1) The house has poor drainage and/or basement/crawlspace water penetration.
2) The house has faulty wiring or other electrical safety issues.
3) The roof leaks or has other problems.
4) The house has an unsafe, failing or aging heating and cooling systems.
5) The whole house has been poorly and/or improperly maintained (interior/exterior).
6) The house has minor structural damage.
7) The house has plumbing problems.
8) The house’s exterior lets in water and air around windows and doors.
9) The house is inadequately ventilated.
10) The house has environmental hazards.
The house never had a building permit for alterations and additions performed as is now in violation of local building codes.
The house has rotted wood (dry rot).
The house's chimney(s) and fireplace(s) have been neglected.
The house has missing, improperly placed and/or working smoke and CO detectors.
The house has trip hazards and other similar safety concerns.
The house has improperly placed or maintained vegetation.
The house has firewall violation in garage.
The house has termite or other wood destroying insect damage.
http://realestate-news.blogspot.com/2006/08/most-common-defects-found-during-home.htmlhttp://www.elsahomeinspections.com/common-defects.htmlhttp://realestate.msn.com/buying/InspectionTopTen.aspxhttp://blog.liagent.com/public/blog/134586Alternate Lists:
http://www.housedetective.com/articles/top10.htmhttp://www.relojournal.com/Apr2000/homeinspection.htmhttp://www.accuspect.com/defects.aspCommon New Home Defects:
http://www.nowccs.com/Common%20Defect%20in%20Homes.pdf#search=%22The%2010%20Most%20Common%20Home%20Defects%22Common Construction Defects
http://www.certifiedriskmanagers.com/10CDs.pdf#search=%22The%2010%20Most%20Common%20Home%20Defects%22 [PDF file]
RISMEDIA, August 22, 2006—Although some homeowners don’t like to admit it, no house is perfect. Even the best built and maintained homes will always have items in less than perfect condition.
In order to help homeowners start planning ahead for repairs, The HomeTeam Inspection Service, the nation’s professional leader in home inspections, offers a list of the 10 most common home defects that frequently arise.
“Many homeowners are unfamiliar with common problems a house can develop,” said Greg Haskett, vice president of The HomeTeam Inspection Service. “Being aware of these home defects now can not only save in expensive repairs in the future, but also adds to the value of the home if the house should be put up for sale.”
The HomeTeam Inspection Service’s 10 Most Common Home Defects:
1. Poor Drainage- Improper drainage can lead to water intrusion in the basement of homes and even severely compromised foundations.
2. Failing or Aging Heating and Cooling Systems- Older heating and cooling systems require maintenance and may be energy inefficient. There is also the risk that they can emit dangerous carbon monoxide fumes that are harmful to the family.
3. Environmental Hazards- Older homes may contain lead-based paint, high levels of carbon monoxide, radon, toxic molds, and even asbestos.
4. Inadequate Ventilation- This occurs when moisture accumulates in homes which damages interior walls and structural elements.
5. Improper Maintenance- Taking poor care of your household appliances can create consequences. Simple actions like cleaning out the lint trap in the clothes dryer can help prevent a fire.
6. Plumbing Problems- The pipes under your sink can be made of incompatible materials that lead to dripping faucets, leaking fixtures, and slow drains.
7. Roof Problems- The roof of your home may contain old or damaged shingles and improper flashing due to rain. The overall structure of the roof may be affected because of improperly installed collar ties and ridge beam supports.
8. No Permit- Many homes do not have permits for finished basements, deck additions, and hot tub and pool additions. This can lead to unnecessary fines when putting the house up for sale.
9. Electrical Safety Issues- A home with an out-of-date or insufficient electrical system can lead to fires and electric shock. Examples of other electrical safety hazards are ungrounded outlets, lack of Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI), aluminum wiring, and faulty wiring conditions in electrical panels or elsewhere in a building. These are potentially hazardous defects and not to be taken lightly.
10. Rotted Wood- Wood placed around areas that are frequently wet can begin to rot. Wood around bathtubs, showers, and toilets are especially defective. The exterior of the home, including the outside trim of the house, decks, and roof eaves, should also be checked regularly for signs of rotting.
Knowing the top 10 most common house defects can help you prepare to put your home on the market. Check these areas of the home often to prevent damage and provide repairs when needed.
The above suggestions may require professional assistance to ensure proper installation.
For more information about HomeTeam, visit www.hometeaminspection.com.
Lawrence Yerkes
