The Most Common Home Inspection Issues (And Their Solutions)

Wondering what issues are the most commonly uncovered during home inspections – and how they’re fixed? Read on, and find out! 

Roofing

• Loose shingles and tiles are a common home inspection finding. A few loose shingles or areas with failing roofing may require minor repairs, while more extensive issues may require a roof replacement.
• Water damage in the attic or below the roof may indicate issues with roof flashing or shingles, requiring roof repair.
• Gutters may be loose or failing, which can lead to damage to the roof structure, and may need to be repaired or replaced. 

Wiring

• Knob-and-tube wiring is a common issue in older homes. It’s a fire hazard, and may need to be replaced with a modern wiring system to obtain insurance coverage.
• Fuse boxes may also be found in older homes. Since they were introduced, fuse boxes have been replaced by modern circuit breakers. Overloaded fuse boxes can be a fire hazard, so the wiring and fuse box may need to be replaced.

Ventilation

• Many homes do not have proper ventilation in bathrooms, which can lead to moisture damage in the bathroom. Extractor fans, even if present, may ventilate moist air into the attic, causing mold and moisture damage. These issues should be remedied before purchasing a home.
• Poor attic ventilation is another common problem, and can cause poor energy efficiency, or even contribute to mold and moisture damage. Additional intake vents may be used to improve ventilation. 

Insulation

• Poor overall insulation can result in bad energy efficiency. Areas which are commonly not insulated properly include attics, crawlspaces, and basements. Adding more insulation to these areas is typically quite inexpensive, and can really enhance energy efficiency
• Drafty windows and doors can cause heat loss. In some cases, these can be replaced, but it may also be possible to use weatherstripping, caulk and other such tools to fill in cracks and gaps. 

Grading & Drainage

• Poor grading can cause water to pool up and leak in the basement, or build up by the foundation. If this water freezes, it could crack or damage the foundation. Regrading the yard may be recommended if this issue is identified.
• Gutters and drains should be spaced away from the home to prevent water from pooling up around the basement and foundation. If this is not the case, they can be extended, or additional drainage solutions can be built to channel water away properly.

Plumbing

• Pipe damage is not uncommon, and a single damaged or leaky pipe can cost you thousands to repair water damage. All pipes that have been identified as damaged should be replaced.
• Low water pressure is a common issue. It may be caused by faulty or poor-quality fixtures, water valve issues, clogged pipes and other such problems. Usually, you’ll need a plumber to diagnose and fix the issue.

Know What To Expect From Inspections!

Home inspections can reveal a whole host of issues – these are just a few of them. But whether you’re about to get a pre-listing inspection, or you need a home inspector to check a home you’re interested in buying, this guide will help you know what to expect.

Read More: What to Expect When Buying an Older Home