9 Common Home Inspection Reveals You Should Be On A Lookout For

Most homeowners need to be aware of the potential hidden defects, lurking issues, and home problems. These behind-the-scenes problems can lead to secondary issues if left unchecked. That’s why it’s essential to have a regular home inspection by a qualified home inspector. During a St Louis home inspection, the inspector will look for any problems in the home. This includes checking behind walls and under floorboards for any potential issues. If any problems are found, the inspector will provide a report detailing what needs to be fixed. Taking action on any problems during an inspection is essential, as they could lead to bigger issues. Ignoring these problems could cost you more money in the long run, so if you want to keep your home in tip-top shape, schedule regular inspections and take care of any problems.

During a home inspection, many minor problems that may not be significant can be revealed. Still, they could indicate larger issues. For example, cracks in the foundation or walls may be small but could indicate structural problems. Loose shingles or chipped paint may not seem like a big deal but could indicate water damage or other issues. Having a professional home inspector look at your potential new home is essential to uncover any hidden problems that could become more significant issues. They will know what to look for and can provide you with a detailed report of their findings.

9 Major Defects Found in Houses

So while home ownership can be a wonderful thing, it can also come with challenges. One of the biggest challenges is ensuring your home is safe and sound, free from any defects that could compromise its structural integrity. In this article, we’ll look at some major defects commonly found during home inspections to help you make sure your house is in good shape!

While some defects can be minor and easily fixed, others can be major and expensive. Here are some of the most common major defects found in houses:

The Foundation

Your home must be built on a strong foundation. Otherwise, you may find yourself dealing with major problems down the road. Here are some of the common foundation defects that homeowners should be aware of

1. Settlement: This is when your foundation begins to sink into the ground. This can cause cracks in your walls and floors, and doors and windows may no longer fit properly.
2. Water infiltration: If your foundation is not properly sealed, water can seep in and cause damage to your home’s structure.
3. Poor drainage: If the rainwater cannot drain away from your foundation, it can pool around your home and lead to flooding or water damage.
4. Soil erosion: Over time, the soil around your foundation can erode, leaving your home unstable and at risk of collapse.

Electrical

When buying an older home, it’s important to be aware of the potential for electrical problems. Here are some electrical defects found in houses:

– Outdated or faulty wiring. This is one of the most dangerous defects, which can lead to fires or shocks. If you’re buying an older home, have the wiring inspected by a qualified electrician.

– Lack of ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs). These devices are essential for protecting against electrical shocks, so make sure that your home has them installed in all areas where there is potential for water exposure (e.g., kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms).

– Inadequate outlet spacing. If outlets are too far apart, it can be difficult to plug in appliances and other devices. This is often a problem in older homes where outlets were not originally designed for the amount of electricity we use today.

– Dimmer switches that are not compatible with LED bulbs. If you plan on using LED bulbs (which are more energy-efficient), make sure that your dimmer switches are compatible. Otherwise, you may end up with flickering lights or uneven illumination.

Plumbing: Major Defects Found in Houses

Your home’s plumbing is one of the most important systems, and the consequences can be disastrous when it goes wrong. From burst pipes to backed-up sewer lines, plumbing problems can lead to extensive water damage, mold growth, and costly repairs.

While some plumbing problems are minor and can be easily fixed, others are much more serious and require the attention of a professional. In this article, we’ll look at some of the most common plumbing defects found in homes and what you can do to prevent them.

One of the most common plumbing problems is a leaky pipe. Leaks can occur anywhere in your home’s piping system but are often found in areas where pipes are exposed to heat or cold (such as in the attic or basement). Leaks can cause serious water damage and mold growth if not repaired promptly.

Another common issue is clogged drains. Clogs can be caused by hair and soap buildup to grease and food scraps. Clogs can form in any drain in your home but are most commonly found in sinks, showers, and toilets. If left untreated, clogged drains can cause sewage backups and flooding.

If you suspect a plumbing problem, it’s important to call a professional immediately. Plumbing issues rarely fix themselves, and they will only aggravate over time.

