What are the most common home inspection issues?

  • Faulty wiring—open junction boxes, amperage mismatches, no wire nuts on wires.
    • The cure: Fix junction boxes; upgrade to at least 100 amps.
  • Poor grading and drainage—spongy soil around the foundation, signs of leaking in basement.
    • The cure: Regrade so that grounds slopes away from house for 10 feet; remove porous material around foundation.
  •  Faulty gutters—clogged or bent gutters, water not channeled away from house.
    • The cure: Preventive maintenance; gutters of adequate size, splash pans to divert run-off.
  • Basement dampness—water stains, powdery residue on walls, mold or mildew.
    • The cure: Repair gutters to channel water away from house; apply waterproof coatings to basement.
  • Roof problems—brittle or curled shingles; broken or missing flashings.
    • The cure: Apply new shingle, or tear off if needed (usually after three re-roofs ); replacing flashings, especially around chimneys and other protrusions.
  • Foundation flaws—cracks in foundation, sloping floors, sticking doors or windows.
    • The cure: Fill cracks with silicon caulking or epoxy; apply waterproof coating to exterior.
  • Poor upkeep—needs repainting, worn carpeting, cracked driveway.
    • The cure: Give the house a minor facelift.
  • Faulty plumbing—inadequate water pressure, slow drains, signs of leaks on ceilings.
    • The cure: Clean and rout drains; reseat toilet with new wax ring, repair leaks.
  • Poor ventilation—extreme heat in attic, vapor condensation.
    • The cure: Ensure that roof soffits are not blocked; install additional roof vents; vent bathroom and kitchen fans outside.
  • Defective heating—cracks in the heat exchanger or water tank; carbon monoxide leaks.
    • The cure: Reseal chimney flues; replace sacrificial anode in water heater.