Inspector Budget

12/20/2022

10 Common Things That Fail a Home Inspection

Common issues home inspectors look for

Cosmetic flaws and minor repairs, like a broken window pane, might come up in an inspection report. However, these small items will rarely cause a deal to unravel. It’s the Costly repairs and often hidden problems that can cause a buyer to back out or ask for money off of the contract price. Here are some of the most common things that fail a home inspection.

1. Rundown roofing
Asphalt shingle roofs last 15 to 20 years. If yours is nearing the end of its life, don’t be surprised to see it come up in the inspection report. Inspectors will call out brittle, curled, or broken shingles, and any loose flashing or leaky spots.
How to fix:
Replace damaged shingles and flashing, and recaulk areas where ventilation pipes pe*****te the roof. If you’re not handy, consider hiring a contractor or roofing company to assist.

2. Drainage issues
Surface grading around a home can cause serious drainage issues and foundation damage. Improper grading can lead to leaky basements, causing mildew and other problems. It can also create spongy soil that causes foundations to shift.
How to fix:
Add topsoil to grade the ground and create a slight 10-foot-long slope around the home. For every foot you move away from the home, the ground should slope down one inch. You should also repair or add gutters and downspouts to direct rainwater away from the foundation.

3. Faulty foundation
Foundation problems are one of the most costly issues to fix. In some serious cases, up to $25,000. Signs of foundation issues include doors and windows that stick, cracks in walls above doorways, sloping floors, and L-shaped or horizontal cracks in the visible parts of the exterior foundation.
“As the soil collects water, it acts like a sponge and expands. Expansion doesn’t have to be a big deal, but too much expansion can put pressure on your home. That pressure can lead to minor structural damage, which can then lead to leaks, which can then lead to mold or greater structural damage.”
How to fix:
If you know your home has serious foundation issues, it might be best to take care of them before you sell the house, as few buyers will want to deal with the hassle of fixing a foundation.
This is best left to professionals, but as far as minor foundation repairs go, fill any cracks with epoxy or silicone caulk. Seal the exterior foundation with a waterproof coating. Adjust doors and windows to make sure they all open and close without sticking.

4. Plumbing problems
Damaged pipes, malfunctioning water heaters, and backed-up sewage systems are costly to fix and common things that fail a home inspection. Some types of plumbing pipes found in older homes, such as those made from polybutylene, have been discontinued and are prone to failure. Home inspectors will report these incompatible plumbing materials.
How to fix:
Consider upgrading your plumbing with modern piping. At a minimum, repair any visible leaks. You will also want to unclog and clean out drains. It can even help to reseat any toilets and install new wax rings.

5. Pest infestations
There is nothing that will send some homebuyers running quite like an infestation of pests, especially termites. Termites and other wood-eating insects can cause significant structural damage if left untreated. A home inspector is trained to identify signs of termites, however, your buyer might also want to perform a separate termite inspection with a pest control company for additional peace of mind.
How to fix:
Hire a professional pest control company to inspect and treat your home before a home inspection. If termites are found, you’ll need to disclose it. Treat the termites and get a termite warranty that will protect the buyer from re-infestation.

6. Hidden mold
Discovering mold during inspection can spell (and smell) trouble. Extensive mold infestations can be costly to remediate. But if you don’t detect musty odors in your home then you probably don’t have to worry. Mold is caused by excessive moisture and is usually a sign of a leak or drainage issue. If the home has any mold issues, you’ll want to get it taken care of as soon as possible.
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, “Molds have the potential to cause health problems. Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins). Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.”
How to fix:
Repair any obvious leaks or malfunctioning gutters and make sure the ground around the home is properly graded. Maintain proper humidity levels inside the house as well. That may mean running the A/C in the summer even if your house is unoccupied.

7. Failing heating systems
A near-death furnace can turn off buyers due to the $4,000 to $8,000 replacement cost. Other issues include non-working controls, blocked chimneys, damaged heat exchangers, and exhaust flues that are not up to code.
How to fix:
Having your furnace inspected annually can help extend its life. If it’s too late for that, consider replacing your furnace for safety reasons (and to keep buyers from walking.)

