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Common
Defects 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 the single most common
defect we find. Usually it doesn't mean the roof needs replaced, 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. 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. Rotted wood - Caused by being wet for extended periods of time, most commonly
found around tubs, showers and toilets inside, or roof eaves and trim outside. Water heater
installations - Many water
heaters are not installed in full compliance with local plumbing code, creating
a serious safety hazard to the property owner and the structure itself. Gas furnace - Most gas furnaces seem to be in need of routine maintenance such
as new filters or gas company certification, at the least. Many have other
issues such as faulty operation or inadequate fire clearance as well. Cracks or
holes in the heat exchanger are extremely difficult to identify and can allow
carbon monoxide to seep into the living space. Industry studies indicate that 1
in 10 furnaces have a cracked heat exchanger. We visually inspect each furnace
heat exchanger and perform a carbon monoxide test at the heat registers of the
living areas to assure that poisonous carbon monoxide gas is not being
introduced into the house. Plumbing
defects - Plumbing issues commonly found include dripping facets, leaking
fixtures, slow drains etc... Even in brand new homes, it is common to identify
minor plumbing defects. Call
McKinney Home Inspection, Inc. |