When you’re buying a home one of the things that can sink the deal before closing is the home inspection. Having a qualified home inspector check out the property is the best way to get an in-depth evaluation of the home you’re about to purchase.
Below you’ll find 5 of the most common problems found during a home inspection so you’ll know what to look for on a home tour.
Foundation Problems
Foundation issues can cause a host of extremely expensive repairs. They can shift or crack allowing moisture and pests inside as well as causing walls to collapse and destabilizing the home. The massive costs of repairs are why a faulty foundation can affect a homes value.
What to look for:
- Cracks on the exterior walls of the home
- Leaning or tilting chimney
- Sagging or uneven floors
- Cabinets separating from the wall
- Windows and doors that don’t open or shut properly
- Cracks in interior walls and ceilings
- Bowing walls
Water Damage
Water damage to the structure is one of the most damaging and costly problems you can encounter. Water is the number one cause of dry rot, expensive structural damage, and toxic mold. If the area is in a flood zone, make sure you book a home inspection company that checks for mold.
What to look for:
- Water stains around the ceiling, walls or windows, or
- Water pooling near the foundation.
- Musty smells
- Damp basements
- Powdery residue on walls (efflorescence), mold, or mildew
Mold
Finding mold can cause the home to fail inspection because it often signifies a bigger issue – water. It also spreads and can be a health hazard for those that live in the house.
What to look for:
- Standing water
- Musty smells
- Actual, physical mold
Electrical Issues
Electrical issues may not be as obvious as water damage, but they are a much bigger safety hazard if not taken seriously. Electrical problems cause thousands of house fires per year, so it’s important to have it thoroughly inspected by a professional. Faulty wiring, outdated systems and multiple wires using a single breaker are just a few electrical-related things that fail a home inspection.
What to look for:
- Faulty, damaged or exposed wiring
- Outdated or damaged electrical panel
- Overloaded breakers
- Switches or outlets that don’t work
Roof Issues
Along with the foundation, the roof is a major part of the home and is one of the costlier repairs. Roofs can have troublesome issues that are unfortunately not visible while you’re touring a potential home.
What to look for:
- Worn roofs
- Brittle or curled shingles
- Broken or missing flashings or shingles
- Signs of water damage on the roof and in the attic
- Decay
- Signs of sagging or weak spots
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