3. Points with plumbing and pipes
Plumbing issues and leaky pipes are frequent issues that fail a house inspection. Typically these points will be so simple as a leaking faucet or a sluggish drain, however additionally they can embody bigger issues, reminiscent of cross-connection points — the place one other water supply is contaminating family water — or a necessity to interchange the pipes. Plumbing is a giant trigger for concern as a result of if there’s a hidden leak that’s left unrepaired, it may trigger mildew to unfold all through the house.
4. Leaks
To detect leaks, the house inspector will completely study the house for indicators of mildew, mildew, water harm, and cracks round pipes. They’ll additionally examine the ceilings for water stains or cracks.
“South Carolina is a very hot and humid, moisture-driven climate. If there are any leaks on wood, it’s going to start molding up pretty quickly,” says Mary Riley, a profitable actual property agent in Summerville, South Carolina.
5. Mould
Usually once we consider dangerous mildew in a home, we mechanically consider black mildew, also called Stachybotrys chartarum. What lots of people could not notice is that publicity to any form of mildew may result in a wide range of well being considerations, reminiscent of respiratory issues, complications, pores and skin irritation, and extra.
It’s value noting that mildew isn’t at all times in plain view and doesn’t at all times have that distinct, musty odor, which makes it more durable to find. Because of this wherever there are water-soaked supplies and indicators of a leak, mildew has the potential to develop.
6. Termite harm
Do you know that mildew may additionally result in termite infestation?
“If mold damage goes untreated — which many times it does because sometimes homeowners don’t know that there’s a leak — it can attract termites. Termites will go through the beams, through the walls, and sometimes where it’s not visible to the inspector,” Riley says.
7. Rotting wooden
Because the inspector appears to be like by means of the house, they’re going to take a look at any uncovered wooden, guaranteeing it hasn’t been affected by mildew or termites. It’s essential to notice that inspectors are additionally going to be checking for wooden rot brought on by age and moisture, too. They’ll verify round exterior door jambs, the home windows, the roof, and picket constructions, reminiscent of a deck or stairs.
8. Electrical issues
Yearly, roughly 54,000 residence fires are began due to electrical issues, so it is sensible that residence inspectors are important of a house’s electrical system to verify every little thing is protected. A few of the frequent electrical points inspectors discover embrace fraying insulation, DIY-wiring, mismatched wires, and an absence of overcurrent safety — also called over-fusing.
9. Security and safety features
Whereas it’s good to have a safety system to guard your house and household, this isn’t essentially what residence inspectors are checking. As an alternative, they need to ensure that the home windows and doorways have working locks. They’re additionally checking to verify there are sufficient smoke and carbon monoxide detectors all through the house.
Remember the fact that the required variety of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and their placement varies by state. You possibly can verify your state’s necessities for extra data.
10. HVAC issues
House inspectors will undergo a house to verify the HVAC system — heating, air flow, and cooling — is working correctly and the wiring seems protected and might deal with the HVAC system. They’ll guarantee gas-fired furnaces have correct air flow to forestall gasoline leaks, and the furnace room is definitely a spot the place you’ll need a smoke and carbon monoxide detector. Inspectors additionally will study the ductwork and flue pipes, checking that they’re accurately put in and freed from cracks.
