6 Common Problems A Home Inspector Finds

When a buyer is ready to close the deal on a new home, they typically call in a home inspector to check the home for problems. No house is perfect. A home inspector will find problems, even in a new house. They’re trained to look for even the smallest defect to ensure homeowners know exactly what they are buying. Some problems are minor, while others can hinder the sale. Check out this list of common problems that home inspectors spot as they’re looking over a home.

Poor drainage

One of the most common problems a home inspector comes across is poor drainage. The home may have a cracked slab or damp walls, which indicates water can penetrate the home. Drainage problems aren’t easy to fix. For the most part, the ground needs to be regarded so water flows away from the house. For some buyers, this is a deal breaker, unless the seller is willing to foot the bill to fix the problem.

Improper wiring

Improper electrical wiring is also a common problem. Over the years, safer wiring products and practices have come about, but if you’re buying an old home, you’ll probably be looking at some wiring issues. For some homeowners, as long as the electrical system works and hasn’t had any previous problems, they can overlook this problem. Other potential buyers want new writing put in. It’s a costly endeavor and some sellers aren’t willing to make that kind of investment.

Old roof

No roof lasts a lifetime. Whether a home has shingles or wood, a home inspector can tell the buyer if updates were recently made. In most cases, a home inspector might suggest small portions of the roof be re-shingled. It’s usually an inexpensive process; so most sellers are willing to tackle minor roof repairs. If an entirely new roof is suggested, that’s where big bucks come into play. That could put a kink in the pending sale.

Poor ventilation

Most homeowners want their home sealed tight to keep energy costs as affordable as possible, but this effort has led to problems with ventilation. Without proper ventilation a home is more susceptible to moisture, which can cause mold problems. If this problem exists, the home inspector will be able to tell the buyer how severe the problem is.

Plumbing problems

Whether the previous homeowner made a few mistakes tackling a do-it-yourself project or the home has some outdated pipes, it’s important to know about any plumbing problems. Some are quick fixes and the home inspector can point them out. However, the inspector may find bigger problems, like issues with the hot water heater. Depending on the severity of the issues, they could become part of the price negotiation.

Exterior problems

From drafty doors to old windows, it’s likely the inspector will spot a problem or two on the exterior of the house. A lot of sellers invest in new windows and doors, knowing that new homeowners are looking for an energy efficient home. It’s become a big selling point for new buyers. Installing new windows and doors is costly, so if these items are outdated, the buyer should know about it.

Paul Montgomery is a senior journalist and writer for homeinspectors.net, a comprehensive home inspection network. Only the best home inspectors are in their network!