8. Electrical wiring
Home inspectors commonly encounter problems with electrical wiring such as reverse polarity, missing junction boxes, and damaged receptacles. Homes built between 1965 and 1973 may have inferior aluminum wiring, a concern that a home inspector will also identify.
How to fix:
Have a licensed electrician inspect and upgrade any faulty outlets and junction boxes. Make sure that your breaker box is correctly labeled as well.

9. Structural damage
Older homes are prone to structural issues such as sagging floor joists, rafters, and door headers. It may not be immediately apparent if a structural issue is a major or minor issue, and many home inspectors will advise buyers to have the home inspected by an engineer if that is the case.
How to fix:
Structural repairs are among the most costly and can turn buyers off. If your home shows signs of structural flaws, it’s a good idea to hire a structural engineer to assess the extent of the problems and the potential repair costs.
A building’s foundation is critical for its stability and longevity, and it determines numerous issues the structure might face in the future.

10. Poorly maintained condition
While cosmetic issues like peeling paint and cracked caulk aren’t major problems on their own, an accumulation of small problems could be a big turn-off for some buyers. Having numerous problems can signal to an inspector, and the buyer, that the home has been poorly maintained.
How to fix:
A fresh coat of paint inside and out can go a long way toward improving the visible condition of a home. Replace or repair broken light fixtures and appliances as well.

12/20/2022

12 Tips for Getting the Most out of a Home Inspection

A proper home inspection is your best defense against buying a property that will be a home improvement nightmare. Use these 12 tips to get the most out of your home inspection.

1. Show Up
Make sure you are present for the home inspection and be prepared to ask questions and point out specific problems you'd like to check out further. This will be the first time your home inspector has been at the property, so your knowledge of potential issues is invaluable.
2. Use Someone You Trust
Doing your homework to find your own home inspector can really give you peace of mind. While your realtor probably has a few inspectors that he or she can recommend, you should really find your own. An impartial, third-party home inspector won't have any loyalty to your realtor and will be able to talk freely and frankly about potential issues. You may have to pay a little bit extra for a quality home inspector, but compared to the purchase price of a house, it's well worth it.
3. Don't be Afraid to Ask Questions
The reason you hired a home inspector is because this person has the necessary knowledge to evaluate whether or not this potential property has any issues that would make purchasing the home a bad decision. And you should respect your home inspector's knowledge and time. However, if something doesn't look right or you don't understand what a home inspector is referring to, speak up. It's better to ask a question now than have an issue arise after you've purchased the property.
4. Get Pictures for Proof
Any home inspector worth using will bring a camera along on the inspection. The inspector will also be heading into places that you won't want to go if you don't have to (the roof, crawl space, under decks, the attic, etc.). Ask your inspector to photograph any potential issues that arise so you can see the issue for yourself and make sure you fully understand the problem.
Infrared and thermal cameras can give you and your inspector a look behind walls and floors that you otherwise wouldn't be able to get without ripping out drywall or flooring. Because this technology is so accessible, your home inspector should use these pieces of equipment throughout the inspection. (though some home inspectors may charge an additional fee for this service).
5. Do Your Own Pre-Inspection
You can really learn a lot about a house just by looking at it. Make sure you do your own home inspection and note any possible issues. Look at walls and ceilings for any evidence of water damage (discoloration, stains, etc.). Try all the light switches and outlets you can to make sure the electrical layout makes sense. Peek at the electrical panel to see if there are any potential wiring issues (look for new wire, old wiring that isn't hooked up, etc.). On the outside of the house, look for drainage issues, areas with peeling paint, around decks and porches, inspect the siding, etc. Going in to your official inspection, you should have a good idea of things you'd like your inspector to pay extra attention to.
6. Pay Attention to the Roof
A home's roof plays a huge role in keep the interior in good shape. It's also one of the most expensive and labor-intensive parts of a house to replace. Try to find out when the roof was last replaced, the age of the shingles and weather or not any warranty exists. Make sure your home inspector actually goes up on the roof during the inspection (unless it's physically unsafe to do so) ? there's only so much you can see while standing on the ground. Keep eyes peeled for curling or missing shingles and pay special attention to anywhere there's a chimney, vent or skylight to look for signs of water intrusion. You can also see signs of water issues in the attic if it's accessible.

