8 Common Home Inspection Issues: Fix Now or Later?
Buying a home is an exciting milestone, but finding the perfect place for your family is not easy. It demands patience, effort, time, and money. In the home buying process, the home inspector plays a critical role in identifying all the common problems so that you can make an informed decision, leading to a fair offer.
An inspector from a certified home inspection company such as The BrickKicker examines the home and highlights all the issues that are not visible to the naked eye. The home buyers can make an offer based on the home inspection report. Sometimes, the home inspector identifies costly problems that can deeply damage the home’s structure. These severe issues might be the reason for breaking the deal, as it is not a good decision to invest in such properties. However, some issues are minor and require a minimal repair cost that can be negotiated in the home-buying process.
In this blog, we will discuss the 8 common home inspection issues noticed in a home assessment (inspection). Let’s also discuss whether they can be easily repaired or maintained immediately or can be dealt with later.
Common Issues Found in Home Inspections
Below are some common problems that a home inspector highlights in the home inspection report. It will help when you buy or sell a property. Here, we will discuss the common problems found during a home assessment from a certified home inspection company, such as The BrickKicker.
1. Roof Problems
The roof is an important part of home inspection. The home inspector examines the home thoroughly and highlights all the hidden defects that can’t be seen with the naked eye. The common problems they may find include scratches or cracks on the roof, which may be the reason for water seepage into the walls. Water seepage into the walls can damage the structure of a home. The damage or clogged gutters restrict water flow; it could also be the reason for water seepage and cracks in the walls.
Repair Problems Now or Later
Fixing the roofing problem depends upon the severity of the issues. Suppose the inspector finds active leaks, like the roof has deep cracks that allow the water to pass. This problem needs to be fixed immediately to prevent the structure of a home.
If the roof has minor wear or a slight granular loss, these issues can be scheduled, and you can repair them later. However, you need to keep in mind that the weather also affects the roof. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain the roofing problems as soon as possible so that you can save yourself from facing any major problems in the future.
2. Electrical System
The problems in the electrical system are a major concern during a home inspection. The home inspector highlights all problems, no matter how minor they are. This plays a crucial part in the safety of a home and protects it from any hazards. The common problems that a home inspector finds in a home inspection are old wires, which show signs of wear and tear. Additionally, the issues include an overloaded circuit and the missing GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter). Any problem in the electrical system needs attention so that it may not become the reason for any fire issues.
Repair Problems Now or Later
Electrical problems cannot be ignored, they require immediate attention if they have any issues. A minor issue in the electrical system can lead to a major problem. The outdated electrical wires must be addressed promptly because they cannot meet the current requirements and do not follow the safety parameters. Outdated wires consume more energy, so you face high electricity bills. The labels on circuit breakers help to understand the specific part of a home. Therefore, it is necessary to label them so that you can quickly shut down the power to a particular portion of your home. It is not a problem that needs immediate attention, but it is better to resolve it as soon as possible.
3. Plumbing Issues
The common problems in the plumbing system are clogged or cracked water pipes and leakage from faucets. The cracks in the water pipes not only waste a lot of water but also provide an ideal environment for mold. The humidity and the water leakage are the best combination for mold to thrive. Mold spores are very lightweight and float in the air. It causes harmful diseases such as respiratory problems and skin allergies.
Repair Problems Now or Later
If the plumbing system has cracks or is clogged, it requires immediate attention and needs to be fixed without wasting any time. This is mainly because clogged water pipes can burst; additionally, if the faucets are leaking, a lot of water can be wasted, and you need to fill your tank repeatedly, which will be the reason for high electricity bills. However, minor problems such as a slightly clogged drain or a small amount of water dripping from the faucets can be repaired later.
4. HVAC System Issues
The HVAC system plays a crucial role in maintaining the temperature of a home. A dusty or clogged air filter, cracks in the ducts, thermostat, and issues with the refrigerant are common problems in an HVAC system. The air filter resists the dust particles and allows the safe and clean air to circulate in the home. If the filter is clogged or dusty, the pump needs to work hard, and the result is that it will be overheated. Due to the overheating of the components, the life of an HVAC system decreases.
Repair Problems Now or Later
Cracks, thermostat issues, and leakage in the HVAC system need immediate attention. Therefore, it is necessary to fix these problems as soon as possible. While problems like minor wear and tear of the ducting insulation can be fixed later, you should keep these problems in mind and fix them as soon as possible.
5. Structural Problems
The structure of a home provides safety to you and your family. A professional home inspector identifies all the hidden problems that can damage it. The common problems in the home’s structure are cracks and gaps in the walls or sagging floors. These cracks allow the water to seep into the walls and damage the structure of a home.
Repair Problems Now or Later
If the home inspector finds movement or a severe crack, it requires immediate repair before it may cause some major problems in the future. However, minor cracks on the walls and foundation can be scheduled and repaired later.
6. Water Damage and Mold
Water damage can destroy the structure of a home. A home inspector identifies all the problems that can damage the water pipes. The cracks in the water pipes waste a lot of water, and you need to fill your water tank repeatedly. These are the major problems that need the special attention of homeowners.
Repair Problems Now or Later
Water damage needs the special attention of a homeowner. Cracks may be the reason for water seepage. Therefore, water-related problems must be resolved immediately. The humidity and the water damage provide an ideal environment for the growth of mold. Every minor sign of mold must be taken into consideration, as the presence of mold can cause harmful diseases like shortness of breath and other allergic issues.
7. Pest Infestation
A common problem a certified home inspector may find in a home inspection procedure is pest infestation. Various pests can be detected in a home, such as termites, cockroaches, and carpenter ants. These pests destroy the wood structure and exacerbate major health issues such as allergies and asthma.
Repair Problems Now or Later
Pests such as termites and carpenter ants are a major problem. They damage wooden structures and spread health problems like asthma and respiratory issues. Therefore, it is necessary to get rid of these pests immediately. If the pest issue is minor and isolated, it might not require any immediate action.
8. Foundation Cracks
Foundation cracks are a common problem in the home inspection procedure. A strong and well-maintained foundation provides a safe zone for you and your family. With a strong base, the building can bear the weather effects. Soil movement and poor drainage are the main reasons for cracks in the foundation.
Repair Problems Now or Later
If the cracks are horizontal in the foundation, it is necessary to address them immediately. Because these cracks are due to soil movement and poor drainage, if the cracks are vertical, you can schedule to repair them (without delaying much).
Final Words
Before buying or enlisting a home, it is a wise choice to get a thorough home inspection. A professional home inspector can identify common issues in a property that are not easily visible. Their findings will help you understand which part of the building requires immediate maintenance. The home inspection plays a vital role in the buying process. Therefore, we strongly recommend hiring a certified home inspection company like The BrickKicker, to get a professional home inspection that will help you invest in a home wisely.