The 5 Most Common Home Inspection Issues

Whether you are thinking about selling your house in the next few months or whether you plan to stay put for the foreseeable future, it is important to stay on top of home maintenance issues so a minor problem doesn't lead to a more expensive issue or damage down the road. A recent article in REALTOR magazine highlighted the following as the 5 most common issues that arise during home inspections and what you can do to ensure these issues are not a problem.

1. Improper Electrical Wiring - Open wires, faulty wiring, inadequate overload protection - all of these are very common occurrences that could be cited on a home inspection report.
Preparation Tip: Call a qualified and licensed electrician to evaluate the wiring prior to the inspection so that you may alleviate costly repairs cited in the report.

2. Roof Deterioration - Old or damaged shingles can lead to leaks but easy and inexpensive repairs to damaged tiles or shingles can stave off more costly and extensive damage; i.e., water stains, damaged sheetrock or plaster, etc.
Preparation Tip: Use binoculars to check for any damaged, loose or missing shingles. Cut overhanging tree branches back from the roof.

3. Improper surface grading or drainage - Water can enter a home and cause major damage if proper drainage isn't in place. Basements and crawl spaces are most vulnerable.
Preparation Tip:When it rains, grab an umbrella and observe how your home sheds water. Does it disappear into a window? You might need to install, realign or repair a damaged gutter and downspout system to ensure proper drainage.

4. Plumbing problems- Dripping faucets, corroding or mismatched piping, faulty fixtures, rocking toilets and improperly installed hot water heaters are all sources of common plumbing problems.
Preparation Tip:Make sure toilets are securely bolted. Check all faucets, valves and hose bibs for potential leaks and fix them right away so they do not lead to more damage such as mold, mildew or structural damage.

5. Poor overall upkeep- Cracked, peeling or dirty painted surfaces, inside and out can signal overall neglect. Decayed caulking around windows and doors may be more than an eyesore -it may be compromising the efficiency of your heating and air systems leading to higher utility costs.
Preparation Tip: Walk around the interior and exterior of your house at least once a year with a scrutinizing eye. Consider hiring a home inspector for a maintenance inspection to identify any conditions that may lead to more serious defects later.