The following
is a list of common defects likely to appear in a typical home
inspection report:
1. Roofing
defects, caused by aging or improper installation are likely to be
found on most buildings. This does not mean that most roofs need
replacement, but that many are in need of maintenance and repair.
Roof penetration flashing require sealing on a regular basis.
2. Ceiling
stains indicate past or current leaks. The challenge is to determine
if the leak was repaired or will recur during the next rain.
Discovery is not always possible. Drywall is usually dry enough to
not show wet on a moisture meter after only a few days of the rain
stopping.
3. Faulty
surface drainage often causes water intrusion beneath buildings.
Such problems can be pervasive, difficult to resolve, and may cause
damage to building components. The absence of guttering or the
inadequate length of the discharge pipe leaves roof water run off at
the foundation walls.
4. Electrical
safety violations, either few or many, are to be found in the
majority of homes. Examples are ungrounded outlets, lack of GFI
protection, amateur wiring "improvements," double lugging at
breakers or fuses, and other conditions too numerous to name.
5. Rotted wood
is common where components remain wet for long periods. Exterior
locations are trim, eaves, and decks. Problems also occur at walls
and floors in bathrooms.
6. Code
violations are common where additions and alterations are built
without permits. Sellers often boast that, "We added the garage
without a permit, but it was all done to code." This is a red flag
to most inspectors.
7. Fireplaces
and chimneys are often unsafe. Common causes are amateur
installation of hardware and fixtures, exterior rust damage, or
simple failure to call a chimney sweep.
8. Water
heaters are seldom in total compliance with code requirements.
Violation include improper T&P valve discharge pipe, substandard
overflow pan piping, unsafe flue conditions, and faulty gas lines.
9. Gas
furnaces often harbor defects. These range from dirty filters to
faulty combustion; from poor airflow to exhaust hazards; from noisy
operation to inadequate fire clearance. Given the potential for
major consequences, annual servicing by HVAC company is recommended.
10. Air
Conditioners require regular service. In this area, due to high
levels of humidity, an air conditioner can produce 2 to 5 gallons of
condensate water per hour (depending on the size of the unit). Drain
lines are very subject to clogging because the water flowing through
them is essentially distilled and is loaded with all types of
organic spores, seeds, and cells from the room air passing through
the unit. This will clog the drain line and if the unit does not
have an emergency overflow pan the ceiling below is going to be
damaged. Cleaning of the exterior coil is also in order for proper
air flow.
11. Minor
plumbing defects are commonly found, including loose toilets,
dripping faucets, slow drains, leaking drains, hot water at the
right faucet, and so on.
12. Failed
seals are routinely found at dual pane windows, resulting in
fogging. This is most common with windows manufacturer during the
1980's