7. Look for Cosmetic Fixes
Freshly-painted walls and new floors are often signs a homeowner cares about the home they're selling. But sometimes these things can also be cosmetic cover-ups of underlying problems. Pay attention to any suspicious fixes — only part of a floor patched or repaired or only part of a wall is freshly painted ? and ask your inspector to take a closer look.
8. Test GFCIs
GFCI outlets are part of the building code in rooms where moisture is present (kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, etc.). Your inspector will know how to test these outlets properly, and malfunctioning or non-working GFCI outlets could hint at bigger electrical problems.
9. Look in the Attic
A well-functioning attic is crucial to protecting a home. If your home inspector can get into the attic without trampling insulation, you can often learn a lot about the home and any renovations or repairs. One very common inspection red flag is improper venting of bathroom fans into the attic (and not extending the vent all the way through the roof). If your bathroom fan is venting directly into the attic, all it's doing is sending moisture and humid air into the attic where it cause mold, rot or worse. It's also not up to code. If possible, have your inspector check for attic air leaks. While you can fix these attic air leaks, an attic with air leaks could have potential issues with insulation, moisture, mold or worse.
10. Give the Plumbing a Try
Losing water pressure or dealing with a slow drain can be indicators of larger plumbing issues. Make sure bathtubs and shower pans are leak-tested. And have the home inspector inspect the water main and shutoff points (very useful knowledge if/when you take ownership of the property).
11. Furnace and Water Heater
Beyond making sure the furnace and water heater work properly, you should find out how old each one is and the last time each received service. Replacing a furnace or water heater can be pricy, so if either one is in need of replacing soon, you need to keep that in mind while putting together your offer on the property. You can also get a feel for how the furnace is cared for by checking the furnace filter. A filter that's in obvious need of changing can hint at other postponed or ignored maintenance.
12. Checking the Basement
An unfinished basement will give a lot of clues to the condition of the house and foundation. Look for cracks, signs of repairs and water issues. A crack in the slab or wall is not always a dealbreaker, but understanding why a crack appeared is important. Your home inspector will be able to tell you if anything needs further inspection from a structural engineer.

12/20/2022

5 home inspection mistakes to avoid

1. Not researching the inspector
Too many homebuyers hire whoever is recommended to them without doing any research. The inspection is only as good as the inspector doing it. You should work with a home inspection company or individual inspector that has experience and good reviews. Before hiring someone,
How long have you been inspecting homes?
How many inspections have you done?
What are your qualifications and training?
What was your job before you were a home inspector? (An inspector should be familiar with home construction, so a background as a designer/draftsman, contractor or homebuilder can be helpful.)
It can be tempting to go with the cheapest option, but a good home inspector could save you a lot of money in the long term.

2. Not attending the inspection
Attending the inspection isn’t required, but it is a smart move. Simply reading the inspection report isn’t enough to give most homeowners and homebuyers the full picture.
The inspection might take an entire morning or afternoon, so set aside enough time. Some inspectors will sit with you afterward to explain things and answer your questions.
Any home inspector who doesn’t let you follow him around? That’s weird. Ask any question you want,
A good inspector can also give you an estimate of how much you’ll need to spend on repairs and upgrades, which is very valuable information as you consider your budget and what you might want to ask the seller to cover.

3. Not reading the inspection report
In addition to attending the inspection, don’t gloss over the inspection report when it’s ready. You paid for it, and reading and understanding the report could save you from unwittingly walking into a money pit.Ideally, the inspector will be someone who uses clear, concise language in person and in a written report. To help you prepare, he recommends scanning a few reports by checking the inspector’s website or asking for a sample report.

