Cleveland Weather and Home Inspections 

What Real Cleveland Home Inspectors Recommend Including in Your Inspection

As Cleveland’s premier home inspectors for over 25 years, we have inspected thousands of homes throughout Northeast Ohio. Year round, we have seen firsthand the way weather conditions can impact your property. Yes, the weather outside can be frightful, but your inspection doesn’t need to be! 

While many home inspections vary from state to state (and even company to company), we are here to provide some tips on what should be included in your inspection as it relates to weather here in Northeast Ohio.

Cleveland Winters 

Cleveland winters can be tough, especially on your property! In Northeast Ohio, we regularly experience ice, freezing rain, snow accumulation, and chilly temperatures. 

Here some the of the ways winter weather can impact your property: 

  • Heavy snow can cause structural damage to your roof structure and concrete outdoor spaces 

  • Large snow accumulation can create extra weight on tree limbs, causing them to fail and fall onto items below 

  • Below-freezing temperatures can cause pipes to freeze and burst, causing major plumbing issues 

  • Over salting your driveway can cause issues, including damage to your concrete or asphalt 

  • A lack of proper insulation or window installation can make for higher than average heating bills

Our inspectors recommend making sure these items are included in any Cleveland home inspection:

  • Driveway cracks and concrete damage 

  • Roof systems and conditions (a majority of large items can be inspected from the ground using binoculars)

  • Any noticeable impacts to the outside of the home or garage that may have been caused from tree limbs falling

  • Thorough details on plumbing systems and pipes

  • Windows and doors 

  • Insulation 

Are you a new buyer or someone looking to keep your current property protected from winter damage? Check out this article from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners on ways you can keep your home safe from Jack Frost. 

Spring (and Summer) Showers and Sunny Days 

Spring not only means spring allergies, but also more rain showers and melting snow. What’s more, Cleveland is beginning to experience more rain throughout summer as well. 

Having too much precipitation leads to an increase in potential flooding, so it is important to make sure your home inspector is looking for the following items during your Cleveland home inspection: 

  • Sump pumps 

  • Surface drainage 

  • Signs of water damage or the presence of moisture in the basement and on the ceilings 

While Cleveland also experiences summer rain, anyone who has experienced a summer here knows they are some of the best and most beautiful around! Many people spend more time outside, in their yards gardening, and entertaining guests. When buying a property in Cleveland, make sure your home inspector is also providing details on these items in your report: 

  • Decks 

  • Garages and other on-property structures 

  • Central air conditioning system (because it can get HOT)

  • Ventilation 

Fall in Love with Cleveland Homes… and Thorough Home Inspections 

We are fortunate to get all four seasons here in Cleveland but, as with the other three seasons, fall also comes with some challenges for your home. 

While fall foliage is beautiful, these are the ways your potential property may be affected:

  • As leaves fall, they can clog up your gutters

  • High winds create tree limb breakage that can hit your home 

  • Fall rain mixed with leaves can cause backups into your pipe systems 

When looking at Cleveland real estate, make sure your home inspector is checking these items: 

  • Fireplaces 

  • Gutters and downspouts 

  • Foundation and structural integrity 

No matter the season, our licensed home inspectors are here to make sure your Cleveland real estate investment is a sound one. You can also check out our sample inspection report to see what is included in our home inspections.   

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Want to schedule an inspection or ask more questions about what goes into a home inspection report? Contact us today!