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Inspection Detection: Revealing Common Issues Found During Home Inspections

Inspection Detection: Revealing Common Issues Found During Home Inspections

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The home-buying-and-selling season is in full swing; thus, home inspection season has also begun. Both buyers and sellers may feel a little tense when it comes time for the home inspection during the closing process. Each side may harbor concerns that the findings may be a deal breaker for them.

However, home inspections offer valuable insight into a home’s true colors, revealing any issues that may not appear on face level. In fact, there are some common issues that arise during home inspections. Just as common as those issues are the ways that sellers and buyers can deal with concerns and move on to the next phase of the closing process.

Where are some common areas that home inspections can go awry?

1. Sloping or Grading

Negative sloping or grading toward a home can cause water to seep into the foundation or basement. While it certainly can cause moisture issues down the road, it typically is an easy fix, either by reversing the slope with additional topsoil or installing gutters to allow water to drain away from the property.

2. Roofing

If a seller does not often climb onto their roof, it may be hard to know if there are potential problems there. However, it is a home inspector’s job to find that out and roofing issues rank at the top of the list of most commonly-found problems during home inspections.

If a home inspector finds problems on a seller’s roof, it could be an easy, inexpensive fix or a total roof replacement. A roof’s life expectancy and repairs depend on its type - asphalt shingles, terra cotta, concrete, slate tiles or other. When it comes to roofing issues, it is often best to consult with a trusted contractor for a further evaluation.

3. Electrical Wiring

Though often more of a concern in older homes, any electrical problems that arise during a home inspection should be immediately addressed. We’ve all been warned about using too many electrical extension cords; so, if a buyer sees them running from room to room in a home that they love, it could be cause for concern.

4. Plumbing

Since water and moisture issues are two of the biggest things that home inspectors find during the inspection process, plumbing often ranks at the top of the problem list. Leaky pipes can encourage mold, which is always a pain and sometimes can be toxic. Obviously, plumbing should be free from leaks, so moisture stains around walls, ceilings or windows are eye-catching issues.

5. Heating and Cooling Systems

Most home inspectors will conduct an air quality test to ensure a home’s moisture level is not a perfect breeding ground for mold. If a problem is found with the heating or cooling system, it could not only be a health and safety concern, but it could also be an expensive fix. Similar to roofing issues, heating or cooling concerns should be addressed by a trusted professional.

6. Insulation

Along with heating and cooling concerns come insulation issues. Many home inspectors say that poor insulation is a common issue and it can be the cause of high utility bills for potential buyers. Again, adding insulation can be an easy fix or an all-out effort.

7. Weatherproofing

When it comes to allowing a draft or moisture to enter a home, doors and windows should be one of the first areas checked. Of course, that is why home inspectors are quick to point out inadequate caulking or poor weather-stripping in these two areas. Luckily for sellers, a little preventative maintenance before a home inspection is usually enough to address this drafty or leaky condition.

8. Structural Cracks

Although it sounds like a huge problem, when a home inspector finds a crack in a home’s foundation, it may not be a big concern. However, if there is a problem with a home’s structure, it is best to call in a professional to further evaluate the situation and provide the best route for addressing the issue.

9. Building Materials

Perhaps not a primary safety or health concern, a home inspector may notice that a home’s style and building materials do not quite mesh. If that’s the case, there may be concerns about a home’s workmanship or modification process.

10. Overall Maintenance

Finally, a home inspector may find that a home has been poorly maintained in general, which can throw up an immediate red flag for any buyer. While things may be OK at the present time, a poorly maintained home may be susceptible to a number of problems all at once in the future.

 

All in all, a home inspection during the closing process should be a favorable experience for both sellers and buyers. After receiving the final inspection report, responsible sellers can take pride in the way they’ve cared for their home and eager buyers can move on to the next step toward closing.