You’ll notice patterns once you have been in the home inspection business for a while like me. While I still come across interesting situations, the majority of the time I see the same problems in Edmonton homes time after time.
Some of these problems are related to our climate while others are caused by building materials, practices, and general wear and tear. While many of these issues aren’t serious, they often indicate a bigger problem later on. Protecting homeowners against costly, dangerous, and uncomfortable issues is a priority in my day to day work. This is why I will focus on some common problems that I see during inspections.
Top 5 Things a Professional Home Inspector Could Find
Outdated or Faulty Wiring
Faulty or obsolete wiring can lead to serious house fires. This is one of the biggest dangers in a home. Older homes with outdated wiring are a problem because they were constructed before modern technology required many plug-ins and appliances.
Faulty wiring can also be due to the materials used or DIY repairs by an electrician or homeowner. It’s a serious safety issue and should be a top priority during mold inspection in new jersey.
A Poorly Constructed Roof
Roof replacement can be very expensive so it is important to understand if it is necessary before you purchase a house.
Even the best homes can have roofing problems. It’s possible to detect leaks by missing flashing or shingles, but these problems can be fixed quickly. Certified home inspectors can inspect the roof from the attic, or by going outside to check it. Sometimes, if the roof is accessible and safe to walk on I will go outside to inspect the roof.
Furnace, HVAC Issues
The HVAC systems in Edmonton are subject to extreme temperatures, so they often need some maintenance or replacement. This is a very expensive replacement so it’s important to know the expected lifespan of your heating and air conditioning systems in your house.
I will not only check that the system works properly, but also look for safety hazards such as blocked ventilation.
Broken Foundations
Although a cracked foundation might not indicate a problem, it could be indicative of potential leaks. Real estate agents and homebuyers often want to find out if the foundation is cracked. Unfinished basements can be inspected visually, but it is harder to spot drywall. A combination of methods can be used to inspect the basement, such as looking for signs such as uneven door frames or sloping walls.
Badly-Sealed Windows or Doors
Many problems in a home can be caused by faulty windows or doors. Poor insulation, restricted access to certain areas (which can be dangerous), leaks, condensation, and poor soundproofing are all possible causes. Every home inspection includes checking all windows and doors.
Incorrectly sealed windows and doors are a major problem I see. Thermal imaging, in addition to checking weatherstripping and seals, can be used to detect dampness or coolness seeping in from the outside. There may be cost-effective solutions that I can recommend if sealing is an issue.
What’s included in a home inspection?
A home inspection involves a detailed process that includes a checklist and an inspection report. I will inspect all major systems in your house (or potential home), down to the smallest details that could affect your safety, financial well-being, and health.
