THE 9 MOST COMMON DEFECTS FOUND DURING HOME INSPECTIONS

By Peter Straube, Closer Look Home Inspections

As a home inspector, my ideal inspection would be one where I can rule out any and all issues that might cause concern for a buyer. However, it’s almost impossible for a home to be in perfect condition, even if it’s new construction. The defects found during a home inspection can vary considerably depending on the age, location, and maintenance history of the property. However, there are some common defects that home inspectors encounter frequently:

1. Roof Issues: Missing, damaged or deteriorated shingles, water stains on interior ceilings and walls, missing or improperly installed flashing.
   
   

2. Water or Moisture Intrusion & Drainage: Common signs of water intrusion are damp areas in basements or crawl spaces, stains on walls and ceilings, visible mold or mildew growth, and rotting wood trim.
   
   

3. Electrical Wiring: Faulty wiring to outlets or switches, overloaded circuits, inadequate grounding and, in older homes, outdated wiring or circuit breakers.
   
   

4. Plumbing Problems: Leaky faucets or pipes, poor water pressure and sluggish drains, along with toilets that aren’t anchored securely to the floor.
   
   

5. Deck, Porch & Balcony Structure: The Consumer Product Safety Commission has estimated that over 4,000 injuries occur each year due to structural failures or collapses. Many of these are due to improperly-constructed railings or a separation between the house and the deck structure.

6. Structural Integrity: Foundation cracks, sagging floors or walls, and issues with the framing or support beams.

7. Insufficient Insulation: Many homes do not have sufficient insulation to meet U.S. Department of Energy standards. This leads to heat loss from the home and higher energy bills.
   

8. Poor Ventilation: Inadequate ventilation in attics or crawlspaces, and bathroom or kitchen exhaust fans missing or not properly vented.
   

9. Safety Concerns: The most common issues here are missing or faulty smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, plus handrails and guardrails that don’t meet safety standards.

The severity of these defects can vary quite a bit, and some may require immediate attention while others are more cosmetic or easily remedied. Sellers will benefit from having these defects identified and corrected before listing their home for sale, to prevent unexpected barriers to a smooth closing. Homebuyers should carefully review their inspection report and discuss the findings with their realtor to determine the best course of action. 

I like to remind clients that anything can be fixed–it’s just a matter of how much it’s going to cost, and who’s going to pay for it! But the vast majority of defects found during a home inspection are common maintenance items and not serious enough to spoil a deal.