Common problems that pop up in a home inspection report
Every home is different. But when a property inspector puts together a home inspection report, there are a few common problems that pop up more often than others. Being aware of them might help you notice things while you are doing your own viewing, or prepare you for your own home inspection report.
Not to mention that, as a seller, it can be good to know what problems might pop up so you can have a look at your own home and make remedies before putting it on the market!
Pipes and plumbing
When it comes to plumbing, you can’t afford to keep things out of sight and out of mind. Particularly in older homes, materials used for pipes like lead and steel can corrode and be expensive to replace. Even copper pipes in newer homes don’t last forever. If pipes are leaking or looking like they’ll need repairs soon, it will be an important cost to factor into your purchase.
Insulation and ventilation
Summer is normally a popular time to buy homes, because homes tend to look a bit nicer in the sunshine! But if you don’t get a property inspection, it might be winter time before you realise that the home isn’t well insulated enough to hold in the warmth. Knowing how well your home is insulated will mean you can prepare for the sort of electricity bills you’ll be getting in winter!
Summer can also make it difficult to check whether a home has adequate ventilation and airflow other than doors and windows, which is a common problem that comes up in reports. If you spot mould in the home while walking through, particularly in the bathroom and laundry, it means there’s no adequate ventilation and that it’s not a very healthy place to live.
Old home appliances
If the home you are looking at comes with appliances, remember to double check that they are actually working! It’s a nasty surprise to move in only to discover that the washing machine or dishwasher isn’t working properly, which will become another cost you’ll have to add on.
Handrails
Handrails seem pretty minor, but you don’t want weak ones to fail when someone is leaning on them. While an inspector will give them a look, you too can get a sense of how secure they are when walking around the home.
The roof
Because the roof is difficult to check yourself, your property inspector will be sure to check it when they do an inspection. The roof can sometimes cause problems if it’s damaged or leaking, especially if the home is an environment that’s exposed to the elements. Replacing a roof is a big commitment, so you’ll want to make sure the roof has plenty of life left in it before signing on the dotted line.
Spotting common problems in a home inspection report
While these are some of the more common problems that pop up in an inspection to be aware of, there are a whole range of things a property inspector will look out for. To guarantee that your potential home won’t have any unpleasant surprises, book a property inspector and a home inspection report before making any commitments. You can inquire about a quote for a potential property via the form below!
