10 Most Common Home Inspection Problems



1.     Faulty Wiring:  Open junction boxes, amperage mismatches, no wire nuts on wires.
        The cure:  Fix junction boxes; upgrade to at least 100 amps.

2.     Poor grading and drainage:  Spongy soil around the foundation, signs of leaking in
        basement.
        The cure:  Regrade so that grounds slopes away from house for 10 feet; remove porous
        material around foundation.

3.     Faulty gutters:  Clogged or bent gutters, water not channeled away from house.
        The cure:  Preventive maintenance; gutters of adequate size, splash pans to divert run-
        off.

4.     Basement Dampness:  Water stains, powdery residue on walls, mold or mildew.
        The cure:  Repair gutters to channel water away from houses; apply waterproof
        coatings to basement.

5.     Roof Problems:  Brittle or curled shingles; broken or missing flashings.
        The cure:  Apply new shingle, or tear off if needed (usually after three re-roofs);
        replacing flashings, especially around chimneys and other protrusions.

6.     Foundation Flaws:  Cracks in foundation, sloping floors, sticking doors or windows.
        The cure:  Fill cracks with silicon caulking or epoxy; apply waterproof coating to
        exterior.

7.     Poor Upkeep:  Needs repainting, worn carpeting, cracked driveway.
        The cure:  Give the house a minor facelift.

8.     Faulty Plumbing:  Inadequate water pressure, slow drains, signs of leaks on ceilings.
        The cure:  Clean and rout drains; reseat toilet with new wax reing, repair leaks.

9.     Poor Ventilation:  Extreme heat in attic, vapor condensation.
        The cure:  Ensure that roof soffits are not blocked; install additional roof vents; vent
        bathroom and kitchen fans outside.

10.   Defective Heating:  Cracks in the heat exchanger or water tank; carbon monoxide
        leaks.
        The cure:  Reseal chimney flues; replace sacrificial anode in water heater.

Excerpted from "Top 10 House Problems," Practical Homeowner, Practical Homeowner LP, March 1990


Tip:  Buyers can get extra protection and piece of mind by purchasing a home warranty insurance policy.  Such policies may also be a way for sellers to protect themselves from post-sale claims by buyers for defects undetected in home inspections.

Tip:  According to the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS and the American Society of Home Inspectors, 84 percent of buyers requested a home inspection as part of the sales contract .