Home inspectors typically evaluate
many aspects of a home and can identify a range of concerns, from electrical problems
to missing roof shingles. Here are a few examples of the more serious issues home
inspectors have uncovered.
Foundation Damage
Problems with a home’s foundation
can be significant and may cause buyers to walk away from a sale. In one small cape
cod, the inspector was surprised to find a substantial amount of standing water
in the crawl space, along with evidence it been there for an extended time. The resulting damage was considerable, and the
home needed structural repairs. Though the sellers said they would address the problems,
the buyers weren’t confident that the work would be sufficient and did not go
through with the sale.
Hidden Plumbing
Problems
Plumbing issues are often obvious,
like a leaking faucet or shower head, but some can’t be seen and may cause extensive
damage. In one upscale home, the
inspector discovered mold on the interior garage wall behind shelving and also found
mold where water was leaking through a corner of the basement ceiling. His detective
work traced both problems to a drain line leak in a second-floor bathroom. When
the shower ran, water dripped behind the drywall down to the garage, causing
the mold, and continued down to the basement. Because it would be difficult to verify that
the damage was limited to those areas, and because there were additional issues
the inspection uncovered, the buyers did not go through with the sale.
Electrical Surprises
Some electrical problems are easily
addressed, but others can require significant work. In one suburban home, the
inspector discovered that the wrong kind of electrical wiring had been used
throughout the entire home. The home had
to be completely re-wired, which the sellers agreed to do, and the buyer went
through with the sale.
Even when there is no single issue
serious enough to jeopardize the sale, an inspector may find a host of smaller problems,
which together result in a hefty repair bill. As these examples show, home
inspections can help buyers avoid expensive repairs down the line and are well
worth the cost.
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See more of Annette articles on related
real estate topics. If you’re planning to buy or sell a
home, contact Annette Nelson at (610) 247-7892 or annette@preferredhomes.com
#realestate #housing #homeinspections
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© 2021 by Annette Nelson. All Rights Reserved.