Whether you are purchasing a home for the first time or transitioning from one home to another, it’s crucial to perform a quality home inspection on the house you’re interested in. A home inspection can take place once the house is under contract and you are working with the seller toward a successful closing day.
During the home inspection, your inspector will evaluate the home’s condition from many different angles and look for troubling signs of damage or system malfunctions.
Some of the most common problems found during the home inspection include:
Water Damage
A major problem your inspector will look for is signs of water damage because water issues are highly troublesome and expensive to fix. If water damage is present, you will likely face dangerous mold growth, dry rot in the wood, and structural issues that require repairs or replacements.
Signs of water damage can include:
- Flaking or peeling paint on the walls
- Moisture stains on the walls or ceilings
- Mold growth
- Musty smells
- Warped drywall
Your inspector should keep their eyes out for indications of water damage, but it’s helpful to know what to look out for, as well, as you tour the home you are eyeing.
Inadequate Plumbing
As you walk through the home, try the faucets in the kitchen and bathroom(s). Run the water in the shower(s). Flush the toilet(s). Doing so will give you a sense of the water pressure and drain conditions. It can even reveal the presence of leaks if you check the pipes beneath the sinks.
Plumbing issues can go undetected if you aren’t looking for them. While some problems are often small and easy to correct, others could lead to labor-intensive and costly projects. Even though your inspector will examine the plumbing system, check these parts of the system yourself for added assurance.
Poor Wiring
Poor wiring is a problem that could lead to severe and dangerous issues. Housefires are the most damaging result of faulty wiring, so check for indications of bad wiring in the home.
Signs of faulty or dangerous wiring include:
- Excessive use of extension cords
- Exposed wires
- Missing wire nuts
- Old-fashioned wiring techniques, like knob-and-tube wiring
- Uncovered electrical panels
Old or Worn Roof
Similar to plumbing issues, roof issues tend to go unnoticed during the home tour. However, your inspector will thoroughly examine the roof during the inspection process, looking for issues like:
- Inadequate flashing
- Outdated or aged materials
- Poor installation
- Too much wear and tear
- Warped or missing shingles
Roof problems will indicate the need for a replacement, which is not cheap. If the home is worth it overall, you may consider proceeding with the buying process. However, it’s sometimes best to walk away and consider other options should your inspector find roofing issues.