The Most Common Home Inspection Problems

Whether you’re selling and buying, or just buying or selling, it’s good to have an idea of what the home inspectors might find. With the thousands of houses I’ve inspected over my career, there are always some issues I’ve come to expect.

Read on to not only learn how to prep your home for sale, but what to expect to see on your new home’s inspection report.

Problems with the foundation

• The foundation is one of the most problematic areas of a home inspection, and potentially, the most expensive. There are a variety of factors that can contribute to foundation issues:

• Intrusive tree roots

• Natural occurrences, such as as landslides or earthquakes

• Nor properly reinforcing the original footing when adding additional stories/structures

• Drainage problems - if the sloping or grading of the yard is off, water can settle near the foundation, leading to damage

Electrical Wiring

• I most commonly find fraying insulation, mismatched wires, over-fusing, and some DIY-wiring.

Faulty Plumbing

• Just like the electrical, a lot of homeowners try their own hard at plumbing. Home inspectors turn on every faucet, flush every toilet, turn on every shower to check for water pressure, slow drains, or signs of leaks.

Mold

• When mold is found, it’s usually tied to plumbing and ventilation systems. Whether it’s a lose pipe or an older home with poor ventilation, mold is a possibility. On top of that, mold isn’t always visible, but you can generally smell it. The presence of mold is shown by sings of:

• Musty, mildew smell

• Warping or cracking around tiles or caulk

• While it is possible to treat mold yourself, it’s important to recognize when it’s time to call in a professional.

Roof Problems

• As one of the most looked at areas of a home inspection, if there are any issues found, it will usually lead to others. Some common signs to look for with the roof are:

• Soft spots - these indicate leaks

• Sagging - this happens with the joists of the home are weakened and cannot hold the roof in place. It can become worse by large amounts of snow or poor drainage.

I am all for trying to fix things yourself, but it never hurts to call in a professional for a second opinion or help fixing the problem. Selling or buying a home is a huge financial investment and you should be sure to cover all your bases. Don’t skimp on a home inspection.

If you ever have any questions regarding a home, mold, or radon inspection, I am happy to help. You are welcome to contact me and we’ll make sure you and your home are in the best possible position.