A home inspection is a necessary part of any home purchase or sale. We’ve found some of the most common issues during home inspections. The seller does not have to fix the problem just because we identified it. Each situation is unique, so it is best to work with your Realtor in order to find solutions.
1. Electrical panels are often equipped with double-tapped neutral wires. This was stated as a “no no” in the NEC (National Electric Code) of 2002. However, it is a “no no” for a longer period. Neutral wires return current to the panel when they are used by an appliance. Multiple wires under the same lug can cause each other to become loose because they are carrying different currents. The current will want to jump the loose connection in order to complete the circuit. This can lead to arcing. This can cause a fire. It is easy to fix this problem by separating the cables and placing them under each lug. The space is available on most panels. Electrical professionals should be the only ones to work on electrical components.
2. Roof problems are also common. Roofs require some maintenance, unless they were installed recently. Fasteners that are exposed to the elements are common. Caulk the tops of exposed nails, such as those on ridges or satellite dishes/vents. The caulk can deteriorate due to Texas’s hot temperatures. Leaks can be caused by flashing defects, missing caulk or deteriorated sealants. A little maintenance can go a very long way.
3. The slope around the home should be at least six inches in the first ten feet. This encourages water to flow away from your home, rather than under it. Improper drainage/grading can cause water to pool at the foundation or below it. This could lead to differential movement in expansive soils and foundation issues. Other solutions include installing gutters and downspouts at least five feet away. Swales or french drains can also be used. You may want to improve drainage if you notice water pooling near your foundation.
4. Over time, the R-value of attic insulation can decrease due to flattening. Owners can also disturb the insulation when they go into the attic for storage. In general, homes should have at least 12 inches of insulation to maintain optimal energy efficiency and comfort levels. A home with less insulation can incur excessive utility costs and diminish owner comfort. This is especially crucial for residents in Maple Grove, MN, where weather conditions demand adequate insulation for optimal living conditions. Hiring a Home Inspector in Maple Grove, MN, can help identify any deficiencies in attic insulation and recommend appropriate measures for improvement.
5. Not keeping up with General Maintenance. General maintenance is a must for every home. Over time, the caulking or paint on the exterior will peel off or dry up, leaving those areas vulnerable to water damage from rain. Minor separations in the siding can occur as the house settles. Sealing these areas will prevent pests or water from entering. Minor maintenance can help you avoid costly costs in the future.
6. Plumbing problems can manifest in many different ways. All the time, we see leaking pipes and slow/clogged drainage. Sometimes, it’s because of handyman upgrades which didn’t work out. Sometimes the seals are worn out. These problems are usually easy to fix. Repairing any damage they may have caused can be a bit more costly.
7. We measure the temperature differential after running air conditioning. The difference between the temperature of air that comes out of the supply grilles and what is returning via the return grilles. The difference between supply and return should be 15-20 degrees. Sometimes, units only need a minor tweak or new filters in order to perform better. We find that this happens quite often at homes.
8. Almost every inspection finds rust in the dishwasher. The coating on the dishwasher can peel off after years of constant use. The wet conditions in the dishwasher can cause rust once exposed. You should never eat from dishes that have rust on them. The dishwasher is the main source of rust. If rust is allowed to build up on the dishwasher’s metal components, it can cause the unit to stop working.
9. The temperature pressure relief valve on a water heater must drain down to 6 inches from the floor. The drain only opens when the pressure and temperature inside the heater reach unsafe levels. When fully activated, a properly functioning TPR will send a powerful jet if hot water out of the discharge pipe. If the TPR valve leaks, it is time to replace it. If the TPR valve activates, shut off the water immediately and call a plumber to assist with the repair. The drain can be higher than six inches from the ground. If the drain is not terminated at a very low level, the hot water that is ejected could cause burns to anyone standing nearby.
10. Smoke detectors that are not properly installed or not connected together. Smoke detectors need to be installed in each sleeping room, on the outside of every sleeping room, and at every level. The smoke detectors should be connected so that, if one of them goes off, they will all go off. Some homes only have one in the hall, not in each room or on every level. We recommend that if there is one in the house, it should be changed immediately and tested monthly.
