The Golden State: Where & How to Live, Secure, Visit, Enjoy and Thrive in California
Care And Repair Of The House
Skylights should be examined for signs of leakage. The frame may need painting and the putty around the glass may need to be replaced. Note whether the flashing around the base of the frame is in good condition.
In looking over the chimney top, see whether all the bricks are in place and whether pointing is needed. If a cap is used, it should be securely cemented to the chimney. If there is no special chimney cap, see that mortar is spread over the top of the brickwork and sloped down from the flue opening to the outside edge of the chimney.
Interior Portion.
Defects in the interior of a house are generally more apparent than those on the outside. A clogged drain, a leaky faucet, or a sticking door or window, quickly attracts the attention of some member of the household. There may be other faults, however, which frequently are not noticed, except by inspection.
Examine all doors to see how true they hang and to find out if they squeak. Raise and lower all windows to learn how they slide and whether or not the cords are broken or are of unequal length. Observe how the sash fit and see if weather stripping is needed around the windows and doors. Notice whether there are any openings in or around the screens where insects can enter.
If baseboards do not fit snugly to the floor it is usually because they have shrunk, but in some cases the floor supports have settled and caused the condition. Creaking in a floor may be detected by bearing heavily upon various sections of it.
Look for cracks in the plaster, particularly over door openings, and note whether there is danger of plaster falling in case the ceiling is cracked.
Household Equipment.
When the structure of the house has been inspected, it might be well to examine some of the equipment where trouble may develop.
Inspect the cords on all electrical appliances to see whether they should be renewed, and examine all exposed wires for poor insulation. Be sure there are extra fuses for the fuse box in case one is needed.
If gas is used for cooking, the burners on the gas stove may need cleaning, or the air vents may require adjusting. If gas is used for lighting, see whether gas tips need cleaning or whether mantles should be replaced. Never search for a gas leak with a match, candle, lantern, or with the aid of any other burning lighting appliance.
