I encounter defective components in homes on an everyday basis. A typical home inspection may reveal some of the following problems.
Poor drainage around the home - Although we don't get a great deal of rain in Northern Nevada, we DO have to water our lawns. All water needs to drain away from the building at its lower perimeter in order to prevent water intrusion. Roof gutters, downspouts and downspout extensions can be installed to rectify any roof drainage problems but in order for them to work properly they must not be clogged. Grading (sloped away from the foundation) is also very important. Most homes that I inspect need improvements in the grading because the previous homeowner has done some landscaping that has compromised the proper drainage of the lot.
Electrical - Insufficient overload protection to the home's electrical service and amateur (and often dangerous) wiring connections are the most common everyday issues. Home owners tend to get creative with electricity (particularly in older homes). Electrical system problems are safety related and require immediate attention by a licensed Electrician. Safety problems will be brought to the attention of the current home owner, as well as my client.
Heating/Cooling System Defects - Improper installations, inadequate maintenance, exhaust and combustion issues, aged components, and dirty filters are the most frequent issues I usually encounter on a daily basis.
Roof Issues - Improperly installed and aged roof surfaces occur frequently. I often find poorly installed or missing flashing at transition areas. I almost always find that satellite antennas have not been installed properly on a roof structure.
Plumbing Issues - The most common defects are leaking gaskets, deteriorated cast iron waste pipes, leaking and outdated problematic systems like polybutylene and galvanized piping. Repairs can often be performed by a licensed plumber.
Attic and Structural Damage - Cut, modified and broken trusses, rafters and floor joists are often found in attic cavities and on occasion I will find structural components missing. I rarely find that it is an imminent safety hazard.
Fire safety issues - Related to Electrical issues (above) and fireplaces and wood stoves are often neglected by homeowners. Smoke detectors are inoperable because of bad batteries, or in some cases have been disabled by the home owner.
Poor drainage around the home - Although we don't get a great deal of rain in Northern Nevada, we DO have to water our lawns. All water needs to drain away from the building at its lower perimeter in order to prevent water intrusion. Roof gutters, downspouts and downspout extensions can be installed to rectify any roof drainage problems but in order for them to work properly they must not be clogged. Grading (sloped away from the foundation) is also very important. Most homes that I inspect need improvements in the grading because the previous homeowner has done some landscaping that has compromised the proper drainage of the lot.
Electrical - Insufficient overload protection to the home's electrical service and amateur (and often dangerous) wiring connections are the most common everyday issues. Home owners tend to get creative with electricity (particularly in older homes). Electrical system problems are safety related and require immediate attention by a licensed Electrician. Safety problems will be brought to the attention of the current home owner, as well as my client.
Heating/Cooling System Defects - Improper installations, inadequate maintenance, exhaust and combustion issues, aged components, and dirty filters are the most frequent issues I usually encounter on a daily basis.
Roof Issues - Improperly installed and aged roof surfaces occur frequently. I often find poorly installed or missing flashing at transition areas. I almost always find that satellite antennas have not been installed properly on a roof structure.
Plumbing Issues - The most common defects are leaking gaskets, deteriorated cast iron waste pipes, leaking and outdated problematic systems like polybutylene and galvanized piping. Repairs can often be performed by a licensed plumber.
Attic and Structural Damage - Cut, modified and broken trusses, rafters and floor joists are often found in attic cavities and on occasion I will find structural components missing. I rarely find that it is an imminent safety hazard.
Fire safety issues - Related to Electrical issues (above) and fireplaces and wood stoves are often neglected by homeowners. Smoke detectors are inoperable because of bad batteries, or in some cases have been disabled by the home owner.
Common Defects in Homes
