Home inspections allow a professional to evaluate the state of a home, typically prior to its purchase. Leaks which can lead to mold, faulty wiring and more are some of the most concerning problems detected during such inspections.
A professionally done home inspection works to protect everyone involved in the sale of a home. By allowing a certified home inspector to evaluate the state of the home, sellers can rest assured that they have met the legal requirements of disclosure regarding the state of a home prior to its sale, and buyers have an opportunity to hear a third-party perspective on the state of the home and use that information to request any repairs prior to closing.
“Some of the most commonly detected issues — drainage toward the home, leaks which can cause mold, damaged roofing and electrical issues — are often some of the more important problems to fix,” explained Adam Long, president of HomeTeam Inspection Service. “Getting a professional opinion before buying a home ensures that none of these issues are missed, potentially saving the buyer a substantial amount of time, money and worry in the long-run.”
Leaks and Mold
Leaks and mold may seem like small issues at first glance, but they can quickly become very problematic. Mold removal alone can cost up to $25 per square foot, and what appears to be a small leak can quickly let in extra moisture, creating the perfect environment for mold growth.
Beyond mold, leaks that are left untreated can lead to even bigger problems like foundation damage, rotting floors, ceiling issues and more.
Grade Sloping
A whole house inspection is used to evaluate the slope, and the direction of that slope, of the ground surrounding the home. A negative grade means that the land slopes toward the home, directing water to the foundation, while a positive grade indicates the opposite, meaning that water will be directed away from the foundation.
The consistent presence of water near the foundation of the home can cause the soil both around and below the foundation to become far too saturated, where it can leak into crawl spaces and basements or begin to swell and disturb the foundation itself.
Termites or Rotting Wood
A termite infestation or any other circumstance that weakens the fortitude of the home’s key structure and materials is inherently dangerous. Issues like these are a bit less obvious and require someone who knows what they are looking for.
Termites damage about 600,000 homes in the U.S. every year, costing residents nearly $5 billion annually.
Though it can be difficult to distinguish from termite damage, wood rot, resulting from other causes, does happen as well and can lead to permanent structural damage.
Damaged Roofing
The roof of a home is both important to the structural integrity of the home and serves as protection against the elements. Exposure to things like hail, wind and snow can lead to a damaged roof over the years, and smaller discrepancies may not be noticed by the everyday home owner.
An additional aspect of the roof inspection is a check of the gutters and downspouts. When clogged or otherwise damaged, water is unable to flow off the roof through designated paths, leaving it to wash down the sides of the home every time it rains. This consistent flow of water can be very damaging to the materials that make up the side of the home, slowly washing away key parts of the structure.
Lead Paint
For homes built prior to 1978, checking for lead paint is an important evironmental inspection. According to the EPA, almost half of the housing units in the U.S. have some lead-based paint which can lead to serious health impacts to residents.
Lead paint costs between $8 and $17 per square foot to remove. Depending on the extent of the issue, other solutions like demolition or replacement can cost upwards of $10,000.
Poor Maintenance
This is an issue that may be a bit less obvious but can be just as damaging over the years. When necessary maintenance is ignored, issues are exacerbated. Even if there is not a dire repair necessary at the time of the home inspection, an inspector will be able to potentially identify neglected areas of the home.
If too many maintenance projects have been ignored or repeatedly delayed, there is a strong chance that the home could need extensive repairs in several areas which becomes costly very quickly.
ABOUT HOMETEAM INSPECTION SERVICE:
Founded in 1992, HomeTeam Inspection Service is a full-service, independent home inspection franchise serving home buyers, sellers and real estate agents. For nearly 30 years, HomeTeam has built a reputation for providing professional, reliable, efficient and accurate inspections on both residential and commercial property, focusing on electrical and plumbing systems, HVAC, exterior and siding, gutters and drainage, mold inspections, air quality reports and much more. Unlike other inspection companies, HomeTeam sends a team of certified inspectors to every appointment in order to provide a better and faster inspection, every single time. The brand’s reputation for excellence has made them a top choice among real estate agents. Now, HomeTeam Inspection Service has grown to include over 200 territories nationwide.
