Most Common Problems Found During a Home Inspection
Buying or selling a home can be an exciting and memorable experience, but it also requires a lot of work to ensure that everything goes smoothly. One significant piece of the puzzle is having your home inspected by a professional. During a home inspection, they can uncover any potential problems that may need to be addressed in order for you to move forward with the sale or purchase of your new home.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the most common issues found during a home inspection making sure both buyers and sellers are aware and prepared for all steps along their real estate journey.
Roofing Problems
When it comes to home inspections, finding roofing issues is a very typical occurrence. For homes that are ten or more years old, they can be especially susceptible to roof damage.
Traditional asphalt shingles typically have a lifespan of 15 to 40 years, with geographical locations greatly influencing the longevity of the roof. Environmental factors such as extreme heat, snowstorms, and tropical storms can cause additional wear and tear and lead to the need for repairs.
More often than not, roofing issues that are uncovered during a home inspection are simple fixes, such as replacing missing shingles. However, it’s crucial to address structural damage or soft spots caused by unrepaired damage, as these issues can become increasingly expensive to fix over time.
Electrical Issues
When it comes to electrical issues in the home, safety should always be a top priority. Faulty wiring, loose outlets, and flickering lights may seem like minor inconveniences, but they can actually be incredibly hazardous. This is especially true for older homes that may have outdated or out-of-code wiring.
If you’re concerned about electrical issues in your home, it may be wise to consult with a licensed electrician. They can help identify any potential hazards and provide guidance on how to address them.
One common issue that often pops up during home inspections is a lack of GCFI outlets in areas with water, such as bathrooms and kitchens. These outlets are designed to turn off when wet, which makes them an important safety precaution against electrocution.
Other common issues can revolve around problems at the service panel or box, which can be dangerous if left unchecked. Ultimately, if you’re ever unsure about an electrical issue, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and seek professional help.
Drainage Problems
Many homeowners tend to overlook the importance of proper drainage, as it is not something that is noticed until a home inspector comes around. However, poor drainage can cause serious issues that may be detrimental to the well-being of a home and its occupants.
The accumulation of water around the base of a home may lead to mold buildup, which can cause respiratory issues. Additionally, the foundation may be compromised, putting the whole structure at risk of collapse.
Home inspectors have reported numerous cases where the grade and drainage around a property is causing water to pool, potentially seeping into the basement or causing the foundation to erode. Therefore, it is essential to ensure proper drainage for your home to prevent these costly and hazardous damages from occurring.
Plumbing Issues
When it comes to plumbing issues, there’s no doubt that problems can range in severity. From something as simple as a leaking faucet to the whole house plumbing system requiring repair or replacement, addressing these issues is critical. Furthermore, any leaking water, if left unchecked, can cause additional problems such as damage to flooring, subfloor rot, and, unfortunately, the growth of mold.
During a home inspection, another issue that’s checked for is Polybutylene pipes. These pipes were commonly used in construction in the ’80s and ’90s, but they were banned in 1995 due to their high leaking risk. Although most of these pipes have since been replaced or retrofitted, it’s essential to make sure that the plumbing within a house is safe. If a home inspection identifies considerable plumbing problems, it’s time to seek the opinion of a professional.
Foundation Issues
Foundation issues are a common area of concern for homeowners and buyers alike. Your home’s foundation is an essential part of its structure and, therefore, must be in good condition to ensure safety and longevity. Unfortunately, foundation problems can be quite costly to fix and can cause a great deal of stress.
One of the most significant indicators of a foundation problem is the presence of cracks in the walls, both inside and outside the house. Additionally, other minor indications of trouble include cracked tiles, bowed walls, separation of siding, or uneven flooring. Any of these signs should signal the need for a professional home inspection to determine if there is a foundation issue that needs to be addressed.
Termite Damage And Other Pests
A pest inspection is an important factor that is commonly included in a real estate contract, as most buyers are concerned about finding bugs in their potential new home. No one wants to imagine their dream house being invaded by pesky pests, but ignoring the problem is never a wise option. These little critters can cause major and expensive damage, and the situation will only worsen over time.
From ants to mice, any pest issue needs a professional’s expertise to eradicate the problem and repair the damage before the sale. While ants and mice aren’t usually as severe as termites, which can destroy the structural integrity of the home, any infestation should be taken seriously and dealt with promptly to avoid any future complications.
Structural Issues
When it comes to older homes, structural issues are commonplace. From sagging floor joists and rafters to door headers, these issues can vary in severity and are not always easily detected. In many cases, home inspectors will advise potential buyers to have the home evaluated by a structural engineer to determine if any major repairs are necessary.
