Understanding the most common issues found during inspections
Home inspectors are your best friends during the buying process. You should still hire a Home inspection in Perris even if the house is in your desired neighborhood and you are ready to make the purchase.
Why? Home inspectors are trained professionals who can spot common problems that even the most detail-oriented buyer may miss. We are professionals and do this every day, so we will always be able to identify any issues you may miss.
Home inspectors are expected to be thorough, comprehensive and provide a report which only contains the facts regarding the home’s condition. A comprehensive home inspection report takes into account more than 1,600 factors, though many are minor.
This article will discuss the common problems that home inspectors find during the inspection process.
Mold and mildew
During the home inspection, it is easy to detect mold and mildew. Mold and mildew are easily detected by home inspectors in damp areas such as bathrooms, basements, utility rooms and garages.
If your home inspector believes that there is mold in the house, you should get a mold test done. You can then use this information to negotiate for a lower price.
Faulty Plumbing or Piping
If you don’t identify the problem before buying a home, it can be very expensive. It is expensive to replace old pipes. If a pipe breaks or fails without your knowledge, you may have to pay a lot of money to repair the damage.
Your home inspector will test all water-based appliances, such as water heaters. sinks. tubs. and even washing machines and dishwashers. The inspector will check the condition of the pipes and if any are made from an old material such as polybutylene.
The issue will be brought up to you. It may be minor and only require the replacement or a fixture, or it could be severer, requiring more costly action such as replacing old pipes.
Electrical wiring that is outdated
Home inspectors are looking for outdated electrical wiring. If you are buying a home built before 1950, the wiring could be “knob-and-tube” – a system which is dangerous to use with modern appliances and poses a serious risk of fire.
Other issues could also exist – improperly performed electrical repairs or DIY wiring in your attic, crawlspace or other areas.
The home inspector will check for these issues. They are very thorough because bad wiring can make it impossible to insure your house. Many home insurance companies will not insure a house with “knob-and-tube” wiring because of the fire risk.
If you discover that there are serious wiring faults, it is best to negotiate with the homeowner a lower cost.
Window, door and opening trism
It may seem insignificant, but examining the trim, function, and windows, doors and other openings of a house is an excellent way to determine the quality of the property and ensure it’s free of drafts or other insulation problems that could increase your energy bills.
The home inspector can also get a better understanding of the quality of workmanship by examining these areas. If the windows and doors are warped or crooked, it could be an indication that the house has settled excessively or the materials used were substandard.
Roof condition and quality
Another important aspect of the inspection is the condition and quality the roof. The inspector will examine the roof shingles and other roofing materials to determine if the roof was properly installed and maintained and estimate how long the roof is expected to last.
The gutters, flashings of roof systems and other structural elements will be checked.
Attic and uppermost floors are also inspected to look for any signs of water damage or moisture.
The roof will be checked for any signs of nests and nearby branches or trees that could pose a danger to the integrity of your roof.
Roof repairs and installation can cost thousands of pounds, so this is an important step in the inspection process.
Chimney issues
Particularly in older homes with more than one fireplace, chimneys can pose a serious problem. If they are not properly maintained, the interior of chimneys may become damp, infested by mold and even destroyed. Leaking chimneys can also cause structural damage and water damage.
Fixing a chimney that is faulty can be expensive, but it’s necessary to insure your home and prevent future roof or water damage.
A improper grading and drainage
A property inspector will be very concerned if the foundation of the house you’re interested in has not been graded correctly and water is not able to drain from it. Water can collect and seep into the home’s foundation or basement if it is present.
It is a serious problem for areas where the ground can freeze during winter. The water around the foundation may freeze and cause cracks or structural damage.
The foundation of the house may still be intact, but it is necessary to regrade the property in order to prevent future damage.
Signs of Basement Flooding or Dampness
Basements that are damp can be inconvenient and cause mildew and mold. Homes built in areas with high water tables are often subject to periodic flooding. This is not a problem if the basement is unfinished and a sump pump is installed to drain away this water.
Basements of homes that have experienced serious flooding can have other structural problems, including damaged wiring or permanent damage to gypsum drywall. Water damage and dampness should be avoided in basements.
Ventilation and insulating properly
The cost of home maintenance can be high, but utilities are also a major factor when buying a house. Older homes are usually not as well ventilated and insulated as newer ones, so you will pay more for heating or cooling.
The Energy star program estimates that adding insulation and sealing leaks can help you save up to 12% on heating and cooling costs.
Your home inspector will give you an overall assessment of the home’s energy-efficiency and ventilation/insulation to help you understand what improvements can be made.
Hvac systems that work properly
When it comes to saving money on your utility bills and power consumption, ventilation and insulation are just two of the many factors that you can use. Your home inspector will perform a basic HVAC system inspection in the house, which includes:
The thermostat
Ventilation ductwork
Furnace
Gas Lines (if applicable).
Air filtration system
Central air conditioner
Each room has vents and registers
Your inspector will examine each system and determine its quality and integrity. Your inspector may tell you that the air conditioner or furnace may be in need of replacement.
The average furnace lasts 10-20 years. Air conditioning systems are also similar in lifespan and can be expensive to replace.
General maintenance & upkeep
The home inspector will look at major systems in the house that can be expensive to replace. They will also assess the overall condition of the home and its maintenance.
Even though many small home maintenance tasks, like repainting or replacing bathtubs and toilets, can be quite affordable, they can add up over time. You may need to spend a lot of money to restore a home that has been neglected for a long time.
If the owner has not taken care of their home and continues to do so, then someone else will have to. If you purchase the house, you will be responsible for its upkeep.
Exterior Condition
Assessing the exterior of the house is an important part of the process. Your inspector will look for:
Damage to windows or broken seals
Decking and patios that settle
Quality and condition of driveways and walkways
Landscape and grounds maintenance of high quality
Cracking or damage on siding
Paintwork deterioration
Garage door condition and operation
The exterior of your home is examined in detail to give you the most accurate picture of its condition.
Appliances that are functional and appropriate
The home inspector will also check the safety and quality of all other major appliances in the house, including the refrigerator, freezer, oven, range, and washing machine (if there is one).
They will also test and check smoke detectors and CO detectors to ensure that the house complies with all local, state, and municipal regulations regarding smoke and fire detection and fire safety.
Know what home inspectors look for – and don’t go without professional help!
What are the things that home inspectors check for? Any possible problems with your new home! A home purchase is likely to be one of your biggest investments in life.
A professional home inspector is a must when buying a home. You would never buy a car without first having a mechanic inspect it.
Home inspectors will provide an objective, honest assessment of the house you are interested in. They can also alert you to any potential problems that could be costly down the road. You may even decide to renegotiate your purchase terms if structural issues with the home are discovered.
Hire a home inspection service today and invest in your future.
