20 Common Issues That Fail a Home Inspection

Whether you’re selling a property or purchasing one, a home inspection is necessary to discover its integrity and protect your investment. Qualified home inspectors assess everything from the rooftop to the foundations; ensuring everything meets local safety code. Things that can cause the property to fail the inspection include leaky pipes, missing shingles, rusted gutters along with outdated water heaters. If you want your property to satisfy a residential inspector; this article by At-Ease Home Inspections tells you exactly what will be assessed.

20 Red Flags In Residential Inspections: What Inspectors Look For

Property transactions are huge investments into your family’s future. And positive reviews from residential inspectors can raise the market value and set your mind at ease. However, there are a few things that fail a home inspection. If the inspector finds that the foundations are compromised, they’ll flag it. Similarly, an aging HVAC system will also be highlighted.

Here’s what the inspection report shouldn’t have.

Foundation Damage

The foundation of the house is literally the base it stands on. So, if the home inspector finds horizontal or stairway cracks running through the foundations, the property will be considered a money pit and will be flagged.

Roof Damage

On the other extreme is the roof. If the roof seems to have a few missing shingles or a rusted panel or two, it’s a safety hazard and the property is a liability. These issues will be immediately pointed out.

Drainage Concerns

If the property doesn’t have downspout extensions or lacks French drains in a rainy area, snowmelt and rainwater will accumulate at the foundations. The inspector will flag this as a potential basement flood and foundation damage.

Unsafe Decks

Everyone loves a house with a deck. But, if the home inspector finds that the guard rail is shaky, is missing ledger bolts or that the support posts are rotted, they’ll be listed as safety hazards.

Gutter Problems

An inspection for houses also covers the gutter system. So, if the inspector finds out that the gutters are pulling away from the siding, overflowing or rusted through, they will sound the alarm in their report.

Fascia Rot

The fascia board at the edge of the roof protects your attic from flooding during heavy downpours. If the wood is rotted or loose, the home inspector will flag it.

Crawlspace Issues

Another common area that could trigger a red flag is the crawlspace. Reliable residential inspectors look for things such as rotting, poor ventilation, mold, compromised vapor barriers and standing water.

Active Leaks

Even the tiniest leak in the structure can have serious consequences. Knowing this, home inspectors look for dripping pipes, leaky valves as well as hidden leaks through moisture stains and musty smells.

Outdated Water Heaters

No one wants to be blasted by a spray of cold water in the middle of the winter season. So, residential inspection services point out if the water heater is over a decade old, missing a PRV or seismic straps.

Aging ACs & Furnaces

Your heating and cooling systems last around 15-25 years. If the home inspection reveals that yours are nearing or past that time range, your HVAC system will be immediately flagged by the expert.

Air Duct Issues

An inspection for houses also covers the ventilation system. So, if the ducts leak, are broken or bent at a weird angle that could hinder efficient airflow, they’ll be highlighted in the report.

Plumbing Drainage Concerns

The home’s drainage system relies on gravity for efficiency. So adding to your list of things that fail a home inspection are inadequate drain slopes and incorrect flexible pipe installations.

Outdated Panels

An electric panel close to or past the 40-year mark is no longer able to support energy demands. Therefore, if the home inspection reveals that the panel is old, it will be photographed and listed as a hazard.

Worn Wiring

Older wiring is frayed , damages your appliances and can start fires. So, if your home inspection reveals that the wiring is exposed or doesn’t meet modern safety standards, it is a huge red flag.

Missing GFCIs

GFCI outlets safeguard you against shocks when water comes into contact with electricity. So, if the residential inspection states that you don’t have enough outlets in the kitchen, bathroom or outside, it isn’t a good look.

Ungrounded Outlets

Older properties with three-pronged outlets are electrocution hazards just waiting to happen. A home inspector keeps an eye out for them and lists them in their report at the end of the inspection.

Visible Mold

Moldy air triggers allergies and causes breathing issues. During the home inspection service, your residential inspectors look for signs of green or black mold in attics, under kitchen sinks, in bathrooms and in the basement to report.

Toxic Material

Homes built 50 years ago had lead paint, asbestos and even radon gas. If the inspection reports high levels of these environmental toxins, they’ll have to be handled by professionals.

Outdated Smoke Detectors

Another area of concern for the home inspectors is the smoke detectors. If they find that the sprinklers don’t work or the system is older than a decade, the property will be flagged as unsafe.

Blocked Dryer Vents

Did you know that a clogged dryer vent is a fire hazard? So, if the dryer vents haven’t been cleaned in a while, your property will fail the home inspection and will be flagged.

Conclusion

A comprehensive home inspection service is a must when you rent out, remodel or purchase a property. Things that fail a home inspection include blocked dryer vents, missing downspouts, visible mold and damaged air vents among others. We hope this article helped you understand what home inspectors look for. For a residential inspection service, please reach out.

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