Common Defects

img_7458No house is perfect. Even the best built and best maintained homes will 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 active leaks 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 electrical wiring performed 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 window trims on the exterior.

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 new homes, it’s common to identify minor plumbing defects.