From the home inspections reports reviewed, there is a list of at least 10 deficiencies. Considering new or old home ,expect that every home inspector will find those 10. Some people will ask is this possible specially when you buy new house or old .Yes it is, here there is some of them:
1. Improper surface grading and drainage.
By percentage which is 36% , this is the most common problem . Improper grading can cause many problems, water penetration in areas such as your basement, footings or your crawlspace. What to do? If improper grading is a problem with your property we suggest options such as re-grading around your home, assessing and repairing your downspouts and make sure you’re getting your drainage away from your property.
2. Improper and undersized electrical wiring.
This is number two on the list with 20% of inspectors finding a problem with electrical wiring. Besides having insufficient electrical other problems including issues with aluminum wiring, overload protection problems, and wiring that wasn’t performed by a licensed professional. If you have improper wiring we encourage that you get this fixed as it is clearly a safety hazard in your home.Combine whit undersized electrical wiring another thing is double tap wires which means two wires on one breaker or fuse which can lead to overheating of the wires and possible fire .
3. Deficient and older heating systems.
Blocked chimneys, unsafe exhaust flues and cracked heat exchangers. Besides inefficient heating, they can be a significant safety and health hazard. Maintenance is the key here. Check your filter on three months basis, and change it as needed . This small investment each year could help save you a lot of money down the road and even reduce your energy bills in the process.
4. Older and damaged roofs.
How old is your roof? Do you have multiple layers of shingles on your roof? Have you ever noticed a leaking issue? Whether you have wood or asphalt shingles, your roof won’t last forever. Average life of asphalt shingle is approximately 15 years. We also see improper flashing as a common problem too.Another thing is to negotiate for a house which has two layers of shingles ,because you can ad one more which is the maximum,but to remove it will cost you a lot more then singe layer.
5. Poor Overall Maintenance.
Take a look at your home. Do you have any leafs in the gutters , masonry that needs tuck-pointing, or amateur wiring? Take care of your home, keep it maintained and it will save you from very large maintenance bills in the future.
6. Structural Problems.
From floor joists to foundation walls, your rafters, windows and the list goes on – we see our share of structural issues with a home. Although this is more common in older homes, structural issues can sneak up on you in even newer homes. Make sure you have a certified home inspector assess your home for these issues.
7. Plumbing problems.
Piping issues, fixtures beyond their life expectancy, and more – plumbing issues are another issue that can cost you significantly if not properly maintained.
8. Exteriors items.
How’s the exterior of your home? Are your windows beyond their life expectancy, is your siding worn, do you have pealing paint? Making updates to your home on the exterior will not only make the appearance much more appealing but this can also save you significantly on energy costs as well.
9. Poor Ventilation.
Primarily in newer homes, when a home is over-sealed this can result in excessive interior moisture. This interior moisture issue can cause rotting and other issues to various elements of your home. Make sure you have the proper ventilation in your home, especially in bathrooms and kitchens.
10. Miscellaneous items.
The last things are weather striping on doors , dripping taps ,broken toilets ,not working windows/doors hardware.
1. Improper surface grading and drainage.
By percentage which is 36% , this is the most common problem . Improper grading can cause many problems, water penetration in areas such as your basement, footings or your crawlspace. What to do? If improper grading is a problem with your property we suggest options such as re-grading around your home, assessing and repairing your downspouts and make sure you’re getting your drainage away from your property.
2. Improper and undersized electrical wiring.
This is number two on the list with 20% of inspectors finding a problem with electrical wiring. Besides having insufficient electrical other problems including issues with aluminum wiring, overload protection problems, and wiring that wasn’t performed by a licensed professional. If you have improper wiring we encourage that you get this fixed as it is clearly a safety hazard in your home.Combine whit undersized electrical wiring another thing is double tap wires which means two wires on one breaker or fuse which can lead to overheating of the wires and possible fire .
3. Deficient and older heating systems.
Blocked chimneys, unsafe exhaust flues and cracked heat exchangers. Besides inefficient heating, they can be a significant safety and health hazard. Maintenance is the key here. Check your filter on three months basis, and change it as needed . This small investment each year could help save you a lot of money down the road and even reduce your energy bills in the process.
4. Older and damaged roofs.
How old is your roof? Do you have multiple layers of shingles on your roof? Have you ever noticed a leaking issue? Whether you have wood or asphalt shingles, your roof won’t last forever. Average life of asphalt shingle is approximately 15 years. We also see improper flashing as a common problem too.Another thing is to negotiate for a house which has two layers of shingles ,because you can ad one more which is the maximum,but to remove it will cost you a lot more then singe layer.
5. Poor Overall Maintenance.
Take a look at your home. Do you have any leafs in the gutters , masonry that needs tuck-pointing, or amateur wiring? Take care of your home, keep it maintained and it will save you from very large maintenance bills in the future.
6. Structural Problems.
From floor joists to foundation walls, your rafters, windows and the list goes on – we see our share of structural issues with a home. Although this is more common in older homes, structural issues can sneak up on you in even newer homes. Make sure you have a certified home inspector assess your home for these issues.
7. Plumbing problems.
Piping issues, fixtures beyond their life expectancy, and more – plumbing issues are another issue that can cost you significantly if not properly maintained.
8. Exteriors items.
How’s the exterior of your home? Are your windows beyond their life expectancy, is your siding worn, do you have pealing paint? Making updates to your home on the exterior will not only make the appearance much more appealing but this can also save you significantly on energy costs as well.
9. Poor Ventilation.
Primarily in newer homes, when a home is over-sealed this can result in excessive interior moisture. This interior moisture issue can cause rotting and other issues to various elements of your home. Make sure you have the proper ventilation in your home, especially in bathrooms and kitchens.
10. Miscellaneous items.
The last things are weather striping on doors , dripping taps ,broken toilets ,not working windows/doors hardware.
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