House hunting is very exciting, but the red tape involved in the purchase is not as fun. Some people get so busy in meeting with mortgage brokers, real estate agents, and moving companies; they tend to forget about the home itself. Understanding the current condition and history of a home is essential to the enjoyment of it. Without the full picture, you find yourself on the hook for several surprises.
A home inspection can fill in the gaps and prepare you for what to expect. While not mandatory, these inspections are often needed by banks financing a home mortgage.
A Certified Home Inspector offers professional, unbiased insight into the condition of a property. Your real estate agent might have some guidance on the home’s history, but only a home inspector can offer the in-depth knowledge you need before you sign on the dotted line. The home inspection can help you identify what lies below the floors or above the ceilings and much more.
As you prepare for your home inspection, here are the most common defects found during the inspection process:
- Poor Ventilation
Vapor condensation, discolored flooring, and high temperature are signs that a home has ventilation issues. The problem lies in several exterior vents. When a house does not have proper exterior vents, the airflow decreases. Over time, poor ventilation can lead to mold growth, which can have serious health implications for you.
Poor ventilation doesn’t mean you have to call off the deal. With the right ventilation solution, you can make sure that air is flowing properly while minimizing the risk of mold growth. Also, adding exterior vents doesn’t have to be expensive. So, if your home inspector reports poor ventilation in your dream house, ask the seller to chip in for the installation of additional vents.
- Roof Issues
Do you know that home’s workhorse is the roof? Well, the roof is exposed to the elements like no other part of the house, such as rain, snow, sleet and more. So, it is no wonder that roof problems are one of the most common defects found during home inspections.
Older roofs usually have missing or broken shingles, leaks, and other structural damage. Since it is quite hard to determine the roof’s condition from the ground level, better hire a Licensed Home Inspector to conduct a thorough examination.
- Faulty Wiring
The wiring issues are troublesome and also quite common. Inspectors frequently find problems like mismatched amperages, open junction boxes, and no wire nuts used on wires. Fortunately, these are easy fixes and can be solved promptly by an electrician.
But, for some buyers, old wiring is a dealbreaker. Before breaking a deal, talk to the home inspector about how serious the wiring issues are.
If you are having your home inspection soon, it is worth keeping these factors in mind to ease any anxieties you have about the process. When the inspection report is handed over to you, talk to your home inspector if in doubt. Remember, even the severe defect can typically be resolved with the right expert on the job.