Common Issues Found in a Property Inspection

Thinking about skipping a property inspection? We encourage you to think again. No home is flawless; and although it may look like a dream home on the surface, there are often a handful of issues that you may not see. Here are a few common issues that may pop up during a property inspection.

• Roofing. The average roof should last about 20 years, but that’s never a guarantee. Over time, storms, snow, and wind can put serious wear on the roof and shorten its life. During a property inspection, your inspector will give you an objective assessment to give you an idea of how much longer the roof will last. If it needs a replacement right away, we recommend that you work out a deal with the seller to either have it replaced or adjust the selling price accordingly. No matter what size the house is, the cost for a new roof is expensive.
• Poor Outdoor Water Drainage. While your inspector is taking a look at the exterior, they will check over the gutters and downspouts. It’s an easy thing for buyers to overlook, but a crucial thing to keep in mind. Gutters play a huge role in keeping water out of your home. Damaged gutters can lead to leaks in the ceiling and puddles in the basement. Downspouts should guide water down and away from the home to help keep things dry.
• Faulty Electricity. Perhaps one of the most important things that we check in your property inspection is the electricity in the home. Faulty wiring or panels can be incredibly dangerous and lead to a fire. This reason alone makes the inspection worth your while because there is far more to it than lights turning on and off. Your Inspect-It 1st inspector is knowledgeable of legal guidelines to help keep you safe.
• Plumbing Issues. When you walk through a home, it’s a good idea to see if water runs to the sinks and toilets. However, during a property inspection, your inspector will locate leaks that might not be easily visible.
• Cracked or Shifted Foundation. A shifting foundation is inevitable over time, but it should happen at a very slow rate. If the house you’re looking at is fairly new and already showing major shifts, that should draw a red flag. Repairing a home’s foundation is expensive and should be brought into serious consideration before committing to the purchase.

Just because a house has some issues, it doesn’t mean you should head for the door. However, learning about these issues up front can save you money and heartbreak down the road. A property inspection is a small investment that plays a big role in your hunt for a new home. With Inspect-It 1st, you will receive a thorough, objective property inspection with honesty and integrity. We assess the property from all angles and present you with an easy-to-understand report. You’re in good hands when you inspect with Inspect-It 1st. Contact us today to set up your property inspection!