Top 10 problems in a home inspection and evaluation

A survey was given out to home inspectors all over the US and the results will shock you. Home inspectors are looking for anything that will deplete the value of a home and to see if the house is a quality dwelling before you sell or move into it. The survey revealed that most homes fit into 10 categories of problems that are wrong with the house. These are the top 10 problems and out of these ten problems four of them are related to water. If you want your house to pass inspection, then take a look at things you can get fixed before the inspector shows up.

Drainage of water away from the basement or crawl space is one of the leading reasons the inspectors fail a house. Out of all of the problems that are on the list, this problem shows up the most, 38.5% of homes fail due to this infraction.

Improper electrical wiring is the second most infraction at 19.9%. It's a high number for that problem but if you have both problems of drainage and electrical, your house is a hazard to live in. The main reason for electrical infractions is due to most people thinking that they can do the wiring themselves and it is not hooked up properly.

A common, but an easy fix, is minor roofing issues. Either the roof leaks into the house or there are missing or damaged shingles. These are typically minor issues, but are usually major problems if you are trying to sell your house.

The heating system can cause a delay in the selling of your house because of a blockage in the chimney or improper operating controls. The heating system can also fail if the exhaust if found coming back into the house.

Also if anything is rigged up such as heating ducts with wire that is not meant to be there or extension cords running all over to bring power to something, they will need to be hooked up properly and the electrical power will need to be wired to the main fuse box.

Interior paint and wallpaper in your rooms is a typical problem as well as eyesore. If it is cracking and peeling or just plain dirty, you will be asked to make changes.

Going along with the top infraction, the main structure of the house can fail as well. They look at the headers, footers walls, ceilings, rafters and the floor joists. If any of these are bad the house could be labeled as unfit for sale or worse yet, unfit to live in.

Plumbing is another issue. Any tampering of the pipes leading out of the house and the associated fittings can make a house fail. This also includes the well and the water lines that run to the bathrooms and sinks in the house.

If the exterior walls and windows are in need of replacement, the house can fail its inspection. The doors and the siding on the house are also in this category. Any flaws in these areas can result in water damage to the outer extremities of the house.

Every house needs to vented to the outside to allow proper ventilation to reduce the moisture and to prevent inner molding on the rafters and other major structural beams.

The last infraction that can be used on the inspector's checklist paper is "anything else". This is the miscellaneous category that the inspectors use to put anything else that is wrong or needs to be fixed before the house gets sold. These things can be interior items such as major appliances including the refrigerator, stove, washer and dryer.

Plan ahead to make repairs before you sell

All in all, the age of the home plays a role in the inspection, but if you have any of these problems listed, it is recommended that you repair them before you sell your house. If you do not fix the problems before you sell your property, the buyers can make you fix the problems before they sign the contract to buy the home. If you are trying to sell your house and you do not take care of these mostly small repairs, your house can fail or your home will be devalued by impending buyers. Either way it pays to be proactive on home repairs and upkeep even if you don't plan on staying in your current home for very long.