Common Roofing defects: A common
problem found during home inspections is
problems with the roofing. I swear people
would rather sell a home than replace a
roof. Roofing removal and replacement can
cost $8,000o or so for an average home.
The money is well spent because if the roofing
is not changed before it fails expensive
problems are just about guaranteed to
occur.
Common Ceiling Stains: All stains are
indications of an active leak unless corrective
actions have been taken. As home
inspectors we lack crystal balls. If
stains exist the owner and or contractor must
tell you in writing what was done to cure the
problem and when or you are taking an open ended
risk.
Common Cause of Water Intrusion Below Grade:
Water in the basement is bad. It can
create high moisture conditions conducive to
mold and damage storage. Usually surface
water is the problem. Installation of
gutters, downspouts and improving drainage away
from the home are ways to solve may
problems. Installation of basement perimeter
drains should be a last resort, not a quick
fix.
Common Electrical Hazards:
I have been to thousands of homes and can not
tell you why or how some did not have a major
electrical fire. Many have such poor wiring
and lucky owners (no fire yet)
that I feel like asking the owner to go out and
pick some lottery numbers for me. Do not
play with electricity, you can cause a fire or electrocute
you or others.
Common Rotted Wood Under Plumbing Fixtures:
A water stain or two under a bathroom can cost
$15,000 or so to fix. If there is a stain
under bathroom assume it is active till proven
otherwise and keep in mind additional latent
damages must be expected to exist.
Common Building Biolations Additions and Alterations Without Permits:
Houses are seldom built perfect. Beware of
those who tell you all the work in the home was
performed by craftsman who pulled all the
permits and dealt with all the difficult municipal
inspectors. I am sure there are many great municipal
inspectors out there. I find it hard to believe
the only ones the owner tells us about are the
strict ones. I also find it hard to believe
they only used the best contractors. If
there were that many great contractors out there
I would still be a construction project
manager.
Common Home Defects, home problems and questions to ask during a home inspection about Common Home Defects.