4. Not getting a presale inspection
Many sellers decide to leave the inspection to the buyers. That’s a mistake.
When the buyers get an inspection (and if they’re smart, they will), the sellers might have little time to complete repairs and keep the sale on track. If the seller has a presale inspection before putting it on the market, he or she has more time to do repairs and to shop around and control the costs for the work.
In addition, both buyers and sellers often wait too long to engage an inspector. You should find an inspector long before you have or make an offer on a home.
If you’re selling, work on booking an inspector as soon as you’re seriously considering listing. At the very least, start doing some research on the best inspectors in your area.

5. Not prepping the home
It’s difficult for inspectors to do their job well if the homeowners don’t prepare.
Don’t force the home inspector to empty the closet to get into the attic. Similarly, if you have a crawl space hatch, he suggests moving anything sitting on top of it. Got a lock on a utility closet, basement or shed? The inspector needs access, so open it or provide keys.

Likewise, if repairs are needed, hire a trade to do them. Sometimes sellers try to DIY or get them done on the cheap, but poor workmanship will show up during the follow-up inspection, and could result in the need for more repairs and another inspection.

11/29/2022

What to expect from your home inspection

A good home inspection includes a non-invasive, visual evaluation of all main systems and components of a home. It helps inform you about the physical condition of the home and possible repairs needed before you buy or renovate it.

A home inspector should walk you through the home and typically based on a non-invasive, visual evaluation point out any existing or potential problems, including the condition of:

Site (i.e. driveway, fence, deck, lot)
Structure (i.e. foundation, walls, roof)
Envelope (i.e. windows, insulation)
Plumbing (i.e. water heaters, fixtures, water pressure)
Interior finishes (i.e. floors, cabinets, trim)
Heating, Ventilation and cooling (HVAC) systems (i.e. furnace)
Life safety systems and fire separation (i.e. smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire egress)
Electrical systems (i.e. junction boxes, distribution panel, light fixtures)

How accessibility can affect your home inspection
A home inspection report will be limited to describing conditions in the areas of the home that the inspector can see or has access to during the inspection.
If an inspector is unable to see a portion of the home like a snow-covered roof or a locked furnace room it will not be possible to report on its condition or safety.
Make sure that the seller or real estate agent makes all areas of the home accessible for inspection.

What to consider before accepting a home inspection report
Get a written contract outlining the items you need to have inspected, the home inspection report deadline and the total cost before the work gets started.
Be aware that a home inspector should not give you estimates of repair or renovation costs, either during the inspection or in the report.

Is a home inspection worth it?
While not a requirement when purchasing a home, a home inspection can save you a lot of money in the long run. If you purchase a home without getting a proper inspection, you could end with problems that cost you tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars.
You can also see if the seller has had a pre-listing inspection done. Some sellers do this to share with prospective buyers and speed up the selling process.
If the inspection reveals issues with the house, you can ask the seller to fix the problems or you can adjust your offer so you can make the repairs yourself.

11/29/2022

Benefits of Home Inspection

If you are looking into buying a house and settling down, you may want to take extra efforts to ensure the house is in the best possible condition. This is why it’s not surprising that home inspection is becoming more prominent in the current real estate market.
The higher house prices go, the more concerned buyers become about the quality of their purchase. They want to make sure that the property is in a good condition and that it is worth the money they are paying. Beyond the monetary aspect, they are looking for a safe, secure and cozy place for their (future) family. This investment is not something people take lightly.
If you are still unsure of whether you need to hire a home inspector, here are a few key things to think about!

Understand the condition of the house
The main goal of a house inspection is to report on a home condition, which includes identifying potential future problems and safety concerns, and describing the general state of different parts of the house (structure, construction, plumbing, and other key home components).

Home inspection is designed to help buyers make informed decisions about their home purchase, ensuring that the physical condition of the house is on par with what the house appears to be.

