A home inspection typically only takes 2-3 hours, but can reveal plenty of problems with a home. Here is our list of the top 5.
1. Water Intrusion
Water damage can be tricky to identify. Thankfully we are fully trained to find this issue and recommend repairs. Be on the lookout for some of the following signs of water damage, which include:
Cracks and holes - Cracks or holes on the exterior walls are prime spots for water to enter your home.
Warped floors and damp carpets
Stained walls and ceilings - Even if the stain results from an old leak that has been repaired, inspectors will still check for mold buildup.
Peeling paint and wallpaper - This issue may be an indicator of a leak behind the walls.
Musty odors - This problem can be an indication of mold buildup, often caused by leaks.
2. Termite Damage
Termite inspections are one of our most popular and highly recommended portions of a home inspection because you can not often see their damage with the naked eye. Most of the time, once you notice termite damage, it is too late to resolve. Here are some of the ways, certified home inspectors can be sure to spot the things that you can't see:
Buckling floors
Dry rot in wood floor joists
Wood rot in door and window frames
Soft/damp wood
The presence of mud tubes bored into the soil near the foundation or directly into the home.
Swarms around indoor or outdoor lights
Small mounds of what looks like sawdust
3. Radon
Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that occurs when uranium in soil breaks down. Radon gas is released as a byproduct of that breakdown and can cause many health problems such as lung cancer when exposed to high levels.
Location - Areas such as the Appalachian Mountains and upper Midwest have higher amounts of radon present, as sheetrock and wood are frequently used building materials in these areas.
Foundation Type - Homes built with dirt floors in basements or crawl spaces have nothing to protect against the rise of radon from the soil.
Foundation Cracks - Cracks provide a perfect spot for the gas to seep into your home.
Well Water - Groundwater can have radon present in it. Therefore, it is essential to have these levels checked regularly in wells.
4. Unsealed Windows
Poorly sealed windows not only deliver high electricity bills, but can also be a prime target for a security breach. Here are the top things we look for:
Condensation in the window
White, powdery substance around the windows
Shower-like scum build-up inside the windows
5. Roof Problems
The roof is one of the critical components of a home inspection as it is an essential part of the home. Here are some of the everyday things we look for during a roof inspection:
Sagging - This problem occurs when the joists of your home are weakened and cannot properly hold the roof in place. This issue can be exasperated by large amounts of snow or poor drainage from your roof.
Overall condition of the roof sheathing - Particularly in areas around chimneys or other roof penetrations and valleys of the roof.
Soft spots that indicate leaks - These can be further identified by a deeper look in your home’s attic.
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