Are you looking for your dream home? You might focus your search on the best neighborhoods in town, with a white picket fence out front and a big yard in back. Even if you think you’ve found the perfect place to call home, hiring a qualified home inspector for a thorough evaluation is critical before you commit to buying the property.
The purpose of a home inspection is to uncover hidden problems that could affect the home’s resale value, safety, or livability. The results could give you leverage to negotiate a lower price with the seller or even convince you to walk away. Learn which problems crop up most often during a home inspection so you know what kinds of things to watch out for.
1. Poor Yard Drainage
The house should have properly installed gutters, and the soil around the house should slope away from the foundation. These features help rainwater drain properly. Signs that the house has suffered damage because of poor drainage include:
- Eroded landscaping
- Stained or bowed basement walls
- Persistent musty odors
- History of basement flooding
2. Leaky or Outdated Plumbing
Pipes are another potential source of water damage. Here are some of the most common plumbing defects that a home inspection may uncover:
- Outdated ABS or Orangeburg piping
- Hidden leaks behind the walls or under the foundation
- Low water pressure
- Invasive tree roots in the sewer line
3. Roof Damage
The roof is among the most vital components to check during a home inspection. A damaged roof can lead to water intrusion and pest infestations, so don’t be caught by surprise. You know the roof is in poor condition if you spot these signs:
- Sagging roofline
- Soft spots indicating water damage
- Shingles littering the ground
- Poorly installed or missing flashing
- Water damage in the attic
- Yellow stains on the ceiling
- Aging surfaces in need of repair
4. Foundation Problems
A damaged foundation can be stressful and costly to resolve. Watch out for these signs that the house you want to buy has foundation issues:
- Cracked, bowing, or bulging walls
- Sloped or uneven floors
- Windows and doors that don’t shut properly
- Separating walls and building materials
5. Building Code Violations
Building codes exist to keep homes safe. Unfortunately, some homeowners take shortcuts with unauthorized home modifications. Your home inspector will be on the lookout for the following hazards:
- Missing smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
- Basement bedrooms with no egress windows
- Missing or broken bathroom and kitchen vents
- Dryer vents exhausting into the attic or crawlspace
6. Termite Damage
Termites are extremely destructive pests. If termite damage is noted during a home inspection, you’ll need to bring in a pest control contractor for a more thorough assessment. Signs of termites include:
- Mud tubes
- Sawdust-like mounds
- Moisture-damaged drywall and finishes
- Excessively squeaky floors
- Visibly damaged wood
- Hollow-sounding wood
7. Faulty Electrical Wiring
Outdated wiring, lighting equipment, and power cords cause over 32,000 home fires each year. Here are some of the most common home inspection problems involving electrical distribution systems:
- Exposed and fraying wires
- Knob and tube wiring
- Not enough outlets
- Frequently tripping circuit breakers
- Incorrectly spliced wires
- Missing or defective ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs)
8. HVAC System Defects
Many homeowners defer maintenance on their heating and cooling systems, allowing the equipment to fall into disrepair. This could lead to safety concerns, comfort problems, and unexpected repair or replacement costs shortly after buying a house.
The average home inspector ensures that HVAC equipment is present, but they don’t thoroughly inspect it. If the climate control system in the home you want to buy is over 10 years old, consider hiring an HVAC technician to perform a complete system check for your peace of mind.
9. Inadequate Insulation
If you attend an open house in the spring or fall, you have no idea how the house will feel—or how expensive it will be to heat and cool—during the peak of summer or winter. This largely comes down to how well the house is insulated. Insufficient attic and wall insulation is a common home inspection issue that could cause comfort problems and high utility bills in the coming years. Seek to have the problem corrected before moving in.
10. Poor Ventilation
Like insulation, ventilation affects home comfort and energy costs. A poorly ventilated space is also susceptible to stale indoor air, moisture buildup, mold growth, and wood rot. Home inspectors venture into the attic to check the vents there and assess the mechanical exhaust systems to determine if the house has adequate ventilation.
11. Indoor Air Quality Concerns
While proper ventilation can promote good indoor air quality, source control is also vital. Air quality testing during a home inspection can determine whether any of these common culprits are present and need to be removed:
- Toxic mold growth
- Radon exposure from decaying uranium in the soil
- Lead paint found in homes built before 1978
- Asbestos found in building materials installed before 1981
Apply for a Mortgage to Begin Your House-Hunting Journey
Many of the issues outlined here are difficult to spot on your own, which is why a home inspection is vital when buying a house. Ask your real estate agent to recommend qualified inspectors in your area and schedule an evaluation as soon as possible.
Before you do, set yourself up for success by getting pre-approved for a home loan. Financial Concepts Mortgage is a premier private mortgage lender in Oklahoma with more than 20 years of experience helping buyers finance their dream homes. We offer competitive rates on numerous types of home loans and would be happy to discuss your options. Fill out your application online or call us at (405) 722-5626 to apply over the phone.