Home Defects to Watch For

Water leaks. Look for stains on ceilings and near the baseboards, especially in basements or attics.  This will be noted on the Home Inspection and or the Pest and Structural Inspection.

Shifting foundations. Look for large cracks along the home's foundation.  This will be noted on the Home Inspection and or the Pest and Structural Inspection.

Drainage. Look for standing water, either around the foundation of the home of in the yard.  This will be noted on the Home Inspection and or the Pest and Structural Inspection.

Termites. Look for weakened or grooved wood, especially near ground level. This will be noted on the Home Inspection and the Pest and Structural Inspection.

Worn roofs. Look for broken or missing copings and buckled shingles as well as water spots on ceilings.  This will be noted on the Home Inspection and or Roof Inspection.

Inadequate wiring. Look for antiquated fuse boxes, extension cords (indicating insufficient outlets), and outlets without a place to plug in the grounding prong.  This will be noted on the Home Inspection.

Plumbing problems. Very low water pressure, banging in pipes. This will be noted on the Home Inspection.

What does a Home Inspection Cover

Siding: Look for dents or buckling

Foundations: Look for cracks or water seepage

Exterior Brick: Look for cracked bricks or mortar pulling away from bricks

Insulation: Look for condition, adequate rating for climate

Doors and Windows: Look for loose or tight fits, condition of locks, condition of weather stripping.

Roof: Look for age, conditions of flashing, pooling water, buckled shingles, or loose gutters and downspouts

Ceilings, walls, and moldings: Look for loose pieces, drywall that is pulling away Porch/Deck: Loose railings or step, rot

Electrical: Look for condition of fuse box/circuit breakers, number of outlets in each room

Plumbing: Look for poor water pressure, banging pipes, rust spots or corrosion that indicate leaks, sufficient insulation

Water Heater: Look for age, size adequate for house, speed of recovery, energy rating

Furnace/Air Conditioning: Look for age, energy rating; Furnaces are rated by annual fuel utilization efficiency; the higher the rating, the lower your fuel costs. However, other factors such as payback period and other operating costs, such as electricity to operate motors.

Garage: Look for exterior in good repair; condition of floor—cracks, stains, etc.; condition of door mechanism

Basement: Look for water leakage, musty smell

Attic: Look for adequate ventilation, water leaks from roof

Driveways/Sidewalks: Look for cracks, heaving pavement, crumbling near edges, stains