What Leads To a Failed Home Inspection?

8 Common Findings that Fail a Home Inspection

Buying and selling a house is a stressful endeavor. The last thing you need is an inspector to find something wrong with your property. Inspections are an excellent tool for homebuyers to understand the nature of their new home, and without an inspection, you may be forced to pay thousands of dollars in repairs.

To goal of a home inspection is to make sure that the property is safe and secure, aligning with local building codes to keep residents protected. When you purchase a home, it is wise to double-check that all features are in good condition before moving in. On the other side, when selling a home, inspections can help ensure that your property is ready to hit the market.

To help you prepare for your home inspection, the team at Scheidt Home Inspection has compiled a list of findings commonly found in home inspections. With this list, you can act ahead of time to make sure your home is in great condition before meeting with a professional inspector.

1. Poor Property Drainage

If your home is on a hill, you must have systems in place that will draw water away from the structure. As water pools around the base of a house, it can cause severe structural damage. Retaining walls used in landscaping usually helps with drainage solutions to keep your property intact.

If you have frequent standing water or a slope that is greater than 3%, it might have an unfavorable result on an inspection report. As soil shifts, the foundation can be altered, which may be catastrophic for your home.

2. Roofing Issues

A strong structure is essential for any property. A good foundation means that those inside are protected from strong weather elements. However, the roof is included in the foundation, and even though it is hard to see the top of your roof, it is smart to make sure that it is in good condition.

If a home inspector comes to your property and finds loose shingles or visible damages to your roofing, they will make a note of it on the report. In the event that there are a lot of damages, the homeowner will need to have them repaired before trying to sell the property.

3. Wiring Problems

Exposed wires and other electrical problems are a huge hazard. Improper electrical features can lead to fires that will damage the property and even lead to injury in extreme cases. Unless the residents are trained electricians, most homeowners do not know how to repair damaged wires. An inspector will examine electrical features and make sure that any issues are noted.

4. Poor Ventilation

A home inspector will assess the ventilation and insulation of your home. Proper ventilation and insulation will keep the temperature of your home well-maintained. Many ventilation systems are in the attic of most houses, a space that is not frequently used. An inspector will examine the ventilation and determine the status.

5. Plumbing Problems

Plumbing is critical to have a highly functioning home. Whether the water heater is outdated, or the pipes are rusted, an inspector will look for all signs of damage. Undetected issues related to plumbing can lead to leaks which will then result in foundational damage to your property. Home inspections will help to find damages early on before they grow worse. With an inspection, you can decide what steps must be taken to restore the plumbing elements in your home.

6. Presence of Mold

Mold spores produce harmful gasses in the air, which may smell. Having a musty odor present will not perform well on a home inspection report. Mold can be very harmful to the health and wellness of residents, so it must be quickly addressed and removed.

Sometimes the smell of mold is not enough to know that it's there. Mold will grow in moist environments, and it can go unnoticed for months at a time. Stay on the lookout for damp corners and call in a specialist for assistance.

7. Radon

Radon is a harmful natural gas that easily goes unnoticed. Since it has no color and no odor, homeowners usually don't know that it is present until someone is experiencing health issues or an inspector discovers it. Due to its severe effects, radon is one of the most common factors that harm a home inspection.

8. AC Problems

The HVAC system is responsible for maintaining the temperature and ventilation of your home. As a large appliance, it can lead to problems throughout your whole home when even one feature isn't working right. A home inspector will look at all elements regarding your heating and cooling systems and make a note of them in the inspection report.