You might’ve already heard about this, but you should avoid closing the deal on a home without conducting a thorough home inspection beforehand. Although not a legal requirement, it’s the process that, among other things, helps the buyer figure out if it’s a worthwhile investment and the seller to understand the condition of their property and fix any defects in advance. Luckily, you can hire professional home inspectors to ensure everything’s alright with the home you’re planning to buy/sell. If you’re currently at this stage in the process, you must be wondering what the most common problems that homeowners deal with during and after the inspection process are. If so, here are the seven most common home inspection issues you’ll hopefully avoid!
#1 Electrics, wiring, etc.
Needless to say, an issue with electrics inside a single home can be quite a problem that needs to be handled immediately. Did you know that around 1/5 of home inspections find out that wiring’s too small or the wrong type for the building? Or: that it might be under-code? Additionally, sometimes the home inspection process reveals that the wiring’s just too old and, of course, not-so-properly insulated. Now, here’s a fun fact: the chances of your home’s wiring being a bit faulty rise if you’ve done some DIY electrical work in the past. Luckily, the inspectors you’ll hire will have plenty of suggestions on the necessary upgrades you’ll need to act upon.
Needless to say, an issue with electrics inside a single home can be quite a problem that needs to be handled immediately. Did you know that around 1/5 of home inspections find out that wiring’s too small or the wrong type for the building? Or: that it might be under-code? Additionally, sometimes the home inspection process reveals that the wiring’s just too old and, of course, not-so-properly insulated. Now, here’s a fun fact: the chances of your home’s wiring being a bit faulty rise if you’ve done some DIY electrical work in the past. Luckily, the inspectors you’ll hire will have plenty of suggestions on the necessary upgrades you’ll need to act upon.
#2 Roofing issues
You might’ve anticipated this one! Of course, roofing issues are a common problem found during a home inspection. A home inspector might conclude that the structure of a particular roof is way too old and is in desperate need of a replacement. Also, there might be some other repairs depending on the type of problem discovered: missing/broken shingles, critter invasions, roof rotting/moss, leaks, etc. The list can go on and on into infinity. Luckily, there’s something called a professional roof inspection, so you don’t have to worry.
Anyway, an issue with the roof might be both a safety and a home maintenance problem/risk. Imagine the following scenario: the wind blows hard, and a faulty shingle lands on your neighbor’s head. It’s not something you’d wish would happen (even if you’re not on speaking terms with the person you’re living next door to). As if that’s not enough, any rodents or vermin chilling in your attic area can spread various diseases in the home.
#3 Good ol’ plumbing
The list of the seven most common home inspection issues wouldn’t be complete without mentioning plumbing problems. Unfortunately, dealing with plumbing issues after a home inspection is common, but it’s also quite expensive. Not to mention – frustrating. Just imagine there’s a not-so-visible slow leak that allowed the mold to find its way inside your home. Geesh! What else’s there to say about plumbing? Well, the home you’re planning to buy/sell might be sporting outdated or incompatible pipe materials/sizes. Or: there could be an issue with waste lines that are prone to back up. Lastly, you might have to deal with old pipes that might dye tap water into unpleasant tones.
#4 Grading & drainage issues
These issues are way too popular, much more than anyone would assume. Did you hear that about 1/3 of all home inspections find grading/drainage issues inside a single home? Now let’s see what’s so wrong with those. Issues with grading and drainage can lead to all kinds of further problems: cracked concrete slabs, water finding its way into your basement, etc. Also, it might make (see what we did there?) the terrain inside and outside of your home uneven. This can, subsequently, result in fall-related accidents. A professional home inspector will provide you with various solutions, such as surface re-grading or guttering system enhancement.
#5 Mind the structure
There’s no need to emphasize the fact that the structural integrity of a home is an absolute necessity for anyone to feel safe while inhabiting the place; we’re talking: foundations, joists, windows, doors, etc. All of the mentioned need to be sturdy and able to handle the load. That’s especially critical with older homes. If you’re moving to a state that’s well-known for its “vintage” architecture, you should pay good attention to this since one needs to consider all factors before making a move. An interstate relocation is not something you’d call easy. Anyway, a professional home inspector will have to use various (up-to-date) gear to detect any structural issues that mightn’t be so visible.
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