No house is perfect. Even the best built and best maintained homes will always have a few items in less than perfect condition. Below are some of the items we most commonly find when inspecting a home: Roofing Problems with roofing material are among the most common defects we find. Often it doesnt mean the roof needs replacement, simply that it is in need of maintenance or repair. Ceiling stains Caused by past or present leaks, ceiling stains are very common. It can be difficult to tell whether the stains are from leaks still present, or were caused by leaks which have since been repaired. In either case it is important to investigate and, if necessary, correct the source of the problem. Electrical hazards Most common in older homes, but often found in newer homes as well. Electrical hazards come in many forms, from ungrounded outlets to wiring done incorrectly by the homeowner. Outdated fuse boxes and potentially dangerous or antique wiring are often found. Missing Ground Fault Circuit Interupters in potentially 'wet' areas are an all too common problem. All electrical repair work should be performed by a qualified licensed electrician. Rotted wood Caused by being wet for extended periods of time, most commonly found at the exterior porch and trim components of the house but sometimes around tubs, showers and toilets inside. Water heater installations Many water heaters are not installed properly or have missing safety features. Furnaces and Boilers Many heating systems seem to be in need of routine maintenance such as new filters, cleaning or leakage. Other issues such as faulty operation or inadequate fire clearance are frequently observed. Frequently, heating and air conditioning components are near or beyond their normal life expectancy. Plumbing defects Plumbing issues commonly found include dripping faucets, antique piping, improper or amateur plumbing, leaking fixtures, slow drains etc... Even in brand new homes, it is common to identify minor plumbing defects. |