If you are a homebuyer, a full inspection of your prospective property is essential to help you make the right life-changing decision. You may love the house, but home inspection issues could reveal a hornets’ nest of problems – possibly an actual hornets’ nest. Read on to learn the common home inspection issues that you will find.
Common Home Inspection Issues
Most problems found in a home are due to deferred maintenance or the lifespan of materials. Many of the problems are simple, recurring maintenance tasks that are not always kept up with. Others are due to certain components or materials having a limited lifespan, including roofs and water heaters, etc. Read more to see what we commonly find.
Missing GFCI Outlets
GFCI protection outlets should be installed in wet locations, such as bathrooms and kitchens, and in garages and basements. While this was not always a requirement, it is a recommended upgrade when noted. This makes it on the list of common home inspection problems because many homes are older, and were built before they required GFCIs in these locations.
Furnace – Filter/Cleaning/Service
Furnace cleaning and service are often neglected, and filter replacement is rarely performed regularly. While the furnace may operate properly, a service check-up is often recommended.
Electric Panel Issues
Several older brands of panels were installed in homes in our area requiring replacement, such as Federal Pacific and Zinsco. Other improper issues such as double-tapping, missing labeling, or aluminum wiring are occasionally noted, requiring an electrician to repair. Once again, older electrical components made it on the list of common home inspection problems.
Roofing
As homes age, so does the material covering the roof. This is the component of the house that keeps us and the internal workings of the house dry. As the roofing material ages, it lends itself to water intrusion and can lead to expensive repairs or even replacement. If the roofing material is improperly installed, it can lead to premature aging.
Poor Attic Ventilation
Homes that are older in age typically have issues with ventilation and energy efficiency. Home inspectors often find attics that are insulated yet not ventilated, which makes them too hot in the summer.
This lack of ventilation can make it harder to keep the house cool, while also potentially leading to mold and other issues.
Poor insulation and ventilation can make a home energy efficient because the cool air can get in during the winter months, and the cool air is harder to keep in during the summer.
Plumbing Problems
Plumbing problems are fairly common, and also very serious. Small visual defects like leaks, slow drains, and low water pressure can all mean really big underlying problems. Plumbing issues are costly to repair, which is why inspectors take great care in inspecting the system.
Small-scale issues with plumbing systems are usually easily repaired, and unless the inspector finds that there are major defects it shouldn’t be too big of an issue. However, once in awhile inspectors find systems that are beyond repair and have to be replaced.
Issues to Take Seriously After a Home Inspection
- Damaged Foundation
- Water Damage
- Pests
- Mold
- Roof Maintenance Problems
Graves Development Resources | Land Developer in Omaha, Nebraska
Graves Development Resources (GDR) has been designing and building the market’s finest neighborhoods since 2000, with over 5,000 homesites and important commercial development projects throughout Douglas and Sarpy Counties.
Our pages showcase current neighborhoods where new home buyers may select from hundreds of home sites. We are definitely “phone friendly” and welcome the opportunity to provide you all the information you need before making one of the most important decisions of your family’s future. Contact us with any questions.