Commonly Flagged Home Inspection Items

What to Expect from an Inspection THE 10 MOST COMMONLY FLAGGED INSPECTION ITEMS

MULLINAX TEAM REAL ESTATE • CARTERSVILLE, GA • MULLINAXTEAM.COM

1. FAULTY WIRING

DIY wiring can be a fire hazard if not installed correctly. Inspectors will be on the lookout for open junction boxes, amperage mismatches, no wire nuts on wires, and boxes that are labeled incorrectly or not at all.

THE FIX:

Fix junction boxes; upgrade to at least 100 amps. Ensure that your box is clearly and correctly labeled.

2. POOR GRADING + DRAINAGE ISSUES

Poor grading can compromise the integrity of your home by allowing excess water to collect around your foundation. Red flags your inspector will be searching for will include spongy soil around the foundation, standing water, and signs of leaking in basement.

THE FIX

Regrade so that ground slopes away from house for 10 feet Remove porous material around foundation

3. FAULTY GUTTERS

A clogged gutter can cause a leaky roof or water damage to your home. Inspectors will be on the hunt for gutters that are clogged or bent. They will also check to see if water is correctly channeled away from house

THE FIX

Clean your gutters, freeing them from debris Ensure your gutters are an adequate size Consider adding splash pans to divert runoff

4. DAMPNESS IN THE BASEMENT

Moisture problems in existing basements are very common, but often are not understood or properly treated. Inspectors will look for water stains, powdery residue on walls, mold or mildew.Â

THE FIX

Repair gutters to channel water away from house Apply waterproof coatings to basement Address any grading issues that may be present

5. ROOF ISSUES

A good roof is just as essential as a safe foundation. It affords protection for the building itself and what the building contains, and prevents deterioration starting from the top.

Inspectors will be looking for brittle or curled shingles and broken or missing flashings

THE FIX

If your inspection reveals there are issues with the roof, bring in an expert to tell you how much repairs will cost. Costs can vary by provider, so it’s best to talk to two or three local roofing specialists to get a range of quotes. Knowing the cost will tell you if you can afford to take action

6. FLAWED FOUNDATIONS

The structural integrity of a home requires a foundation built to last. Signs of problems are cracks in your foundation, sloping floors, or doors and windows that tend to "stick" when opening and closing. A foundation that has tipped, bowed, or severely cracked requires substantial reinforcement to prevent further deterioration.Â

THE FIX

Fill cracks with silicon caulking or epoxy Apply waterproof coating to exterior.

For major foundation fixes, consult a professional

7. POOR UPKEEP

A home that looks like it hasn't been well cared for gives the impression to buyers and inspectors that there is potential for major repairs hiding inside.

Inspection items to be on the lookout for will include rotted wood and siding, cracked driveways and garage floors, and chipped exterior paint.

THE FIX Give your home a minor facelift

Repaint interior and exterior, replace rotted and cracked fascia Clean or replace existing carpeting Repair cracked drivewaysÂ

8. BAD PLUMBING

Leaky plumbing is no match against home inspectors. They'll be searching for inadequate water pressure, slow drainage, and signs of water leaks on ceilings. **Replacing old faucets is a cheap and easy way to update your bathrooms.Â

THE FIX

Repair leaks and repaint ceilings to old rid water marks Clean and rout drains Re-seat toilet with new wax ring Inspect and test faucets for corrosionÂ

9. POOR VENTILATION

Your home’s indoor air quality has a direct impact on the way you feel every day and on your long-term health, so it’s important to take the proper steps and make it right. Inspectors will run tests to see if you have extreme heat in attic or vapor condensation, among other items.

THE FIX

Ensure that roof soffits are not blocked Install additional roof vents Vent bathroom and kitchen fans outside

10. DEFECTIVE HVAC SYSTEMS

Buyer and inspectors can both agree; busted HVAC systems can be a nightmare! Your inspector will be keeping their eyes peeled for dirty and clogged filters, cracked duct work, blocked registers, and poorly installed flue pipes.

THE FIX

Schedule a tune-up from an HVAC pro Change your air filters regularly Service your system 2x a year, once for heating and once for cooling Keep the area around your units clear