Unfortunately, structural repairs can be some of the most expensive, and they may turn buyers away. Therefore, if you notice any signs of major structural problems or flaws in your home, it’s important to call a structural engineer to assess the extent of the problem and the potential repair costs. After all, a building’s foundation is critical for its stability and longevity, and it determines numerous issues the structure might face in the future.
HVAC System
Did you know that your HVAC system uses almost half of the energy in your home? That’s a lot of work to keep your home climate-controlled. As a result, your HVAC system may require maintenance more frequently than other household appliances. Unfortunately, many homeowners neglect to service their HVAC systems annually. This neglect can result in issues during a home inspection – issues that may have been preventable if the unit had been maintained properly.
While the average home inspector may not thoroughly inspect your HVAC system, it’s crucial to have it checked if it’s over ten years old. Hiring an HVAC specialist for a complete system check will help determine its remaining lifespan and any potential future repair costs. Don’t let neglect cost you in the long run.
Water Damage
Water damage can be a homeowner’s worst nightmare. Not only does it affect the home’s appearance, but if left unchecked, it can also lead to mold growth, which poses serious health risks. A home inspector knows this all too well and is trained to flag any evidence of water damage.
This type of damage can originate from several sources, such as roofing problems, plumbing leaks, poor drainage, and even a flooded basement. And the cost of repair, even minor repairs, can be quite heavy on the wallet. However, homeowners should take solace in the fact that water penetration issues are often quite straightforward. By locating the source of the damage, it is possible to stop it from spreading and take steps to fix the problem.
Mold
Mold can be a sneaky intruder in your home. You may think that you would easily spot it, but that’s not always the case. Contrary to popular belief, mold will not always be visible to the naked eye. However, you can usually smell mildew in the air when it is present.
It’s important to identify whether mold is present in your home because it can lead to serious health problems and issues like trouble breathing, itchy eyes, sore throat, and coughing. Furthermore, mold can also indicate a leak inside or outside your home, which you will want to find before it becomes a more significant issue. In sum, it’s essential to be aware of mold growth in your home and take prompt action when necessary to ensure a healthy and safe living environment.
Asbestos
Asbestos, once deemed an ideal building material, has been found to be extremely dangerous to human health. The dust from asbestos can implant itself in your lungs, causing cancer, and it was only after this realization that we had to stop using it.
If you live in an older home, there is a chance that it could contain asbestos. However, some companies can safely remove the material if necessary.
Asbestos is only harmful when it is disturbed and produces dust that you could breathe in, so it would be best not to attempt to remove it yourself. As long as the asbestos is in good condition and not damaged in any way, it should not cause any issues. It is important to remember that understanding the dangers of asbestos is vital to protecting ourselves and our loved ones.
Radon
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can be a health hazard if it accumulates in your home. It typically seeps into homes through cracks and holes in the foundation and can cause lung cancer if inhaled regularly.
The good news is that most homes have low levels of radon that pose little to no risk, but it’s always important to test your home’s radon level to be sure. If the levels do come out high (four picocuries or higher), you may request that the seller install a radon reduction system. The cost of doing so depends on the size and layout of your home, but it’s worth investing in to ensure your family’s health and safety.
Lead Paint
The use of lead paint in homes was outlawed in the late 1970s due to the severe health issues that it can create. If ingested, lead paint can cause devastating health issues and, in some cases, even death. This is why it’s important for both buyers and sellers to be aware of the presence of lead paint in a home.
All homes built before 1978 require a signed form regarding the presence of lead paint in a real estate transaction. If a child of six years or younger is living in a home with lead paint, it must be removed or encapsulated. As a potential home inspection issue, full disclosure is necessary, and buyers have the right to check for its presence before closing on a home.
In conclusion, the most common home inspection issues to be aware of can vary greatly from one property to the next. It’s important to keep your eyes open and objective for any signs of potential problems during a home inspection. Many of these potential issues are (if they’re known) disclosed to prospective buyers in advance by sellers or agents; however, a conscientious buyer should take all necessary steps prior to closing on a property.
Home inspections provide peace of mind that you can truly know what lies beneath the surface before committing to a purchase. If you need advice when buying or selling a home, it’s best to contact professionals who understand the process and can help in evaluating any issues related to the final sale negotiations. Furthermore, they will be able to help you find a certified home inspection service that evaluates systems and uncover any structural damage or underlying issues that may not be visible until further investigation needs to be done.