Buying a home is a big investment, most likely the largest purchase of your entire life. So you will definitely want to know that a prospective home doesn’t have any major problems. And that’s why home inspections are so important. Home inspectors are trained professionals and can usually find any flaws or defects in a home. But it’s still a good idea for you to have some understanding of what inspectors look for and some of the most common problems they encounter. Let’s take a look, then, at 6 problems often found during Murray Taylorsville home inspections.
1. Water Damage
One of the most costly problems often found during Murray Taylorsville home inspections is water damage. Water is the chief cause of rot, various kinds of structural damage, and toxic mold.
Common signs of water damage include water/moisture stains on ceilings and walls and around windows. Water pooling near the foundation and excessive dampness in basements are also tell-tale signs. Your inspector will be on the lookout for water stains, powdery residue on walls, evidence of mold and mildew.
2. Faulty Wiring
Faulty electrical wiring is another frequently found problem during home inspections and is the cause of many (avoidable) house fires.
“The most common issues are improper and undersized electric wiring, followed by reverse polarity wiring. Reversed polarity occurs when the hot wires and neutral wires are placed in the wrong terminal in the outlet. This can cause a short in the system and create a spark. Another common error involves attaching two electrical circuits at a single electric breaker, known as double tapped breakers.”
3. Grading/Drainage Issues
“Grade” refers to the slope of your lawn, and when it doesn’t slope the right way, you’ll have drainage problems, another of the common problems found during Murray Taylorsville home inspections.
“Grading issues arise when the soil around your home isn’t properly sloped away from the foundation. In most cases, this leads to water pooling around, or even flowing back towards, the foundation. If allowed to sit like this for too long the water can permanently damage the foundation. In homes that have abasement, this water can seep in, causing all sorts of issues including mold.”
Some sure signs of grading/draining issues are:
- Spongy ground around the foundation
- Water leaking into the basement
- Wet crawl spaces
- Movement of the foundation
- Cracking of the foundation
4. Roof Problems
Roof problems are some of the biggest problems discovered during Murray Taylorsville home inspections. Roof damage and other roof problems can lead to significant damage both inside and outside a house, and they are almost always expensive to fix.
“At the most basic level, an improperly installed roofing system can easily result in premature aging of the roof, and that’s before water intrusion does any damage to the interior. This part of the house is responsible for protecting us from harsh weather elements, including wind, heat, cold, and even rain, so proper installation and protection here is critical before potential damage becomes widespread.”
The difficulty here, though, lies in the fact that roof issues aren’t always visible or observable. Your Murray Taylorsville can give you tips on what to look for and how to work with inspectors to discover roof problems. To find out more, just call (801) 755-3865.
5. Plumbing Issues
Home inspections also frequently turn up plumbing issues. These should be a concern because they can not only lead to structural damage but can also present health hazards.
“Major problems usually involve leaking toilets, leaking faucets, and even leaks around the hot water heater caused by broken pipes and valves. And these leaks are about more than sewage. Leakage problems can cause mold, fungus, and mildew to develop. Additionally, they can rot wood panels, floorboards, and wall structure pieces. What’s more, improper plumbing may result in water contamination when water meant for consumption gets mixed with other water sources.”
Often, plumbing issues can be put right with only minor repairs, such as fixing leaks or unclogging drains. But it’s not all that uncommon to find homes that require replacing the entire plumbing system.
6. Foundation Flaws
Foundation flaws aren’t as common as these other problems, but they are sometimes discovered during home inspections. And they are costly to fix, especially if you have to take care of the underlying problems that led to the foundation issues.
Evidence of foundation flaws and issues include the obvious, such as cracks in the foundation. Other signs may be more subtle though – for example, sticking windows, doors that won’t close properly or swing open when left ajar, and sloping floors.
Work With Your Local Agent to Understand Home Inspections
Its certainly good to have some understanding of the common problems discovered during inspections, but inspection reports can still be difficult to understand for laymen. That’s why you should work closely with your Murray Taylorsville agent. Your agent can help you read the inspection reports so that you can be fully aware of any problems or even potential problems. If you don’t want to wind up buying a home with any of the problems often found during Murray Taylorsville home inspections, be sure to contact us today at (801) 755-3865.