A house purchase is a major investment. It doesn’t matter if you are buying a newly built home in perfect condition or a property that needs additional work. A home inspection is essential before you buy a house.

It is important to have a qualified inspector inspect the property in order to obtain a complete evaluation. It’s a good idea, however, to be able to identify the potential problems. Continue reading to learn more about the eight most common findings from a home inspection and what they might mean.

Common Problems During Home Inspections

Water Damage

Many home inspectors agree water damage to the structure can be costly and one of the most dangerous problems. Water is the most common cause of dry-rot, structural damage that can be costly, and toxic mold.

How to spot water damage

You should look for moisture stains on the ceiling, walls, windows, and water ponding near or under the foundation. A basement can indicate dampness. You should inspect your home for mold, mildew, water stains, or powdery residue. You should contact a professional home inspector if you see any of these signs.

Faulty wiring

Problematic electric systems are another costly problem. These are all signs that you should be concerned about when inspecting a house.

Older Homes and Home Fires

Faulty electrical wiring is the cause of many home fires. You may find extension cords everywhere in older homes that lack adequate power supply and outlets. Extension cords can cause fires by adding to the electrical load on your home.

Exposed Electrical Wires

Exposed electrical wires are another common problem in all homes. Exposed electrical wires are more susceptible to damage. If a wire is joined using only electrical tape or wire connectors to make it open splice, you will see them. This is usually done by a DIYer. These wires are often found in crawlspaces, garages, crawlspaces and above dropped ceilings. If you are looking to purchase a home, these dangerous areas should be repaired immediately.

Knob and-Tube Wiring

For a variety of reasons, knot-and-tube wiring is dangerous. The most important issue is the fire hazard that is created by the insulation. A grounding conductor is not provided for knob-and-tube wiring.

If your wiring does not have a grounding conductor it is more likely that you will have an electrical fire or a power surge that damages anything you plug in. This includes expensive items such as refrigerators, stoves, washers, dryers, TVs, and personal electronics.

Many home insurance companies won’t insure homes with knob and tube wiring due to the risks involved. This potentially dangerous wiring is not allowed in new homes. It is not required to be removed completely from a home, but there are no codes that require it. To be completely safe, ask your inspector before buying a home if there is knob-and-tube wiring.

Homes Built Between 1900 & 1950

Many homes built between 1900 and 1950 have inadequate or outdated fuse boxes. This means that the wiring in these homes may not be up to today’s standards and may need to have it completely replaced.

Tip: Curious about how much you will pay for your dream home?

Poor drainage and grade Sloping

This is often related to water damage as if your home isn’t graded properly, water won’t drain correctly.

Signs Of Poor Drainage

There will be spongy ground around your foundation and basement leaks. Different circumstances can cause different problems around your home. If the ground slopes towards the home, it can cause damp crawlspaces or movement of the foundation. Water wicking up the foundation can cause mold and rot.

Signs Of Grade Sloping Under The House

These signs are indicators of grade sloping.

  • Windows that don’t look square or off-kilter
  • When closed, interior doors have large, uneven gaps at their top
  • If left open, interior doors can be seen to swing to one or the other.
  • Floors visible to be sloping on one side or another

It can be costly to correct grade sloping. It is possible to fix these problems, but if the home you are considering purchasing has poor drainage or grade sloping it might be time to sell.

Problematic Gutters

Although not as expensive as other problems, damaged, bent or missing gutters can be costly. If gutters aren’t functioning properly, it means that water is not being directed away from the home in the proper way.

Another problem that could cause water damage to your home is the septic system. To prevent water intrusion, the home must be drained. If you do not have gutters or downspouts, installing them can prevent or correct drainage issues.

Roof Problems

Roofs can be troublesome and are often not visible when you tour a potential property. Roof problems that are often found during home inspections include:

  • Broken roofs
  • Brittle or curled Shingles
  • Broken or missing flashings
  • Improper installation
  • Old surfaces

Roof problems are one of the most expensive things you can find during a home inspection in Cape Coral FL. Many home buyers will consider alternatives if their roof is in poor condition.

Foundation Flaws

You may notice sloping floors or doors and windows sticking to the foundation, as well as doors and windows that move in one direction if left open. There are many other reasons foundation cracks can occur. It is expensive to repair the foundation of a house. In some cases, other serious issues can cause cracks in the foundation.

General disrepair

Poor home maintenance can result in costly repairs. You may need to repaint the home, replace the carpet, or re-pave the driveway. It could cost a lot to restore the home to livable condition if it hasn’t been maintained. The seller might be willing to do the necessary work and other factors such as the length of time the home has been listed. Checklist for home sellers.

Tip: Your realtor can help you negotiate with the seller the outcome of any repairs that are needed, regardless of whether they pay before or after you purchase.

Faulty plumbing

When touring a house, one of the most overlooked things is the plumbing. The process is easy:

  • Every faucet must be turned on
  • Every shower should be turned on
  • Every toilet should be flushed

In each location, check for signs of leaks, slow drains and inadequate water pressure. You should check for any drips from the pipes by opening the cabinet under the sink. Check the ceiling under each bathroom or kitchen if it is on the second floor.

Some plumbing systems only require minor repairs. It is not unusual to find a home that has plumbing problems and needs to be completely replaced.