One of the many areas that the prospective homeowner doesn’t think of when they’re under the spell of that new property is the gutter and downspout system, a very important item when it comes to the value of your home. The gutter and downspout system is designed to collect rainwater and melted snow from the roof and discharge it into a safe location. Ideally, this discharge location is as far away from the foundation as possible. It should be directed into a storm sewer or onto the lawn at a safe distance from the house. While the gutters and downspouts are relatively inexpensive to purchase and maintain, they can cause some serious difficulty if neglected. Often it’s the small things in and around a home that can cause the most trouble for the homeowner down the road.

A dedicated home inspector will thoroughly check the gutter system and be knowledgeable in the types of materials and styles of gutters best suited for the upkeep of your home.  Most inspectors will tell you that galvanized gutters need to be painted every three to four years and for that reason as well as several others, they are being replaced. Gutters made of aluminum or plastic are compatible with the galvanized varieties to a certain degree, but in the long run, prove to be unreliable compared to galvanized or copper gutters, and the experts, including home inspectors, will tell you that the copper gutter is by far the best available and will last the life time of the house. A home inspector will point out, among other things, where these gutters should be installed/repaired/repitched for optimal drainage with the least damage to your property. They will also look for debris that accumulates in the gutters and evidence of rust spots or dark streaks that tell of leaks. 

The professional home inspector makes it his job to go over every inch of the client’s choice and is able to point out all the defects that the purchaser overlooks. Often, these places aren’t even on the inside; the exterior of the property deserves a good look as well as there are often many things outside that if left untended can affect the inside of the home.

Please visit my website for more information about my full service home inspection company or call me at 818-266-2267. We service Los Angeles and Ventura counties, including Beverly Hills, Burbank, Culver City, Malibu, Pasadena, Santa Monica, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, and Woodland Hills. 

http://www.westcoast-inspections.com/