The Most Common Issues Spotted During a Home Inspection
Purchasing a property is a big financial investment. It doesn’t matter if you are buying a newly-built property or a fixer-upper, it is important to understand a property’s biggest weaknesses before you sign on the dotted line and send over a large down payment.
Therefore it is essential to arrange for a qualified home inspector to evaluate your potential purchase. To learn more about the issues they might find during the process, read about the most common issues often spotted during a home inspection.
Faulty Plumbing and Pipework
A home inspection can spot potential errors that could have otherwise led to costly repairs. It is a home inspector’s responsibility to review a property’s plumbing system, as they will test the:
- Toilets
- Water heater
- Sink
- Bathtub
- Washing machine
- Dishwasher
They will also review the pipework to identify if it is damaged, faulty, or outdated, which could potentially lead to severe water damage in the future. After a home inspection, they will bring any issues to your attention. If there is a serious issue, it might be cheaper to look elsewhere for a home, or you should negotiate a better deal with the owner. If a problem is minor, it could be easily fixed by searching for “plumbers near me” to repair the damage.
Outdated Electrical Wiring
A home inspector will also review a property’s electrical wiring to identify if it is outdated and, therefore, unsafe. For example, US homes built before the 1950s featured knob and tube wiring, which would now be unsafe when using contemporary appliances and could pose a serious fire risk.
A home inspection will be thorough to prevent faulty wiring, which could otherwise lead to you failing to properly insure your home. If they do discover an electrical issue, you should request that the current homeowner either repairs the wiring or lowers the price on their property.
Poor Quality Windows and Doors
The quality of the windows, doors, and trim will be reviewed during a home inspection, as they can determine the general quality of a home. For example, crooked or warped windows and doors can indicate to a home inspector that the house was erected using low-quality materials or that it is settling excessively. If this is the case, it is a smart idea to withdraw your offer and invest in a higher-quality property.
A Substandard Roof Quality
It might provide peace of mind to learn that an inspector will review both the roof shingles and other materials, as they will want to discover if they were properly installed and maintained. What’s more, the quality could also determine the remaining lifespan on the roofing, which could lead to an expensive repair in the future.
In addition to reviewing the shingles, an inspector will review the roof’s structural elements, the gutters and will aim to identify any animal nests. They will also step inside an attic to inspect the area for potential signs of moisture, water damage, or roof leaks. As a roof repair and installation could potentially set you back thousands of dollars, it might be beneficial to walk away from the property, unless you have your heart set on turning the house into your home.
Mold and Mildew
While many home inspectors will charge an extra fee for a full-scale mold test, it is worth the extra charge to ensure your potential new home isn’t filled with damp.
Despite mold and mildew being visible in some areas within the home, an inspector can thoroughly review the property for hidden signs of mold, which they are more likely to find in a:
- Basement
- Bathroom
- Garage
- Utility room
If a home inspector believes they have found mold, you must embark on a mold test, which could help you to renegotiate a cheaper price for a property.
While mold and mildew can be expensive to remove, it is essential to do so to maintain a property’s structural integrity and avoid potential health issues, such as asthma, skin irritation, respiratory infections, allergies and more.
Conclusion
If you want to enjoy peace of mind that your property is safe and secure once you receive the keys, you must not overlook a home inspection. By skipping this essential step, you could risk experiencing a plumbing issue, roof repair, an electrical issue, or a mold and mildew problem that could damage your home’s structure as well as your health. It is a small price to pay to avoid making a big financial mistake.