Top 10 Home Inspection Issues
Top 10 Home Inspection Issues
Knowing what some of the usual situations home inspectors discover during an inspection allows you to be a well-informed buyer. Over the years, and borrowing on over a half million inspections, here are the top 10 defects in most homes. Repair and replacement costs for such items could cost you thousands of dollars!
- Roof leaks due to flashing and valley problems
- Water penetration in the basement or crawlspace due to the surface water conditions
- Electrical safety issues due to age of home
- Deterioration of the wall material or substrate behind ceramic tile in shower and tub areas
- Roof material failure due to age and deterioration
- Heating unit and distribution system inequities due to age and workmanship or system compromises
- Structural issues due to improper construction and/or alterations, or excessive unbalanced load (i.e. Failing concrete block foundation wall)
- Fire safety issues related to fireplace chimneys
- Termite and other wood destroying organisms due the local environment and conducive conditions
- On-site waste (septic) system failures usually due to lack of maintenance
We strongly encourage home buyers to attend the inspection with the home inspector. During the 2 to 3-hour process you’ll learn all about your new home—first-hand information about the condition of the property, how the house operates, where the main shut-off valves to the utilities are located, and much more. And if defects are discovered during the inspection, you’ll receive an explanation of the possible cause as well as your options to have those defects corrected. Armed with this first-hand knowledge, you’re guaranteed to make a well informed buying decision!
