Roberts Home Inspection Service

Helping You To Know Your Home Better ..... Home Inspector serving Sacramento County and All Surrounding area's.

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   10 MOST COMMON HOME PROBLEMS:  

Here is a list of the 10 Most Common Home Problems. It is interesting to note that four of the top ten problems involved water or moisture.
During your home inspection, Roberts Home Inspection Service will make note's on any discrepancies found, such as the samples shown below. These should be emphasized and placed in the Home Inspection Report:

1. Improper Electrical Wiring.

This includes such situations as insufficient electrical service, inadequate overload protection, and amateur (often dangerous & life threatening) wiring connections. Unfortunately, the average home owner wouldn't recognize these conditions.
 Service Equipment Cable has no Drip-Loop.

2. Heating / Cooling Systems.

Defect items in this category include broken and/or malfunctioning controls, blocked chimneys, leaking evaporators / drip pans, and unsafe exhaust disposal.
 When was the last time this furnace was cleaned ?

3. Poor Overall Maintenance.

An all too common problem with many homeowners. Signs of poor maintenance, or the lack of, include cracked, peeling or dirty painted surfaces; crumbling masonry; makeshift wiring or plumbing; and broken fixtures and appliances.

4.
Plumbing.

Though not ranked as the number one problem, plumbing defects still rank high. This includes the existence of old or incompatible piping materials, lead piping, as well as faulty fixtures and waste lines.
 Drain pipe sloped wrong direction (should slope towards P-Trap).

5. Improper Surface Grading and Drainage.
One of the more common problems. It is responsible for the most common household aggravations, including water penetration into the basement or crawlspace. Over time, if not corrected, most basements will eventually leak.

6. Roof Damage.

Leaking roofs are a frequent problem. This is caused by old or damaged shingles or improper flashing and drainage.
 Flat roof has improper slope not allowing water to drain.

7. Poor Ventilation.

In an effort to save energy, many homeowners have "oversealed" their homes, resulting in excessive interior moisture. Significant moisture can lead to rotting and failure of both the structural and non-structural elements.
 Damage to roof sheathing due to lack of ventilation from eaves.

8. Structurally Related Problems.

As a result of problems in one or more other categories, damage is sustained by such structural components as foundation walls, floor joists, rafters and window and door headers.
 Poor grading / foundation support is a serious matter with serious consequences.

9. Exteriors.

Windows, doors and wall surfaces, rarely have structural significance but may pose discomfort to the occupants due to water and air penetration. The most common culprits are inadequate caulking and/or weather-stripping.

10 . Miscellaneous.

This includes interior components (often cosmetic in nature), such as baseboards, door trim, cabinets, tiling, etc, that have minor damage or imperfections.
 Mold can cause interior damage as well as Health Issues.

 

 

"Helping You To Know Your Home Better"

 

Please Call: 916-541-6618 or E-Mail: Robert@RobertsHomeInspectionService.com