Roofing & Siding

When it comes to the roof and siding of a house, several potential problem areas can lead to major defects. Here are some of the most common issues that home inspectors find:

1. Roofing: One of the most common problems with roofs is leaks. Various things, such as missing or damaged shingles, improper flashing, or inadequate drainage, can cause these. Leaks can cause extensive damage to a home if left unrepaired, so it’s important to have them fixed as soon as possible.
2. Siding: Another common issue with siding is damage from weather or pests. This can include cracked or loose boards, gaps in the seams, or holes chewed through by animals. Siding damage can let water and air into your home, which can lead to further damage down the road.
3. Gutters and Downspouts: Gutters and downspouts are designed to keep water away from your home’s foundation. However, they can become clogged with leaves and debris over time, which can cause them to back up and overflow. This can lead to water seeping into your basement or crawlspace, which can cause serious damage.
4. Windows and Doors: Windows and doors are another common source of leaks in homes. This is often due to poorly sealed or caulked joints around the frames. In some cases, the windows themselves may be faulty and

Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC)

One of the most common defects found by St Louis home inspectors in houses is problems with the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Many homes have inadequate or poor-quality HVAC systems that do not heat or cool the home properly. In some cases, the HVAC system may be too small for the size of the house, resulting in uneven temperatures throughout the home. Poorly designed or installed HVAC systems can also lead to high energy bills and indoor air pollution.

Appliances

One of the most common problems found in houses is defective appliances. Appliances are a necessary part of everyday life, and when they don’t work properly, they can be a major inconvenience. Some of the most common appliance problems include:

-Refrigerators that don’t keep food cold enough

-Ovens that don’t heat up properly

-Dishwashers that leak or don’t clean dishes adequately

-Washing machines that don’t spin clothes properly or leave them too wet

-Dryers that take too long to dry clothes or damage them

If you’re experiencing any of these issues with your appliances, it’s important to have them repaired as soon as possible. Depending on the problem, you may be able to fix it yourself, or you may need to call in a professional. Either way, it’s important to fix the problem so your appliances can continue working properly.

The Exterior of the Home

When inspecting a home’s exterior, pay close attention to the condition of the siding, trim, windows, doors, roof, and gutters. All of these components play an important role in protecting the home from weather damage.

Siding: Look for cracks, holes, or loose panels. If the siding is made of wood, look for rot or water damage signs.

Trim: Inspect the trim around windows and doors for cracks or missing pieces.

Windows: Look for cracked or broken glass and any gaps around the window frame. Make sure that all windows open and close properly.

Doors:

1. Check that all doors open and close properly.
2. Pay close attention to the condition of the weather-stripping around doors.
3. Inspect the door frames for any cracks or damage.

Roof:

1. Inspect the roof for any missing or damaged shingles.
2. Look for any signs of leaks around skylights or chimneys.
3. Ensure that gutters are securely attached to the roof and free of debris.

Gutters:

Check that gutters are free of debris and properly draining away from the home.

Landscaping and Yard Care

Assuming you have a home with a yard, there are some things you can do to help keep your property looking its best and avoid having any major defects. First, it is important to keep up with landscaping and yard care. This means mowing the lawn, trimming hedges and trees, and removing dead leaves or debris. You should also make sure to water your plants and grass regularly. If you have a garden, you need to weed it and keep an eye out for pests.

In addition to regular maintenance, you should be on the lookout for any problems with your landscaping or yard. If you notice any areas of your lawn that are dying or seem unhealthy, you will need to take action to correct the issue. Otherwise, it could spread and kill off other parts of your lawn. With trees and shrubs, you should watch for overgrowth or diseased branches that need to be trimmed back or removed.

By taking good care of your landscaping and yard, you can avoid having any major defects that could decrease the value of your home.

The Interior of the Home.

When it comes to the interior of a home, several potential problem areas can be found. These include:

-Walls: cracks in the walls, water damage, etc.

-Ceilings: cracks, water damage, sagging

-Floors: unevenness, creaks, warping

-Doors and windows: drafts, leaks, poor insulation

-Electrical System: outdated wiring, faulty outlets, overloading circuits

These areas can pose serious problems for a homeowner if they are not addressed promptly. If you notice any of these issues in your home, contact a professional for help.

We hope this article has helped you identify and recognize the ten major defects in houses. Awareness of potential problems is essential when protecting your wallet and your health, so don’t hesitate to call in a professional from Hawley Inspections if anything suspicious arises! Knowing these common issues can help you assess the condition of a property before you make an offer or keep an eye out for any changes while living in your current home.