Renovating Your Home? Why It's Time To Inspect It Top To Bottom

There is no better time to inspect the whole house than during major home renovations. The house is already upside down and most of your stuff has been moved. You can easily access every inch of it, and make sure there are no hidden problems lurking around. This raises the question: where to start? What parts of the house to address? And what problems should not be further delayed? Read on as we’ll discuss why it might be a good idea to start inspecting the house from top to bottom and make sure everything is in its right place.

Chimney inspection for further assurance

The chimney is an integral part of the house's structure. It spans from the very top and goes down to the very bottom of the house, going through several levels. This means any damage done to the chimney can result in damage to the structure of the house as well, on all levels. For example, cracks can leave space for excess smoke and soot to accumulate on the walls of bathrooms and bedrooms. This leaves nasty yellow stains in the corners, visible from within the house, downgrading the house’s value and creating quite a problem. Also, if the chimney is loose and the structure unsafe, it can collapse over time and with it, bring down parts of the whole house, creating an absolute mess. Furthermore, it can pose a fire hazard, especially during the winter, which can devastate most of your home.

With all this said, you can see why inspecting the chimney should be the first thing to start while renovating your home.

Roof repairs and replacement

While you’re at the top of the house, look for roof damage or any cracks or holes. A loosened roof, or parts of it, can pose quite a problem as it results in water leakage, which then goes down the walls and creates water pockets underneath them and mold. Maybe some shingles have been blown away by the harsh wind, maybe parts of the roof are completely damaged due to the last hurricane, or simply, it is old and therefore presents a danger to you and the other houses around you. One simple solution would be to replace the shingles with asphalt ones, which professional roofers can place within a week. These shingles have proven to be extremely resilient and durable. Most are resistant to wind, harsh weather conditions, snow, hail, and excessive sun exposure. They can last you a lifetime and are an amazing investment that only adds to the value of your home. While you are at it, try to clean the drainage and make sure it is not clogged in any way, as the still water can drip down the walls and leave unattractive stains. Damage to the roof also causes air balloons to form in the attic, which can cool the house by a few degrees, adding to your annual heating bills as well.

Attic and upper levels

The attic must be regularly inspected to ensure there are no pests, termites, mold forming in the corners, or any other threat to the structure of your home. Often, loose cables and cords can be exposed, which is a hazard, especially if they come in contact with moisture or water. Make sure the insulation is still in place and you don’t have any rodents going around the attic.

The upper levels of the house are pretty much safe without having to worry about any damage except the one coming from above. While you’re still there, look at the stairs and make sure they are sturdy and safe, preventing possible accidents from occurring.

Look also at the ceilings, and make sure there are no water pockets, stains, or cracks-all of which can indicate major problems and should be remediated immediately.

The flooring of the house and windows

While going down the stairs, make sure the floors are intact and the windows are not leaking any water, or there is no air going through. The flooring should be shiny and without any cracks or holes. Laminate and especially parquet are sensitive to water drops making their way through the small lines in between, which results in the formation of bubbles underneath the floor. The regular coating should prevent this from ever happening.

Going one level below, we are left with the basement, once again an integral part of the house. Make sure there is no water forming in the corners (which indicates groundwater) and also no rodents or mold. The basement is usually a few degrees cooler due to the lack of sunlight. Don’t worry, your boiler is designed to withstand the difference in temperature. But you can place some styrofoam on the walls and some glue.

Also, make sure to go outside the house and look around the foundations, the deck, and the drains. Make sure there are no loose bricks, any major cracks, or anything that indicates potential problems.


We hope you’ll find your house in perfect shape. Remember, this is easier done while renovations are well on their way, as any repairs are less of a trouble.