What are the most common home inspection problems?
Whether you’re in the market to buy or sell, knowing the most common home inspection problems can prepare you for the unknown. Receiving a thorough home inspection during the buying and selling process will inform critical decisions and provide helpful next steps in your journey. And while we come across many issues during our inspections, such as clogged gutters and fogged windows, we believe it’s helpful to share with you the ten most common problems we find in our inspections. Let’s get started.
The ten most common home inspection problems
Improper electrical wiring
Improper electrical wiring is a significant concern for homeowners, especially those living in older homes. Homes built before 1980 will frequently have electrical concerns due to improper wiring and outdated safety standards. However, even newer homes are not immune to faulty wiring, primarily if the electrical work was not performed by a professional. Incorrect wiring can lead to many problems, including power outages, electrical shocks, and even fires. That’s why it’s essential to have all electrical work done by a qualified, licensed electrical contractor.
Roofing concerns
Roofing issues can cause significant damage to your home if left unaddressed. As a rule of thumb, the most common composite roof shingles have a lifespan of approximately 20 years. Many roofs near the end of their lifespan will likely have areas of damage requiring repair or replacement. Even new homes can have roofing issues due to severe weather conditions or poor installation practices. Once again, we stress the importance of hiring a licensed roofing professional to ensure the job is done correctly.
Poor drainage around the structure
Moving down our list of the most common home inspection problems, let’s talk about drainage! Poor drainage around the home’s structure is highly problematic due to the significant damage water can cause to your property. One typical problem is downspouts draining next to the home’s structure. This can undermine the foundation’s ability to support the home by washing away the compacted soils that hold the foundation in place. As expected, we often find that homes with structural failures also have insufficient gutter and downspout maintenance or design. The good news is that incorrect drainage can easily be corrected by properly draining the water away from the structure. Of course, improper drainage can also lead to various levels of water damage in the wood products of the home.
HVAC problems
Heating and cooling issues in a home can be a major cause of discomfort, high utility bills, and even safety hazards. One of the most basic things homeowners neglect is having their HVAC system professionally serviced and maintained regularly. Furthermore, it’s important to frequently change or maintain the filter on your HVAC system because dirt and debris in your filter can obstruct air flow, increasing the workload.
Dirty filters can put extra stress on the furnace and cause the heat exchanger to crack. When the heat exchanger (the component that transfers heat to the circulating air) cracks, carbon monoxide fumes from the fuel combustion can enter the ductwork and living space, creating a serious safety hazard for you and your family.
Poor insulation
Poor insulation is a common occurrence in older homes built before 1990. However, it can still appear in newer homes when, for instance, a worker moves or damages the attic insulation during a remodel or installation. Rodents can also cause damage to insulation, further decreasing its effectiveness. If rodents are a cause for concern in your home, check out these preventative tips on our pest prevention blog.
Plumbing woe’s
Plumbing problems can be a significant concern for homeowners, especially when they involve problematic pipes. Galvanized plumbing pipes were commonly installed in homes built before 1975. These pipes are made of steel and coated with a zinc layer to prevent corrosion. Over time, the zinc coating can wear off, causing the pipes to rust from the inside. This rust buildup can restrict the water moving through the system and cause low water flow. Eventually, these pipes will rust through and begin to leak.
Minor structural damage
Minor structural damage can be a concern in any home, regardless of age. While the specific issues can vary greatly, one standard factor contributing to such damage is when alterations or additions are made to the home without adequately considering the existing structural systems. In some cases, such as in homes from the 1900s-1920s, the foundation materials used at the time (for example tree stumps, boulders, or stacked blocks of wood) may be more susceptible to failure and deterioration, not to mention the potential for significant damage during an earthquake. It’s essential to regularly inspect your home’s structure and crawlspace, and address any minor damage as soon as it’s detected to prevent more severe trouble down the line.
Decks and stairs
Deck and stair issues are among the most common home inspection findings. Mistakes made during the initial construction process as well as rotting deck boards, are at the top of the list. Missing proper fasteners at the ledger board and missing ledger flashing are also frequent mistakes found. This can cause the deck to detach from the house and drop. Water intrusion behind the ledger board can also cause this area to rot and fail. Always consider applying for a building permit when installing decks to make sure the finished deck is safe, strong, and long-lasting.
When it comes to deck stairs, they can be improperly fastened at the top and not anchored at the base. This can allow the stairs to detach from the deck and become a significant fall hazard. To correct these issues, it’s advised to hire a licensed deck or general contractor. It’s worth noting that it’s rare to find improperly installed decks in new homes since they are required to comply with the local building codes.
Indoor air and environmental issues
Poor indoor air quality can significantly impact the health and well-being of the occupants. One such issue that has become increasingly common is the presence of mold and mildew found in attics and crawl spaces. Surprisingly, this problem is more prevalent in newer homes compared to those built between the 1900s and 1980s. This can be attributed to modern homes prioritizing energy efficiency.
In fact, poor ventilation is more frequently found in homes built after 1995 due to the use of house or building wraps. These wraps improve energy efficiency but can also prevent proper ventilation, trapping moisture and increasing the likelihood of mold growth. To address this, many homes now have whole-house ventilation systems to help mitigate this issue by mechanically venting indoor air and creating regular air changes with outdoor air.
Flipped houses
Flipped houses can often look attractive to a buyer because many of the products used are new and modern. However, these houses often have a significant amount of improperly installed electrical and plumbing systems, along with other problems that may not be initially obvious to the casual observer. In fact, it’s almost guaranteed that a list of issues will be found during an inspection of a flipped house.
While electrical and plumbing problems are very typical, other issues like poor workmanship, non-permitted additions or renovations, and hidden damage show up all too frequently. Therefore, it is crucial for buyers to be aware of the potential risks associated with flipped houses and to work with a qualified home inspector to ensure they are making a sound investment.
Protect your investment with zoom home inspections
Home inspections are not just for buying or selling a home. Inspecting your home and performing regular maintenance are additional ways to protect your investment. With Zoom Home Inspections, we’re trained to inspect your home from top to bottom and even generate repair estimates to help you plan your budget.
If you’re looking for a quick and complete home inspection, Zoom is here to help you through your buying or selling journey. Click here to schedule your inspection, or call (425) 301-2747 if you have any questions.
