Common Issues FOund on a Home inspection
Poor grading and drainage are common, and both can be costly to correct. Improper grading may necessitate re-grading the entire front and back of a property.
Water is moved away from the foundation by positive grading property, keeping the dwelling dry. When a home has a negative grade, water collects around the foundation rather than draining away. Negative grading results in soft soil near the house, endangering the stability of the building.
Here are 9 issues we found to be most common during a home inspection.
Grading
Roofs
Interior moisture
Electrical
Foundation
Water Entry
Plumbing
HVAC
Windows and doors
Common issues:
Roof issues frequently go undetected. A complete replacement is required for old and defective roofs with cracked shingles, leaks, and water damage. Depending on the size and pitch of the roof, this may cost homeowners as much as $20,000. The cost will increase if the sheathing, rafters, or ceilings sustain additional damage.
Additional weight of snow increases the pressure placed on the structural elements of the building. As a result, a weak roof exposed to a pile of heavy snow might endanger a home’s structural integrity.
Basement moisture frequently appears in reports of home inspections. The structure of the house, as well as the safety and health of the residents, are compromised by moisture and water penetration in the basement. Spalling in concrete, brick, or stone caused by water seeping through basement wall gaps over time undermines the foundation.
The basement’s moisture also provides the ideal conditions for the growth of mold. Thousands of dollars may be required for mold removal, particularly if the issue is serious.
Electricity is good as long as the lights and outlets functions, right? Not always, but that is also why electrical issues frequently go unreported.
The worn-out wires, outdated knob-and-tube wiring in older homes, overloaded circuits, and exposed wiring are all fire concerns that our inspector will point out. To comply with modern regulations, outdated systems must be replaced, and are required if upgrades are being done. All these repairs and upgrades can be expensive. GFCI outlets are recommended in all bathrooms, garages, kitchens, laundry rooms, and spaces where a water source is present Damaged outlets, missing ones or broken should be replaced.
Foundation settlement often results in cracks that are frequent. Due to the threat that cracks offer to a house’s structural integrity, inspectors pay close attention to serious masonry issues such deep, horizontal cracking in retaining walls, slabs, foundations, outdoor steps, and chimneys.
Vertical cracks are more typical and less problematic than horizontal ones. Vertical hairline cracks in the mortar between the bricks are acceptable. However if they start to separate at the mortar or if they go through the bricks, there is a serious structural issue. Horizontal cracking generally is caused by exterior pressure pushing on the wall to the point it cracks and bows. The price tag for significant structural repairs might reach tens of thousands of dollars.
Water entry damage is any indication of water damage and will be reported by the inspector as it will eventually result in more significant problems like mold. Roof issues, plumbing leaks, a flooded basement, and poor exterior drainage, such as blocked gutters, can all result in water damage. Repairing such damage may be expensive.
Fortunately, problems with water penetration are frequently simple. Once the root cause is identified, the issue can be stopped and resolved.
Plumbing issues like leaky pipes can cause a health and safety concerns. These problems can range from small ones, like a leaky faucet or a sluggish drain, to more serious ones. Cross-connection problems (where another water supply can contaminate a homes water supply), or a need to replace the pipes. Plumbing is a major source of worry because if a concealed leak is there and is not fixed, mold may begin to spread throughout the house.
A HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system will be inspected by the home inspector to ensure it is in good operating order. Common issues like operation, efficiency, and leaky ductwork should be repaired. Aged systems will be costly to replace.
Windows and doors issues pose a risk to efficiency, safety and security Warped or damaged windows and doors may also be an indication of more serious difficulties, such as foundation troubles. When a home as a problem with opening or closing windows and doors or has defective or broken locks. Fixing these areas before an inspection will make the process of buying or selling smoother.