Common Problems Found During A Home Inspection
As someone in the market to buy a home, one of the most important tools available to you is the home inspection. The inspection helps you to identify any issues with the home so that you can either walk away from the home or negotiate with the seller for the repairs. Here are some of the most commonly found problems during inspections.
Foundation
The foundation is an integral part of your home's structure. During an inspection, the home inspector might find cracks in the foundation or slopes in the floor that suggest that it is uneven. Other foundation problems that might be discovered include sticking windows and doors.
Whether or not you should be concerned depends on the type of problem you are facing. For instance, if the sticking windows and doors indicate an uneven foundation, but an inspection shows that it is functional without repair, you can use silicon caulking to help fix the doors and windows.
However, if the problem is more serious, such as the foundation needs to be stabilized, the repair could be more expensive. Consult with your realtor to work out repairs with the seller.
Electrical Wiring
There are strict housing codes that dictate how a home has to be wired. If the electrical wiring does not follow that code, there is a risk of an electrical fire. Common problems related to the wiring can include open junction boxes or mismatched breakers.
Due to the seriousness of the issue, it is important to have an electrician inspect the wiring further. The home inspector is limited in what he or she can assess during the inspection. Inspectors are usually limited to visible problems that do not require opening walls. However, your inspector can help determine whether or not a more in-depth look is needed.
Once the electrician has inspected the wiring, he or she can determine the fix for the problem and provide you with an estimate. If you are planning to move into the home, keep in mind that your lender might not approve your loan until the wiring is repaired. If the seller is unwilling to fix the wiring, you might have to pay out-of-pocket for the repair.
There are other problems that can be uncovered by a home inspection. The home inspector will provide you with a detailed analysis of the home that you can use to determine if the home you want is truly the one for you. To learn more, contact a home inspection company like Watson Inspections.
