9 Home Inspection Problems You Need to Avoid
There’s a lot that goes into buying a house. Finding a neighborhood that suits your liking, figuring out what you can and can’t afford, choosing your realtor and much more.
One of the most important steps before you close the deal is the home inspection. There are many home inspection problems to look out for when buying a home.
From the roof to the foundation, there are many common problems that shouldn’t go unnoticed during your home inspection. We’ve narrowed the list down to 9 of the most common home inspection problems to watch for.
1. Water Damage
There are numerous factors that can contribute to water damage or potential water damage. Leaky plumbing, failing external grading, and poor drainage are all major contributors to the the problem.
With water damage comes mold, cracking foundation, rotted wood and unpleasant smells. The knowledge of current or potential water problems is often enough to steer people away from buying a house. This home inspection problem should be one of the first things to look for.
2. Roof Problems
The roof is one of the most important features of a home. Roof problems can stem from a few worn out shingles or broken flashings to needing a complete roofing overhaul. A damaged roof can lead to the aforementioned water damage problem as well.
During your home inspection, if the inspector tells you the roof has only a few years left, don’t expect the seller to replace it. Keep in mind that you might have to make that investment if you decide to move forward with the house.
3. Electrical Issues
Having properly functioning electrical systems not only ensures your safety, but it can add to your home’s efficiency. Common electrical problems to look for include overworked systems, faulty wiring, open junction boxes and more.
These home inspection problems are often fairly easy to solve, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t important. If your house isn’t up to code, you could face penalties and risk the safety of everyone inside.
4. Faulty Windows and Doors
Making sure your soon-to-be home has efficient windows and doors is a must. Leaky windows and drafty doors can cause problems such as water damage and cause strain on your furnace and air conditioner.
Some window problems to look for are broken sashes, difficult to open/close, broken locks and window seal failure. If any of these home inspection problems exist, your only bet is to replace your windows. New windows will not only increase your curb appeal but greatly improve your home’s energy efficiency and lower your energy bills.
Drafty, squeaky, dented and hard to open and close doors are a common home inspection problem in older homes. Much like windows, having properly functioning exterior doors makes a world of difference in the beauty and efficiency of your home.
If you find that you will need replacement windows or doors on the home you’re about to close on, you can trust America’s #1 window and door company to solve your problems.
5. Foundation Flaws
The foundation of your home is what everything relies on. A house is only as good as its foundation. That being said, you need to check for any cracks in the foundation or sloping floors.
A faulty foundation can mean that there are many more problems with the home than you thought. Water damage, rotting, structural flaws and termites can all cause problems with your home’s foundation.
Waterproofing and filling cracks with epoxy can only cover up so much. An ailing foundation can be a very expensive repair if proper action isn’t taken.
6. Exterior Flaws
One of the easier home inspection problems to notice are exterior maintenance flaws. Exterior flaws can be old and worn siding, damaged or missing fascia and failing gutters.
Having solid siding on your home is crucial to curb appeal and energy efficiency. If the siding on the home you’re inspecting is past its prime, you should consider replacing it with long-lasting vinyl siding.
Soffit and fascia are important for your home’s ventilation to keep attics cool in the summer and help prevent moisture and mold build-up. Be sure to check for any missing, rotting or cracked fascia during your home inspection.
A properly functioning gutter system is important for your home’s foundation and water damage prevention. Make sure to have the gutters checked during your home inspection. They may need cleaning or if the gutters are damaged, replacing them is the smart move.
Exterior home inspection problems are important to look out for because the exterior of your home needs to be in tip-top shape to protect the inside.
7. Old Appliances
In-home appliances don’t last forever and if you’re not buying a new house you need to take a look at your prospective home’s appliance situation.
Old appliances are common home inspection problems because people often don’t update them before they leave their home. It’s important to do some research on the brand and year of the appliances in the home you’re planning on purchasing.
8. HVAC Problems
HVAC refers to heating, ventilation and air conditioning. These are all pivotal components of a properly functioning home. Make sure to check on the status of the home’s furnace and air conditioner as replacing these items can be quite costly.
Proper ventilation is key to preventing water damage, mold and other problems. Check to make sure the attic, crawl space, basement and/or bathrooms are well ventilated during your home inspection.
Fixing these problems is generally not a daunting project, but letting them go unnoticed can lead to major homeowner headaches down the road.
9. Miscellaneous Upkeep
Some other common home inspection problems can fall under a “poor upkeep” category. Problems to look for include bad paint, old carpet, poor landscaping and more.
These problems are all pretty easily solved and shouldn’t be a huge factor in keeping you from purchasing the home you’re interested in.
Watch Out for the Big Problems and Don’t Ignore the Small Ones
When the time comes for a final home inspection, it’s very important to not rush through things because you’re too eager to move in. Big home inspection problems such as water damage, roofing problems and foundation flaws should be carefully checked.
Ignoring the smaller problems such as damaged gutters, fascia and ventilation can lead to much bigger problems in the future. You need to explore all avenues of the home during inspection to make sure you’re not getting yourself into a nightmare situation.
And if you find yourself in need of replacement windows, siding or doors, don’t hesitate to get a free quote or call 866-4FELDCO for the best home improvement in the Midwest.
