Buying a house is a significant investment that you don’t have to rush into. In view of this, it is vital to hire a professional home inspector before you sign the papers. There are a few common issues that we tend to see during a regular home inspection that you should know about, and they might impact the price or the amount of work you need to do when you move in.
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5 Common Issues During a Home Inspection
There are many issues we might encounter during a home inspection. Of course, this is only a subset of them, but these are problems that we tend to see more often than others.
Water Damage
Water damage can be a problem even in newer homes. Moisture stains around the house are a strong sign of a water damage issue. While you tend to see them in the walls or around the ceiling, water pooling at any spot around the foundation is another common sign. You may also notice mildew and mold in some areas if water has been sitting there for a while.
As experienced inspectors, we will be able to see these signs quickly. However, bear in mind still that water damage isn’t always about noticeable water stains. Sometimes, water damage can be caused by smaller leaks that may turn into significant ones if they aren’t fixed.
Roofing
You might notice roofing issues more in older homes. Roofing materials do tend to age over time and may break down with exposure to the weather. In some cases, the roof might even be improperly installed. As home inspectors, we often spot cracked tiles, missing tiles, or even the presence of mold or algae in between the tiles.
Electrical
Electrical issues are common in home inspections too. Home inspectors check for problems in the wiring or outlets, leading to fires if they’re not fixed. This includes wires that have been opened and spliced by previous owners or wiring that doesn’t have proper insulation.
Sloping or Draining
Depending on how the home and foundation are built, water might slope back towards the house. In this case, even if there isn’t currently water damage in the home, water could begin to pool in crawlspaces or near the foundation. The foundation might begin to crack under the pressure too.
During the home inspection, we’ll look out for windows or doors that have gaps or that aren’t level, which can indicate a sloping or draining issue.
General Disrepair
This is a common problem that is often noticeable right away. However, you might not be able to see the full extent of the damage yourself. Any home can have some aspects of disrepair to it, such as the carpet needing to be replaced or the driveway needing to be repaved. However, if the home isn’t well maintained, it might require a lot more to get it up to your expectations.
Conclusion
You’re taking a big step by buying your own home, but before you sign the contracts, make sure you hire a home inspector to take a closer look. We’ll keep an eye out for these common issues and more, so you’ll know what you’re getting yourself into.