Before investing in a new home, a house inspection is essential so you know the ins and outs of your new potential property. Homes undergo general wear and tear over time, but they can also hide nasty surprises if left unchecked.
As experts in the home inspection and building industries, we encounter a wide range of problems during our building inspections. These can range from minor cosmetic grazes to major foundational issues that may cost a small fortune to fix in the long run. So before you sign on the dotted line, read about the top 10 most common problems that our home inspectors encounter.
1 – Water Penetration/Leaking
Leaks are one of the most common issues encountered during many residential inspections. They can occur in the roof, basement, bathroom, or worse, in the main plumbing lines. Unchecked leaks can lead to worse problems, such as rot or mould, and can be a sign of – and even lead to – defective linings and cracks.
2 – Faulty Electrical Wiring
Outdated electrical systems that need upgrades can pose problems for modern homes. Electrical wiring that doesn’t comply with building codes is another common issue. Although most wiring issues don’t pose serious threats, some problems can cause electrical fires.
3 – Roof Damage
Any damage to the roof can cause other serious problems in a house’s interior and exterior structure, making this a homeowner’s worst nightmare. Roof projects are among the most expensive to fix, especially if there are issues with improper installation or water penetration. Brittle or curled shingles, as well as broken or missing flashings, are common roof issues that call for repair or even possible roof replacement.
4 – Heating Systems
Poor insulation is common in many homes, more so in older New Zealand houses. Heating systems need to be maintained annually, yet many homeowners defer this until an actual problem pops up. Rusty water heaters or carbon monoxide leaks are serious issues that need to be addressed quickly.
5 – Poor Overall Upkeep & Maintenance
Worn carpeting, cracked paint, or stained decks are examples of common general upkeep issues that most homeowners ignore until they are revealed through home inspections. Minor facelifts and maintenance work should fix these issues.
6 – Structural Issues
Wall cracks, faulty doors or windows, and even floor cracks are some common structural issues. Maintaining a home’s structural integrity lengthens its service life and increases its livability value, so these should never be overlooked.
7 – Plumbing Issues
Poorly designed plumbing systems can cause water bill headaches as well as potential health hazards. Plumbing leaks can also lead to mould or drywall damage, or low-pressure drains and faucets.
8 – Exterior Issues
Damp damage, cracked driveways, or poor fencing jobs are common exterior issues that may need minor repairs. Some garden issues such as pest damage or generally poor garden conditions can also be found during exterior inspections.
9 – Poor Ventilation
Improper ventilation, especially in the bathroom or kitchen, is another common home inspection problem. Poor ventilation can cause moisture buildup in areas such as the attic, contributing to overall deterioration. Additional roof vents may be required to properly ventilate a home.
10 – Miscellaneous
Other issues can come up during a house inspection, such as popping nails, defective lighting fixtures, or cracked tiles.
Doing your due diligence and finding as much information as possible about your new home can save you from potentially great costs. Many of these issues are easily fixable by qualified professionals. Getting a professional home inspector to examine your new house will give you peace of mind so you know exactly what you’re investing in.
For reliable house inspection reports, talk to the experts at CheckHome today! We ensure a 24-hour report turnover and provide expert inspections in the Wellington, Kapiti Coast, and Wairarapa areas.
