Investing in a new home can be nerve-wracking, especially if you are a first-time home buyer. Hiring a Gainesville home inspection company to thoroughly inspect a potential home is crucial to determining the actual condition of the property and whether it will require any additional repairs.

The condition of the house and its systems are assembled in a detailed home inspection report. However, you must possess a general understanding of the problems a house can have to correctly decode the inspection report. Below are the 8 (eight) most common problems found during home inspections.

8 (Eight) Common Problems That Show Up During a Home Inspection

1. Water Damage

Water can be one of the most damaging elements for a home. It can compromise the entire structural integrity of the house and lead to mold and mildew growth, which can be toxic for your family members and lead to several health issues. This mostly happens because of leaks and occurs in places like the roof, bathrooms, or basements. If you spot any water spots on the ceilings, walls, or below the windows, make sure to book an appointment with a home inspector immediately. A damp basement can also mean water has entered the house’s foundation, which can be one of the costliest repair jobs.

2. Damaged or Faulty Roof Systems

Roofs can be one of the costliest things to repair or replace. Any significant damage to the roof of a house can cause subsequent damage to the interiors and exteriors of a home. The most common type of roof damage is improper installation, water penetration, worn roofs, missing or curled shingles, and broken flashings. Suppose you are inspecting a home and you discover problems with the roof system. In that case, it is wiser to look for another option or factor in the cost of a roof replacement while negotiating the price of the home.

3. Leaking or Faulty Plumbing

Poorly installed plumbing systems can cause a lot of water damage. Some of the after-effects of a faulty plumbing system are damaged walls, low-pressure in the faucets, and clogged drains. The best way to check for plumbing issues is to turn on every faucet and every showerhead to check for proper pressure and flush every toilet. If you see any signs of leaks or slow-moving drainage systems, especially behind the cabinets under the sink, it can signify a much bigger problem elsewhere. You can also check for leaks by examining the ceiling under any upstairs kitchen or bathrooms in the form of water stains. Although minor plumbing leaks are an easy fix, if there are signs of leaks on walls or ceilings, they can require extensive repairs.

4. Faulty Electrical Systems

Electrical faults are the leading causes of household fires. Therefore, it is paramount that the electrical systems are perfect and in proper working order to safeguard your home and your loved ones. Especially when it comes to older homes, their wiring systems may not be compatible with the power requirements of modern appliances. Exposed electrical wires are a major red flag as they can pose a serious threat to anyone living in the home. A home should also have a proper grounding, which can protect you in the event of an unlikely power surge. You should ask the realtor for details on the current wiring system’s power ratings and visually inspect all the accessible fuse boxes.

5. Poor Grading and Drainage

If you find that the ground around a property’s foundation is spongy or there are leaks in the basement, it can mean that the land around the home is not graded correctly. This leads to water being directed towards the home’s foundation instead of away from it. This can lead to damp or wet crawl spaces or, in worst-case scenarios, cracks in the foundation. The tell-tale signs of improper grade sloping are:

Off-kilter windows.
Uneven gaps in interior doors when closed.
Visibly sloping floors.
Interior doors swinging in one direction when ajar.

6. Flaws in the Foundation

The foundation is one of the most essential parts of a house that provides structural integrity. If the foundation of a home is damaged or cracked, it can lead to significant repair bills. However, the foundation is not safe despite repairs as long as the underlying issues are not dealt with. More often than not, improper grading or blocked drainage systems lead to water damage in the foundation.

7. Termites and Other Wood Eating Insects

Damage from termites and other insects like carpenter ants usually goes unnoticed until it becomes a significant issue. Usually, a home inspector is able to determine whether a home is safe from these insects or has been infested. The visible signs of such infestations are mud tubes and mazes along the walls, wood shavings on the floor, or swollen ceilings. It is estimated that termites cause about $5 billion in damage to infested homes every year.

8. Poorly Maintained Gutters

Repairing and replacing gutters is not an expensive affair. However, the consequences of a problematic gutter can be costly, as it can cause a significant amount of water damage to a home. Even a blocked gutter can lead to water intrusion in a home.

The Take-Away

The most reliable way of performing due diligence is with a home inspection in Gainesville, Fl. By hiring a reliable Gainesville home inspection company, you can make an informed purchase when buying a new home. Furthermore, a home inspector can help you determine if the issues are minor and are easy to fix in the hands of a professional.

8 Common Problems Found During Home Inspections