A home inspection benefits both the buyer and the seller. If a home is well taken care of, there won’t be many problems. If the home is old and worn, however, there’s a higher chance the home will have issues and need repairing. Home inspections are not pass/fail. Instead, it’s a list of repairs for you to fix before a home is sold.
The most common problems on a home inspection are roof/attic leaks, electrical wiring, plumbing issues, mold, insufficient drainage, foundation problems, and HVAC circulation difficulties.
RELATED: Home Inspection Checklist for Sellers
1. Roof and attic leaks
Roofs can be the most overlooked area of the home, probably because no one looks at it often. A home that’s ten years old or older may have areas of the roof needing fixing — especially if the home is in places with harsh weather. Extreme weather conditions such as hot, cold, wind, humidity, rain/snow, or dryness are more likely to need roof repairs.
If caught early, it’s relatively easy to fix shingles or soft spots on the roof, but if left untreated, it could be an expensive fix.
2. Electrical wiring
New homes follow electrical wiring procedures so not much needs to be done if selling a new home.
An older home, however, may not have had proper wiring when it was built. Thus, causing potentially serious issues. Stripped wires, inappropriate associations, underpowered breakers, uncovered wiring left over from past fixes or remodels could be left behind. Incorrect wiring or electrical issues can be a serious issue and should be addressed right away.
Ask an experience electrition to look at the home before you buy it.
3. Plumbing issues
Even though a small leak may not look like much, it may be an underlying big problem. Water leaking can cause foundation problems, varmin infestation, or mold.
It’s best to ask a reputable plumber to look at your plumbing system if you have leaks.
4. Mold
Mold is another issue found in a home inspection. Cement, wood, and other porous material is a great place for mold to grow. When constant moisture and/or humidity combine with this porous material, there’s a good chance mold will grow.
Mold is sometimes smelly, is unsightly, and could cause respiratory and/or breathing problems. Getting rid of mold is a hard process and usually involves replacing the material it grew on.
5. Insufficient drainage
Over time, the ground around the home may change and water from storms may collect near the home’s foundation. This can cause cracks in the foundation or mold.
The use of gutters and pipes that take the water away from the house should be installed to protect the foundation.
6. Foundation problems
Foundation is another issue that may need to be fixed when an inspector looks at the home.
You need a strong foundation because it…
- Bears the load of the home
- Anchors it against the wind from storms
- Holds it above the ground to protect it against moisture
A fix in the foundation can be very costly, so it’s best to find a home that has strong bones.
7. HVAC circulation difficulties
A home’s air circulation system (HVAC) are expensive to replace, so one that works properly is important. A constantly-running system, dusty filters, and dirt vents could contribute to HVAC problems down the road.
Common upkeep includes changing air filters, cleaning the vents, cleaning the evaporator and condenser coils, and installing a programmable thermostat.
Analytical Home Inspection is owned and operated by Cory Maynard, a licensed and practicing home inspector in Eugene, Oregon. Cory leads the local inspection industry with the most thorough and complete structural inspections available, providing easy to read digital reports. Schedule an inspection today before you sell or buy.