The Ten Most Frequent House Problems

The Ten Most Frequent House Problems
It’s a good idea to hire a home inspector before purchasing your new
House. A qualified inspector can help you see beyond a pretty
Facade by doing a thorough examination of the home’s structural and
mechanical condition. In addition, their discovery of hidden
problems can save you thousands of dollars, as well as the shock of
unpleasant surprises in the future.
In a recent survey of its members, the American Society of Home
Inspectors (ASHI) compiled a list of the ten most frequently found
problems in homes:
1. Improper Surface Grading/Drainage—this causes the most common
household problem, water penetration of the basement or crawlspace,
and can be fixed by re-grading or installing a new system of gutters
and downspouts.
2. Improper Electrical Wiring—insufficient electrical service to the
house, inadequate overload protection, and do-it-yourself wiring
connections all can be serious safety hazards.
3. Roof Damage—old or damaged shingles, or improper flashing, can
cause roof leakage. Shingle repairs can be easily and inexpensively
done, but shingles near the end of their life span may mean you’ll
need a new roof soon.
4. Heating Systems—broken or malfunctioning operation controls,
blocked chimneys, and unsafe exhaust disposal can cause inefficient
heating and are health and safety hazards.
5. Poor Overall Maintenance—cracked, peeling, or dirty painted
surfaces, crumbling masonry and broken fixtures may seem
inconsequential, but they reflect the overall lack of care that has
been given to the home.
6. Structural Problems— as a result of problems in any the other
categories, many houses sustain some damage to structural components
such as foundation walls, floor joists, or rafters.
7. Plumbing—plumbing defects include old or incompatible piping
materials, as well as faulty fixtures and waste lines.
8. Exteriors—exterior flaws, including windows, doors, and wall
surfaces, are often caused by inadequate caulking or
weather-stripping, and can cause water and air penetration.
9. Poor Ventilation—many homeowners have "over-sealed" their homes
in an effort to save energy, resulting in excessive interior
moisture. This can cause rotting of both structural and
non-structural elements, as well as tremendous mold accumulation.
10. Miscellaneous—this category includes various interior
components, such as sticky windows or dripping faucets, as well as
environmental concerns, such as lead-based paint and asbestos.
While an inspection won’t guarantee a perfect home, it will greatly
reduce your risk of developing problems in the future, and will
provide a valuable education in the process.
If you would like to know more about the American Society of Home
Inspectors or obtain the names of ASHI Members near you, visit the
ASHI Web site, click here:
http://www.ashi.com

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