Electrical Wiring
Electrical wiring can be a serious, and possibly deadly problem if overlooked during an inspection. The home inspection professional should check the electrical box to make sure that it is capable of supplying the needed power throughout the home. Older homes may have wiring that is not up to code, which the new home buyer will have to upgrade if not discovered before the inspection. Insulation on old wiring wears away after time, which can cause fires.
House Grading
The grade of the home and the lot is one of the most overlooked issues for home buyers. To avoid lower-level moisture and foundation issues, the property around the home must slope slightly away from the home. Experts suggest a slope of around one inch per foot for the first 5 feet of slope. Improper grading will cause basement flooding and could cause the foundation to crack and shift. Missing this item in the home inspection can quickly turn the dream of home ownership into a nightmare.
Plumbing
Plumbing can be one of the costliest, and messiest, issues that get missed in home inspections. Leaks in plumbing pipes can cause numerous other issues, such as mold and rotting of wood floors and walls. Older homes may have lead pipes, which can contaminate the water supply and is hazardous to the health of everyone in the home. Buyers need to ensure that the inspection professional also looks at the water meter, the water heater, and the wastewater system.
Foundation
Overlooking foundation problems in the home inspection can lead to huge expenses for homeowners down the road. The inspection should include looking for cracks and gaps in foundation walls, both inside and outside of the home. Sagging ceilings, moisture in the basement, and warping in the walls can all be signs of foundation issues due to water damage.
Roof and Gutters
Obviously, issues in the roof and gutter system of a home can be a significant problem, but the symptoms can be easily missed during inspections. The inspector should go on the roof to look for missing or warped shingles, as well as signs of water or ice damage. A leaking roof will cause water stains in the attic or crawlspace, and sometimes even on exterior walls. Debris clogging the gutters can also cause roof and wall leaks. Gutters should be thoroughly checked for debris and fallen roofing materials. The inspection should also ensure that the gutter system is dispensing of the water correctly. Improperly designed or installed gutter systems can cause water buildup around the house, and lead to foundation issues.
Mold
Most homes have a little surface mold somewhere, but toxic black mold can develop in wet basements, attics, or anywhere that has experienced flooding or persistent leaks. Black mold can be a stubborn and costly problem to eliminate and can cause numerous negative health effects. Buyers should make sure that the inspection covers common areas for mold growth, such as basement walls, window sills, or under sinks.
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