Common Defects

No house is perfect. Even the best built and best maintained homes will always have a few items in less than perfect condition.   Click here for a handy PDF that explains the most common defects inspectors find. Print it off and review it before your Home Check America inspection.

Below are some other items we commonly find when inspecting a home:

Roofing Weathered shingles are one of the most common defect we find. Usually it doesn't mean the roof needs replacing, simply that it is in need of maintenance or repair. Weathering and aging are typical. More concerning are missing shingles, significant loss of granulars and improper flashing.  Multiple layers of shingles is also common, but could add too much weight to the roof framing. 

Ceiling stains Caused by past or present leaks, ceiling stains are also common. Sometimes it can be difficult to tell whether the stains are from leaks still present, or were caused by leaks which have since been repaired. But we have moisture detection equipment that we can use to determine if it is and active leak.  Sometimes it can be as simple as the tub overflowing or a wax seal having leaked before it was replaced.

Electrical hazards Most common in older homes, but often found in newer homes as well. Electrical hazards come in many forms, from minor reversed polarity, ungrounded outlets and double tapped breakers to more concerning issues like overfusing and improper wiring done by the homeowner.

Rotted wood Caused by being wet for extended periods of time, most commonly found around tubs, showers and toilets inside, or roof eaves and trim outside.

Water heater installations Many water heaters are not installed in full compliance with local plumbing code.  Our job is not to bring the home up to todays code as much as it is to help protect your safety.  Common problems are TPR overflow pipes missing, galvanic lectrolosis and calsification pinging.  Fortunately water heaters are not very expensive.  If they are maintained properly, they can last 20 years or more, but under "normal" conditions, they last 10-12 years.

Gas furnace Most gas furnaces seem to be in need of routine maintenance such as new filters and cleaning/servicing. Many have other issues such as faulty operation or inadequate fire clearance.  We also see flame rollout (needs cleaning) and rusted heat exchangers.  Of greater concern is short cycling, gas leaks or a cracked heat exchanger.

Plumbing defects Plumbing issues commonly found include dripping faucets, leaking fixtures, slow drains etc... Even in brand new homes, it is common to identify minor plumbing defects.  More concerning are improperly plumbed ejector pumps, inoperative sump pumps, missing drain traps or leaking/corrodion of the pipes that result in loss of pressure or damage.