Common Problems Found During Home Inspections

Phone: 252-670-8599

Reading a home inspection report for the first time can be overwhelming. Reports can range from around 30 to 100 pages, and contain a great deal of information about the home. Some of these conditions present real risk or potential expenses down the line, while others may not present any major issues. We’ve compiled a list of the most common home inspection findings in Eastern North Carolina. Let’s discuss the top common issues and what they mean for you as a potential new homeowner.

Roof Issues

Roof problems are quite common. As the house ages, the materials that cover the roof do as well. The national average to replace a roof is $8,000. Not a bad price considering most asphalt shingles last between 15 and 40 years, depending on your home’s location and the type of roof. If the roof hasn’t been maintained, it’s more likely to have significant issues now. Then, you can expect costs to pile up as soon as you take ownership of the home. This is why your home inspector will carefully look at the home’s roof and note the condition and potential leaks and defects.  However, this is usually not a deal breaker when a home is inspected. You may be able to negotiate a lower price on the home, or a “roof allowance” to allow you to replace the roof yourself.

       Inadequate Insulation and Ventilation in the Attic

Your inspection will include an examination of the home’s attic space, including both insulation and ventilation. Some homes were not built with energy efficiency in mind, particularly older homes.  While these are not structural issues, this may indicate that the home maybe uncomfortable in extreme weather and more difficult to heat or cool. For example, an attic that lacks proper ventilation may be swelteringly hot in the summer, which can increase the risk of mold and other problems. Some attics also may not have proper insulation, which reduces energy efficiency. Typically, its fairly simple to ventilate an attic or add more insulation- so if your inspector finds these issues it’s not a cause for concern.

Plumbing

Your inspector may note plumbing problems such as leaks, damage to pipes, low water pressure, or slow drains. If any signs of water damage or any other plumbing issues are found, a home inspector may suggest additional inspections or assessments. Plumbing problems should always be taken seriously due to other problems water can cause and the high costs of fixing water damage.

Poor Grading and Drainage Around the House

Protecting your home from water damage doesn’t just mean your roof and plumbing. The grade of your land can also impact your homes foundation, basement, or crawl space as it may become cracked or damaged. As noted above, water damage is always a cause for concern. If your home inspector finds the grading and drainage around the home could pose a risk, hire a professional to assess the foundation before continuing the home-buying process.

Electrical Issues

Most modern homes have an ample supply of electrical power and are wired to meet codes and standards. Often, this is not the case in older homes. Electrical problems can range from serious issues such as visible signs of dangerous knob and tube wiring. Or relatively minor and easily fixed defects like an improper number of GFCI outlets or a switch that doesn’t seem to be connected. While most inspection reports will note some electrical issues due to the age of the home or changing regulations, understanding these notes can help assess the value of your investment and cost of repair. Any issues that have an impact on safety should be remedied immediately.  Your home inspector should note further recommendations.

Learning the house you’re interested in has one or several of these issues can be a bummer, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have options. Getting a home inspection gives you bargaining power and takes the mystery out of what to expect down the road. Home inspections also help budget the costs of maintaining your home over the years. Hiring the right home inspector who won’t cut corners is key. Listen to their advice and do your due diligence with any other inspection recommendations. Contact us today to schedule home, septic, and termite inspections you can be confident in.

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