Typical home inspection reports will pinpoint both major defects and minor problems with a property. Qualified home inspectors will be able to offer suggestions on how to deal with some of those defects. At the end of the day, the buyer is the one who makes a final decision; but a house inspection gives him/her a more thorough understanding of property conditions and potential future issues.

Spend now to save later
Some buyers don’t want to invest into a home inspection, stating that it falls under ‘extra expenses’ on top of their house purchase. In reality, a home inspection adds more value for property buyers than they realize.

Finding out about water leakages and/or non-working appliances after the purchase can lead to unexpected and pricey repairs down the road. In this case, a home inspection is an investment into the buyer’s future, as it allows them to plan ahead, or even to request the seller to do the repairs before the deal is struck.

And if you happen to be one of the cases where an inspection showed no major home defects, that will only give you peace of mind and confidence in the property you are getting.

Contribute to a smooth purchase
Conducting a home inspection before purchasing a home can help answer a lot of questions about the property, making it easier for both the buyer and the seller to agree on the market value of the house.

If major issues are identified in the home inspection report, the buyer has a basis to ask for a lower property price or to advocate for the repairs to be done prior to the purchase. On the other hand, seeing that no major repairs are needed in a home can make it easier to accept the house price. Having access to accurate information about the house condition puts everything out in the open and allows both parties to have a fair and easy negotiation process.

11/29/2022

Why you need to do a home inspection.
Have you found the perfect home, but are wondering if you really need to do an inspection before buying? Who do you go to if you want to have the home inspected? What are the benefits of doing this? Here are our answers to all these questions.

1. What is a pre-purchase home inspection?
A pre-purchase home inspection is an examination of the condition of a home and of what is visible to a building inspector, both inside and outside the home. It isn’t required for obtaining a mortgage loan, but it can help you avoid costly headaches.

What is included in an inspection and in the report?
The inspector will visually evaluate the accessible areas inside and outside the property: the walls, the ceilings, the flooring, the structure, the foundation, the roof, etc. Common areas can also be inspected
The inspection report must contain:
- Detailed observations on the condition of the property.
- Details on any defects, necessary work, possible water infiltration, appearance of mould, suspicious odours, etc.
- Many photos of the premises.

2. What are the benefits of doing a pre-purchase home inspection?

Getting a good understanding of the asset you’re about to buy.
Buying property is a major investment; an inspection allows you to proceed with full knowledge of the facts. It’s an important step in your life that requires deep consideration. You’re about to make one of the biggest purchases of your life – would you do it with your eyes closed? The main benefit of doing a pre-purchase inspection is that it allows you to gain more knowledge about the home and helps you avoid any nasty surprises in the future. It’s an emotional time, especially for first-time buyers, so having all the facts is crucial for making sure you’re not being blinded by the home’s aesthetics.

Limiting risks related to any possible latent defects.
An inspector is more likely to see potential issues, but they’re inspecting the accessible areas, so there may nevertheless be latent defects despite their thoroughness and competence. Hiring an inspector protects the buyer from certain kinds of existing and future defects to come.

Determining if the home will need any work in the short, medium or long term, and negotiating the price. If, for example, the roof needs to be redone in the short term and this isn’t mentioned in the seller’s declaration, this could affect whether the buyer wants to proceed, or help them negotiate a new price. The work can either be completed by the seller before the transfer of ownership, or the buyer can negotiate for a lower price if they do the work themselves.

Cancelling the transaction in case of any defects.
Plus, if you add a conditional sale clause to the pre-purchase inspection and to the approval for financing, this allows you to cancel the purchase promise if the inspection is not positive.

01/29/2022

Avoid regret, contact us before buying your home.
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11/26/2021

Contact us for a home inspection before you buy any property.
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11/13/2021

Contact us for a home inspection before you buy any property.
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11/12/2021

Contact us for a home inspection before you buy any property.
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We do the residential property home inspections. We provide our best advice to homeowners and buyers in finding defects and how to solve them.