Common Defect Found During A Home Inspection

The home buying process is serious business, many buyers rush through or even neglect to get a home inspection. Having a professional home inspection can save you time and money, or even save you from making a disastrous deal.


A qualified InterNACHI home inspector will give you a thorough home inspection, but it’s always good to be arm with information to have a general understanding of common problems found in home inspections.We’ve compiled a quick list of common problems found in home inspections that you should know about.
  • Whole House is Poorly Maintained
  • Poor Drainage around the Structure
  • Minor Structural Damage
  • Plumbing Issues
  • Mold or Mildew Around Windows
  • Faulty Wiring
  • Roofing Materials,


Whole House is Poorly Maintained:
Poor or deferred maintenance will most likely result in high costly repairs to bring back the home to a satisfactory condition. If the home was not properly cared for over the years, then its someone will need to catch up on deferred maintenance or repairs.


Poor Drainage Around The Structure:
Water damage is one the most costly and damaging causes of foundation problems. All roof water should drain away from the structure at its perimeter to avoid water damage. Grade sloping or draining back toward your home can lead to damp to wet foundation movement, crawlspaces, cracking or settlement. Roof gutters and downspouts can sometimes be added to rectify site drainage problems.



Minor Structural Damages:
Minor structural damages mean that the house is not likely to fall down anytime soon, but there are some serious issues that should be addressed as soon as possible. Minor structural damage can be caused by water seepage into the foundation, floor joist, rafters or window, and door are noticeably unstable. With minor structural damage, you will first need to address the cause of the problem and then repair or replace any damaged structural components.



Plumbing Issues:
Common defects are leaking gaskets, deteriorated cast iron waste pipes, outdated problematic systems and hidden leaks that you wouldn’t typically know they exist until major damage occurs. If your home was built before the 1960s, there is a change that it may have galvanized pipes. Galvanized pipes are lead pipes coated with a protective layer of zinc. The issue is that over time the zinc will erode and runs the risk of exposing lead into your water supply. According to the EPA ( Environmental Protection Agency) consuming excessive amounts of lead can cause health issues such as cardiovascular issues, reproductive problems and decreased Kidney function.


Mold or Mildew Around Windows:
Your home inspector may look for condensation around windows and along the baseboards.
Condensation is known to build up during the winter months especially if the windows aren’t insulated or the gas seal is broken, cold air and warm indoor air create condensation. When there’s water, it’s possible that mold is not far behind.



Faulty Wiring:
Worn our outdated electrical systems are some of the most common defects found during a home inspection in older homes. Electrical system problems require immediate attention and are considered a serious safety-related issue.


Roofing Materials:
Issues with the roof of the house can be attributed to aging materials covering the roof, improperly installed roofing materials and water intrusion. There are many types of roofing materials, some of the most common are asphalt shingles, wood shakes/shingles, terra cotta tile, concrete tiles, and slate. The roof is the component of the house that protects and keeps us dry.


Comments