It is quite uncommon for buyers to forego the home inspection because they want to know exactly what they’re buying. They want to make sure everything in the home works as it should, there aren’t any structural problems, and the home is safe to live in. San Antonio, TX realtors advise their clients to be mindful of these common issues that will fail a home inspection and even if you still need to interview a real estate agent you may want to tackle these problems now.
1. Water drains toward the house
Properties without proper drainage are susceptible to water damage. The crawlspace could hold moisture that creates mold and rot, cause settlement cracks or cause the foundation to shift.
2. Foundation issues
Foundation issues can include water damage we mentioned above, but the inspector will also look for: to see if there is enough steel rebar for reinforcement, evidence of damage due to natural incidents (earthquakes, landslides, flooding or slope creep) and tree roots growing under the foundation.
3. Plumbing issues
Plumbing issues like leaking faucets or cross-connections, for example, can cause an inspection failure because it can cause mold. They’ll look under the house and anywhere there are plumbing connections to ensure there aren’t any hidden leaks.
4. Leaks
Not only will inspectors look at the plumbing for leaks, but they look for evidence of mold and mildew, water damage, and any cracks or water spots on the ceiling, around windows and doors, and plumbing fixtures.
5. Mold
Inspectors aren’t just looking for black mold, they’re looking for any type of mold. Any exposure to mold can have serious health implications. The tricky part of searching for mold is that there aren’t always that musty smell that we associate with mold growth.
6. Termite damage
Where there is mold, there could be a termite infestation. The mold attracts the termites and then they’ll rip through anywhere there is wood. This includes outdoor decking, beams, inside the walls, and so on.
7. Signs of wood rot
Wood rot is caused by age and moisture, and when an inspector looks at your house, they’re going to look at exterior door jambs, the roof, decks and stairs, and other wooden structures.
8. Electrical issues
Did you know that electrical fires ravage more than 51,000 house fires per year? Home inspectors are aware of this statistic and they’re looking closely at various electrical issues. This will include frayed insulation, DIY wiring, improper wire connections, and over-fusing.
9. Safety and security
Home inspectors aren’t looking for the latest home security system – they’re checking to see the locks on doors and windows work properly. They’re looking to make sure the home has smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, as well as the appropriate fire extinguisher.
10. HVAC issues
Just like the other systems in your home, the home inspector is going to make sure the HVAC is up to snuff. They’re going to make sure the wiring is safe and can handle the power load, the gas-fired furnace has enough ventilation so that there aren’t any gas leaks, as well as make sure the ductwork and flue pipes are crack-free and installed properly.
The home inspection process may not seem like that important, after all you take good care of your home! However, it doesn’t matter how diligent you are about regular maintenance, there very well could be problems that you aren’t aware of! If you don’t want any surprises that could cost you thousands or lose a buyer, consider getting a home inspection beforehand. It could save you a lot of headaches down the road!