With homeownership, there’s a lot to consider. From the condition of the house you’re buying to how much each repair will cost, there are plenty of details that need your attention before you make an offer on a home. A home inspection will give you an objective look at everything from the foundation to the kitchen to help protect yourself from any surprises upon moving in. Knowing what to expect can help you prepare for and avoid potential issues. Whether you’re buying a new home or selling the one you currently live in, the following are some common problems you should look out for during your home inspection:
1. Structural problems – roofing, foundation, and framing
The foundation of your home is more than just a structure; it’s also the base support for all other aspects. Your home inspector will look for foundation cracks or signs of settlement in the basement. If you have a problem with settling in your foundation, it could cause problems with plumbing, electrical systems, and other areas as well.
Many homes have roofs that may require repair or replacement. These can be caused by hail damage, wind damage, or just bad maintenance. The inspector will look for signs of water infiltration into the attic or exterior wall sheathing, cracks, and other damages to the roof.
Framing issues include sagging or warped floor joists (the beams or beams supporting the floor), broken window frames, cracked walls or ceilings from moisture getting in through walls or windows, and loosen balusters on stairways that may need replacing. Your home inspector will also look for signs of decay or rot as well as signs of rot on the exterior siding of your house.
2. Electrical problems
Electrical problems are the most common problems found in home inspections. These are often hard to diagnose because they can lead to high energy bills and even fire hazards. A common problem home inspectors find is a loose or broken ground wire. A loose or broken ground wire can be caused by a number of things, including an old electrical box that needs to be replaced, an outdated fuse box, damage to extension cords, and more. Other common electrical problems your home inspector will be on the lookout for are faulty wiring, defective outlets, Damaged electrical panels, and missing breakers, among others.
3. Plumbing problems
Another common problem found in home inspections is plumbing issues, which can be anything from a slow leak to a backed-up sewer line. Your home inspector will check for leaks, clogs, broken pipes, water pressure, and other plumbing issues that could cause water infiltration or flooding in your home. These types of errors typically show up during the pre-inspection process and may go unnoticed for some time before they cause serious damage or illness within your property’s structure.
4. Heating and cooling system problems
Heating and cooling systems are very important in maintaining the comfort of your home. If your HVAC system is not working properly, you can lose money on your utility bills. This will also make it hard for you to stay comfortable in your home during the winter months. A professional home inspection can help you identify any problems with these systems so that they can be fixed before they cause any damage to your home or health.
Home Inspectors will look for leaks around the pipes, vents, or air handlers. They will also check for corrosion on the water heater, dirty filters, broken compressors, and even your furnace’s controls to make sure they work properly and that they aren’t damaged by water or other contaminants. If any issues are found, you may need new parts or service agreements with your HVAC company so that they can be replaced before they cause major damage to your home.
5. Moisture intrusion or water damage
Home inspection reports often list moisture intrusion or water damage as a common issue of a property. This can happen if the basement walls are not intact and the insulations are damaged. Moisture infiltration can also occur when there is an improper seal around windows or doors. A leaky roof may be an issue if there are signs of cracked shingles or missing tiles. These issues could lead to mold and mildew growth, and other structural damages that will decrease property value, among other things.
6. Insect infestation or animal infiltration
To make sure that the pests in your home don’t get out of control, it is important for you not only to identify what type but also where they are coming from. Pests can sneak into his house through various means such as cracks and crevices which might seem like small things at first glance; however, these areas offer easy access points for insects or animal infiltration so cleaning them up will go a long way towards keeping those unwanted guests away!
Insects are tiny and can make their way into your home in many ways. They may come in through cracks or holes in the walls or ceiling, or they may enter through any open windows or doors. Once inside, insects can spread from one room to another by flying around or crawling on floors and walls.
Animal infestations involve pests such as rats and mice that have been living in your attic for years and are now causing damage throughout your house. This type of infestation can be more difficult to remove than insect infestation because some animals have built up immunity to poisons over time and require more time for exposure before they die off naturally.
Your home inspector will look for evidence of termites, ants, bees, wasps, and rats, among others. These pests are attracted to food, moisture, and warmth. They can cause structural damage to the home by chewing on drywall or wood beams. They are also known to carry diseases.
One of the most important things you can do when buying or selling a home is to have it inspected. A home inspection can uncover a variety of potential problems, from small cosmetic issues to major structural damage. By being aware of the most common home inspection problems, you can take steps to avoid them. If you’re a seller, getting these issues fixed before you list your home will help increase its value and speed up the selling process. If you’re buying a home, ask the seller to fix these issues beforehand can save you money and headaches down the road. Contact us today to schedule your home inspection – we’ll make sure that everything is in order so that you can buy or sell with confidence.
If you or someone you know is looking to buy or sell and needs a home inspection, please be sure to consider Leading Edge Inspections, LLC. In addition, you can call at (602) 581-5678 or visit our website for more information or schedule your inspection services today.
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