such, it is in the homeowner’s best interest to increase the value and appeal of their home by renovating their bathrooms when necessary. In order to do this, homeowners might consider any of the following renovations:
1. Repainting
Though it is a simple fix, repainting can have a powerful effect on the presentation of any room. Homeowners should consider repainting when the current coat of paint is flaky or outdated. Having a housing inspector check for contaminants, such as lead paint, may affect your renovation process. Other factors to consider are the size of the room, which can be seemingly altered with the right color choice, and the colors seen throughout the rest of the house, which can be carried into the bathroom for a seamless and stylish update.
2. Updating lighting fixtures
Again, though a simple fix, updating lighting fixtures can vastly affect the feeling of a room. Due to their small size, bathrooms are often fitted with recessed lighting, but another consideration is that of vanity lighting, a special and appreciated touch. Having a person examine the electrical components of your bathrooms can influence the possibilities available and decisions you make during your renovation.
3. Updating faucets
A necessary part of any bathroom, faucets in the sink and the bath or shower can be simple or extravagant. Either way, faucets are expected to be clean and functional. If those factors are lacking in your home’s bathroom, it may be time to update and an inspector’s assessment of the plumbing can provide valuable knowledge.
Clearly, this is not a comprehensive list of renovation projects, but they are illuminating examples, showing the importance of hiring a housing inspector prior to beginning any bathroom renovations. After your renovations, it may also be helpful to have the bathroom reevaluated by someone to ensure the safety of your home and to prevent expensive repairs in the future.
