11 Critical Things You Need to Know to Pass Your Home Inspection

Homebuyers Want to Know Your Home Inside and Outside

While homebuyers are as individual as the homes they plan on purchasing, one thing they share is a desire to ensure that the home they will call their own is as good beneath the surface as it appears to be.

Will the roof start leaking?  Is the wiring safe?  What about the plumbing?

According to industry experts, there are at least 33 physical problems that will come under scrutiny during a home inspection.  We’ve identified the 11 most common of these and, if not identified and dealt with, any of these 11 items could cost you dearly.

In most cases, you can make a reasonable pre-inspection yourself if you know what you’re looking for.  And knowing what you’re looking for can help you prevent little problems from growing into costly and unmanageable ones.

1.  Defective Plumbing

Defective plumbing can manifest itself in two different ways: leaking and clogging.  A visual inspection can detect leaking, and an inspector will gauge water pressure by turning on all faucets in the highest bathroom and then flushing the toilet.

If you hear the sound of running water, it indicates that the pipes are undersized.  If the water appears dirty when first turned on at the faucet, this is a good indication that the pipes are rusting, which can result in severe water quality problems and health concerns.

2.  Damp or Wet Basement.

An inspector will check your walls for a powdery white mineral deposit a few inches off the floor, and will look to see if you feel secure enough to store things right on the basement floor.  A mildew odor is almost impossible to eliminate, and an inspector will certainly be conscious of it. 

If you have water problems in your basement, you’ll have to weigh the estimated repair costs (sealing cracks, waterproofing, installing a sump pump, etc.) into the calculations of what price you want to net when selling your home.

3.  Inadequate Wiring & Electrical.

Your home should have a minimum of 100 amps service, which should be clearly marked, with proper type and size of wiring (copper or aluminum), all properly wired in the electric box and throughout the property.  Also, many communities and/or lenders are demanding that GFCI outlets be installed in kitchens, baths, laundry areas, and other places where water and electricity could pose hazards. Anything other than these will raise major concerns about it’s safety.

4.  Poor Heating & Cooling Systems.

Insufficient insulation, and an inadequate or a poorly functioning heating system, are the most common causes of poor heating.  While an adequately clean furnace, without rust on the heat exchanger, usually has life left in it, an inspector will be asking and checking to see if your furnace is over its typical life span of 15-25 years.  For a forced air system, a heat exchanger will come under particular scrutiny since one that is cracked can emit deadly carbon monoxide into the home.  These heat exchangers must be replaced if damaged, they cannot be repaired.

5.  Roofing Problems.

Water leakage through the roof can occur for a variety of reasons such as physical deterioration of the asphalt shingles (i.e. curling or splitting), or mechanical damage from a wind storm.  When gutters leak and downspouts allow water to run down and through the exterior walls, this external problem becomes a major internal one.

6.  Damp Attic Spaces.

Aside from basement dampness, problems with ventilation, insulation and vapor barriers can cause water, moisture, mold and mildew to form in the attic.  This can lead to premature wear of the roof, structure and building materials.  The cost to fix this damage can be considerable.

7.  Rotting Wood.

This can occur in many places (door or window frames, trim, siding, decks, fences, etc.).  The building inspector will sometimes probe the wood to see if this is present – especially when wood has been freshly painted.

8.  Masonry Work.

Rebricking can be costly, but, left unattended, these repairs can cause problems with water and moisture penetration into the home which in turn could lead to a chimney which falls onto the roof.  It can be costly to rebuild a chimney or to have it repointed.

9.  Unsafe or Over-fused Electrical Circuits.

A fire hazard is created when more amperage is drawn on the circuit than was intended.  15 amp circuits are the most common in a typical home, with larger service for large appliances such as stoves and dryers.  It can costly to repair and update.  But no where near as costly as not doing it.

10.  Adequate Security Features.

More than a purchased security system, an inspector will look for the basic safety features that will protect your home such as proper locks on windows and patio doors, dead bolt locks on windows and patio doors, dead bolts on the doors, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on every level and near bedrooms. 

11.  Structural/Foundation Problems.

An inspector will certainly investigate the underlying footing and foundations of your home as structural integrity is fundamental to your home.

When you put your property on the market, you don’t want any unpleasant surprises that could cost you the sale of your property and interfere with your plans.

By having an understanding of these 11 problem areas as you walk through your home, you’ll be arming yourself against future disappointment.

One final word of caution.  DO NOT TRY TO HIDE ANY PROBLEMS.  THE TRUTH WILL COME OUT-AT SOME POINT. IF THERE’S A PROBLEM, DISCLOSE IT TO YOUR AGENT AND PROSPECTIVE BUYERS – BEFORE THEY MAKE AN OFFER.

Illinois Real Estate Licensees serving the suburbs of metro Chicago, IL