This being said, through our experience we have found common defects that seem to show up more often than others. Believe it or not, these problem areas show up in newly built homes as often as they do on pre-existing homes. Here is a list of some common defects found in many houses:

Water Penetration:

Moisture problems, which can lead to mold, mildew, and rotten wood are very common. There are many different ways that moisture can make its way into the house. House leaks can be caused by moisture penetration due to grading around the home, improper ventilation in crawlspaces and attics, the lack of vapor barriers, as well as, plumbing and roof leaks just to mention a few. Problems with the roof can be found in most houses. This is not to say that most roofs are in need of replacement, but most are in need of some type of maintenance or repair.

Water penetrations, are usually found by visible water stains or rotten wood somewhere in or around the house. The trouble is that it is difficult to determine if  the penetration is current or a residual effect from a leak that has already been repaired.

Gas Heaters:

Gas-fueled heaters provide the heat that keeps you warm throughout the winter months. It is recommended, that a licensed professional check the heater at the beginning of each heating season. In some cases gas heaters contain hazardous conditions that can range from fire safety issues to the emission of carbon monoxide into the home. Home inspectors do their best to inspect the heating unit, but cracked heat exchangers, for example, can only be thoroughly examined by dismantling the unit which can only be done by a licensed professional. For this reason, it is strongly recommended that houses with gas-fueled appliances have carbon monoxide detectors installed.

Water heaters:

Remarkable as it may sound, the majority of water heaters are not installed in compliance with plumbing code requirements. Problems such as improperly installed drain lines, unsafe flue conditions, and faulty gas piping are common. Gas-fueled water heaters just like heaters can emit dangerous carbon monoxide into the home if they are not properly vented.

Electrical Hazards:

Electrical hazards are commonly found in older homes. Not to say that they do not exist in new homes, but more often than not they are due to wiring that was added or altered by someone other than a licensed electrician. Problems such as the lack of GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters) outlets in required locations, GFCI’s that due not function properly, ungrounded outlets, missing cover plates,  improper splices, and faulty wiring in services panels are all common problems. Home inspectors do their best to find and report any visible problems in the homes electric system, but sometimes it is necessary to have a the electrical system checked by a licensed electrician.

Chimneys and Fireplaces:

One of the most common deficiencies found is a lack of maintenance. It is recommended that a chimney sweep be hired to access and clean a wood-burning fireplace every couple of years at a minimum, depending on the amount of usage. Dangerous soot buildup can go undetected creating an unknown fire hazard.  Another common problem is insufficient clearance from combustible materials.