In order to Winterize Foreclosures it will take some simple steps, first you will want to protect the damaged areas in the home inspection. Some of the best areas to target will be the plumbing system. Simply because water leaks will cost the pipes to bust if the water freezes over. In the event that your cleanup company starts getting contracts to maintain and secure REO distressed properties it will be necessary to know how to shut off power to the electricity in the building.
Many who have just started iinvesting in fixer uppers realize that by not protecting the home in the winter by draining the pipes or making sure utilities are turned off, can be disappointed to find in the spring that there is costly repairs that have to be attended to.
As far as home inspectors go they will have to step up to the challenge and offer de-winterizing services for banks. It may not be the homeowners responsibility, time will tell but it is a situation that will have to be done when it comes to electrical circuts and generator power being turned back on for home buyer inspections.
Do HUD Homes need to be Re-winterizated?
It comes to reason that many inspectors will need to learn how or at least offer the service to re-winterize a foreclosure property. Most banks will contact a licensed plumber to do the job. Now with so many banked owned homes on the market this presents a lucrative opportunity to inspect winterized properties as a foreclosure cleanup company.
If a buyer wants to purchase the home at a discount or “as is”. The home inspector will have to check the stove, furnace and water heater to see if they are working properly. The only thing is that this is hard to do in cold weather. As you are probably aware the gas, water and utilities need to be on for the home inspector to check to see if they are in proper working order. In the months of non use winterizing is an option for home owners.
Interestingly buyers inspections are going to be a crucial decision, especially when it has to do with offering de-winterization of foreclosures. Areas of concern include plumbing, water pipes, fixtures and faucets, drain, waste, and vent system, water heaters, and gas pipe sump pumps.
Just keep in mind that when temperatures begin to drop it is time to do some additional maintenance to prevent damage to the interior and exterior of the home.
Tags: Business, Cleanup, Foreclosures, Winterization