In all cases, it is recommended you hire a home inspector before you buy a home. We all have different ideas of what makes a good home, but most of us would agree that the fundamentals need to be in place. Nobody wants find a leaking roof, broken heating unit, or a plumbing leak, as soon as they move into a house. A solid home inspection will reduce your chances of finding unpleasant surprises, after moving in.

This is true even of a new home, because you want to ensure that all the plumbing is connected, all building materials have been removed, there are no leaks, the electrical system works properly and so forth. Just because it’s new, doesn’t mean it can’t have problems.

During the inspection, the inspector will examine approximately 30 areas of the property, looking for everything from wood-destroying organisms to structural defects. We’ve compiled a list of ten of the most common problems you’ll see out there.

1. Damp Basement - water seepage and mold can damage items in the basement.
   
   
2. Plumbing Problems – leaks, drips, sweating pipes as well as poor or amateur installation of fixtures and pipes.
   
   
3. Problems with HVAC Systems – heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems can be outdated, at the end of their lifecycles, poorly maintained, or perhaps they weren’t installed properly in the first place.
   
   
4. Electrical Problems – these can be problems that cause fires or death, or they can simply be an outdated system in need of updates.
   
   
5. Roof Damage – this is one you want to catch so that if a new roof is needed, the price—often in the tens of thousands of dollars—can be adjusted, or the repair can be made before closing.
   
   
6. Minor Structural Damage – this can be something minor like cracked plaster or small shifts and settling in the foundation.
   
   
7. Inadequate Ventilation – often found in kitchens and bathrooms, a lack of ventilation can cause serious mold or fungus problems, and consequently potential health issues.
   
   
8. Inadequate Insulation – heated or cooled air leaving your home through cracks and leaks can get expensive, as you continue to pay high bills, over time. This is a good chance to locate potential repairs while the seller can still pay for them—before you do.
   
   
9. Security Issues – locks, doors, windows, fire detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and so forth.
   
   
10. Drainage Problems – this is a problem that can balloon into all types of issues on the lower levels of a home—like a basement or recreation room.

To learn more about these issues, just fill out the form below and click the “Submit” button. We’ll send you a FREE Information Package.