Home inspections are one of the most important aspects of buying a home. They give you an unbiased, professional opinion on what repairs or improvements need to be made before you sign off on your contract. But even though the property you’re looking to buy may look like a solid investment on the outside, there could be serious problems lurking within. That’s why it’s important to have an expert do a thorough inspection before you sign on the dotted line. Here are ten of the most common issues found during USA home inspections.
How do Home Inspections Reveal Issues in a Property?
A detailed US home inspection involves the inspection of every part of the property. From the roof to the basement and everything in between, home inspectors look for signs of damage or wear that could indicate problems in the future. They also check for structural issues such as settling foundations or cracks in walls. And they’ll even go so far as to check things like water pressure and drainage systems.
10 Common Home Issues Found During an Inspection
No Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs)
GFCIs are a safety feature that can save your life. They’re designed to shut off the power if there’s a current leak, preventing electrocution and fires. Most states require that homes have GFCIs installed in bathrooms, kitchens, and garages.
If you don’t see GFCIs anywhere in your new home, ask your inspector why not—it may be that they’re just missing from some outlets. If there are no GFCIs in the home, make sure the home inspector adds this issue in their report.
You can use this safety hazard to negotiate the price or request the seller install GFCIs. Furthermore, if you find GFCIs in the home, but they’re not working, that’s another story. You’ll need to have them fixed before moving into your new home.
Defective Roof Covering
Roofs are one of the most important elements of a home—they keep out rain, snow, and insects. If you find that your roof needs to be replaced or repaired, ask your inspector if the seller will cover all costs. If not, consider negotiating with them to cover some of the expenses.
Lack of Smoke Detectors
Smoke detectors are a must in any home. They’re an easy way to protect your family from fire and carbon monoxide poisoning, which is why it’s so important to make sure every room has at least one installed. If your inspector finds that the house you’re looking at doesn’t have smoke detectors installed, ask the seller if they can be added before closing. It is one of the most obvious home inspection issues, so don’t ignore it.
Missing or Defective Handrails
Handrails are an essential safety feature in any home. They provide support for people who need it, like the elderly and disabled, and they’re also a great way to keep children from falling downstairs.
Defective or missing handrails can lead to safety hazards such as falls and broken bones. If you find the home you’re looking at doesn’t have handrails in its staircases, ask the seller for a price adjustment or walk away from the deal.
Missing or Defective Storm Doors
Storm doors provide added protection from the elements and can help keep your home more comfortable, especially during hot summers. They also offer a layer of security by keeping intruders out. Ensure your home inspector includes a check of all doors when inspecting the home.
If there’s no storm door, ask the seller to install one. And if there is a storm door but it doesn’t seal properly or has other issues, you’ll need to have it fixed before closing on your new home.
Exterior Wood Rot
Exterior wood rot can cause structural damage and be a health hazard.
Watch out for these signs:
- Crumbling or peeling paint
- Mold and mildew on the surface of the wood
- Discolored and soft spots on logs look like they’re rotting from the inside out.
If you spot such signs during the inspection, consider walking away from the deal.
Electrical Problems
Electrical problems can signify shoddy workmanship, but they can also indicate that the home has been neglected for some time. Look for signs such as exposed wires and loose connections. If you see these, have an electrician inspect the system before closing on your new home.
Water Penetration
If your home has a basement, inspect the foundation walls and floors. Water penetration can cause mold and mildew to grow or lead to structural damage. When looking at an older house that doesn’t have a basement, check for signs of moisture on the inside of the windows. If any holes in the wall or roof were not repaired before you purchased it, these would also need repair before moving in.
Plumbing Leaks and Defects
There are a few things you can look for when it comes to plumbing problems. First, check for leaks under sinks and around faucets. If there are any stains on the ceilings or walls above these areas, this could be an indication that there is a leak in your pipes somewhere. You should also check all toilets and sinks to make sure they flush properly and drain properly.
Poor Grading and Drainage
The grading of your property and the drainage around it can also be a big problem. If there are any gullies or puddles on your land, this could mean that water cannot drain away properly, which will cause problems with flooding later on. You should also check for any cracks in the driveway or walkways leading up to your home so that you can repair them before they get worse.
The Takeaway
Home inspections can help you to discover issues with your home before they become problems. A detailed home inspection report can help you to identify problems, and it can also give you an idea of what it would cost to fix them.
Take note of the above issues that a home inspection may reveal and prepare to address them before you move in. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us or comment down below.
