If you are selling your home, you probably know that any potential buyer is likely to require a professional home inspector to inspect your home to identify any potential problems within your home. This can be a difficult time as most homes have problems that have developed over time. Let’s take a look at some of the most common problems that home inspectors often find. You may be able to fix many of these problems before a home inspection is done.
1. Plumbing
Plumbing is the #1 problem home inspectors find in a home. Look around your house for exposed pipes and check for any type of water leak. It is easy to do. Check all faucets for leaks, especially the water connection to your washing machine…this is often a problem.
A special note here: If your house was built between 1978 and 1995, check to see if your plumbing uses polybutylene pipe. Polybutylene pipe was widely used during this period because it was inexpensive. It is gray in color and looks like plastic. If you have polybutylene pipe, it is a major red flag on any home inspection report because this type of pipe deteriorates and fails.
2. Electric
The second most frequently encountered problem by home inspectors is electrical. Home inspectors will find many electrical outlets that are loose or simply not working. The new owners will want to repair them.
Also, home inspectors will point out if key electrical outlets, like the ones in the kitchen, are GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) circuits. These are a type of electrical outlet that will shut off if there is a sudden surge in electrical current. In new construction, they are often required in certain rooms of the house, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor power outlets.
Improperly wired switch boxes are another common problem. Sometimes the switches being used are the wrong size or just don’t fit properly. This is a big concern in older homes that haven’t been updated.
3. Heating
Most homeowners believe that they only need to change the filters on their heating system every few months. Potential buyers may want to see if annual maintenance has been kept up on the heating system. Any leaks in the piping or inside the unit could result in dangerous gas leaks or carbon monoxide poisoning. This is a critical inspection point for home inspectors.
4. Roof
Problems on the roof or inside the attic often show up on home inspection reports. On average, it costs more than $1,500 per year to heat and cool a home. Not having enough attic insulation is often a problem that leads to higher energy costs. Insulation requirements vary by geographic region, so it’s easiest to go online and find insulation calculators for your region.
Cracked and broken shingles on your roof are a major problem that is often encountered. But also, home inspectors often find flashing that hasn’t been installed properly, allowing water to seep into the house. Inspect and correct these problems before having a professional home inspection.
5. Drainage
Home inspectors often find drainage problems. They often find that the grading around their home does not transport water properly during periods of heavy rain. Water will “pool” around the foundation and often seep through. If you have water stains on the interior wall of your basement, this is often a critical issue that needs to be corrected.
Home inspectors also say they find many gutter systems don’t carry water far enough from the house. That means it could “build up” against your home’s foundation and allow water to seep in. This is why the gutters were originally installed, so make sure the gutters don’t stop for a few feet.
Getting your home ready to sell involves more than just cleaning it. Review the things listed above and you’ll avoid many surprises that could come your way when trying to close the deal. And don’t forget, when you’re ready for a professional home inspection, look for one that has many years of experience and recommendations to go along with that experience.