Foundation Problems, OR
Both the market value and the stability of a home could be compromised by foundation problems. In the best case scenario, foundation issues might let in water and bugs, leading to warped floors; in the worst case scenario, they can cause walls to collapse, jeopardizing the stability of your home. One reason foundation issues can lower a home’s value is that fixing them can cost thousands of dollars.
- Cracks on the exterior walls of the home
- Leaning or tilting chimney
- Sagging or uneven floors
- Cabinets separating from the wall
- Windows and doors that don’t open or shut properly
- Cracks in interior walls and ceilings
- Bowing walls
Roofing Issues, Eugene OR
The roof, along with the foundation, is one of the most expensive parts of a house to have repaired. It shields the home’s interior from the elements and provides shelter for the family living inside. The quality of the roofing materials, whether they are in good condition, requires maintenance, or have water damage, is a common focus of inspections.
- Damage to the shingles
- Missing shingles
- Missing flashing
- Signs of water damage on the roof and in the attic
- Decay
- Signs of sagging or weak spots
Plumbing Issues, Oregon
Plumbing is another important but costly component of your home. A leaking pipe can flood your home, harm your belongings, and drive up your water bill. It’s important to look for telltale symptoms of pipe damage before it’s too late. Some pipes may be concealed within walls, making it more challenging to locate the source of a leak; in such cases, you may need to get resourceful.
- Visible leaks coming from exposed pipes
- Signs of water, including stains and mildew
- Sounds of running water or dripping
- Low water pressure
- A rise in your water bills, but not in your usage
Electrical Issues, Eugene Oregon
Because of the potential for electrical problems to endanger lives and start fires, homeowners take them very seriously. Some of the most common reasons an electrical inspection fails are faulty wiring, old systems, and overloading circuit breakers with too many cables.
- Faulty, damaged or exposed wiring
- Outdated or damaged electrical panel
- Overloaded breakers
- Switches or outlets that don’t work
Building Code Violations, Oregon
Though it may not often feel that way, local construction laws are actually designed to protect the interests of both the present and the future homeowners in a certain area. A big problem that may arise during a home inspection is if something in the house does not have the proper permits or if it is constructed in a way that is contrary to local building codes. The inspection might pass even with some violations. Quite a few homes will have many infractions and yet get approved. Before purchasing a home, it is recommended that you consult with a real estate professional and research the local construction codes.
- Permits for any additions or other projects done on the home
- Violations based on your specific city’s codes and ordinances
HVAC Problems, OR
A house inspection may be canceled if the HVAC system fails safety standards. The system must be free of carbon monoxide, refrigerant, and other toxic leaks, as well as have adequate ventilation, for the inspection to pass.
- Refrigerant leaks
- Cracks in ductwork
- Loose electrical connections
- Squeaks, noises, or bangs coming from your unit
- The smell of gas
- The presence of carbon monoxide (using a detector)
Pest
There’s some truth to the slur “pest.” Another common reason for a failed house inspection is the presence of unwanted pests including termites, carpenter ants, rats, and others. Insects and other pests pose a danger to human health and can compromise the stability of a building. Homebuyers may be put off by issues like termite damage or the presence of other pests, so it’s important to keep an eye out for these things.
- Rodent droppings
- Scratching and rustling noises
- Nest materials
- Holes or gnaw marks in your wood
- Swarming
- Buckling wood
- Swollen floors or ceilings
- Visible tunnels in your wood
- Mold or mildew smells
Structural Issues, Oregon
The foundation isn’t the only structural problem that might arise, and fixing it can be quite pricey. Potential homebuyers are scared off by structural damage because it poses a safety risk. A structural engineer should be consulted if you find or suspect structural problems in your home.
- Sagging floors, rafters, or roof
- Sloping floor
- Cracks in exterior brick or mortar
- Wood rot
- Cracks on walls or around windows and door frames
- Damp subfloors
