Inspecting a House: A Guide for Buyers, Owners, and Renovators

by Alan Carson, Robert Dunlop

A house is the biggest investment most people will ever make, not to mention the environment in which they spend much of their time. Whether evaluating a house independently or with the help of a home inspector, homebuyers owe it to themselves to understand as much as possible about house components and systems, how they function, how they can go wrong, the consequences of common problems, and what to look for in evaluating them. Inspecting a A Guide for Buyers, Owners, and Renovators takes a system-by-system approach to the daunting task of assessing a building s strengths and weaknesses. Readers will be able to break their evaluation into coherent, manageable pieces. Using clear, concise descriptions and outstanding technical illustrations, the book covers all major house components and areas, The structure, exterior, and roof of the house
Heating systems, electrical wiring, and plumbing
Insulation and interiors
The hidden spaces-attics, basements, and crawl spaces For buyers and owners interested in renovating a house, the book also covers the functions of architects, designers, consultants, and general contractors. Important elements of the renovation process are planning and budgeting, building permits, contracts, and new building materials. Inspecting a House will be a valuable tool during the homebuying process and, afterwards, as a reference for home maintenance and improvement.

200 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1982

Reviews

[Al Maki · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent introduction to home inspection written by two professionals for the inexperienced. It focuses on principles and is comprehensive without being too detailed. It's also unusually readable for a book by non-professional writers.