As an experienced home inspector, I have seen thousands of different problems and homes, even beautiful homes with nasty secrets lurking behind the scenes. Home buyers tend to focus on how the home would be useful for their family and how the different rooms in the home will look once they are furnished and finished. As NJ home inspectors we focus on things that they do not see. Potentially hidden issue that can cost a family thousands of dollars down the road. Here I will discuss some of these problems that potential buyers tend to overlook when they are thinking about purchasing a home.
Poor drainage and grading problems:
One of the biggest issues that I find that buyers tend not to discover or even consider is improper drainage around the exterior of the home. Water is the enemy of houses. Poor drainage and grading can lead to foundation problems, basement water infiltration issues and mold growth. Most buyers don’t think about walking around the exterior of the home and checking for good positive grading. Any water that accumulates close to the home or close to the foundation of course can be very problematic and this is always emphasized in home inspection reports.
What buyers can look for:
- Water pooling around the home after a recent rain
- Soil that slopes toward the home rather than away from home which is very advantageous
- Downspouts at are discharging water to close to the exterior foundation walls
Problems in attics:
Most buyers that are touring a home never actually look in the attic space. Inadequate attic ventilation can lead to moisture buildup which in turn can cause mold, wood rot and higher energy consumption. Some common issues found in attics can be mold growth on the attic roof deck which is generally caused by high moisture conditions and poor ventilation. Buyers can look for black or green mold-like substances when they enter the attic space. Inadequate insulation is also an issue found in older homes that can lead to significant heat loss through the attic and higher energy bills. Pest infestations are also a common problem in attics. Both mice and bats can enter and wreak havoc and cause unsanitary conditions as well as damage insulation and electrical wire.
Electrical issues: old wiring and older overloaded panels:
Electrical issues would probably be one of the most overlooked problems for buyers. Many older homes still have outdated wiring, and some have obsolete wiring called Knob and Tube. Aluminum wiring and homes can also be a significant fire hazard.
General electrical inspection issues:
- Overloaded breaker panels and double tapped electrical circuits.
- Outdated two-pronged electrical receptacles that do not have a ground wire, and this can be unsafe if you use modern appliances in the receptacle.
- Many times, on home inspections, we will find do-it-yourself electrical wiring where the owner of the home installs improper electrical circuitry making the electrical system unsafe.
Plumbing problems, slow leaks and polybutylene pipes:
Plumbing leaks can be difficult to locate. A small leak behind a wall or ceiling can lead to serious problems such as mold growth and water damage before it is identified and noticed. Many older homes have problematic polybutylene pipes which are prone to failure over time.
Signs of plumbing issues:
- Stains on ceilings and walls can indicate an active leak causing hidden damage
- Water pressure issues can mean corroded or older galvanized piping in the home
- Spongy floors near toilets or tubs can be a sign of water leakage and wood rot
Foundation and structural issues:
Buyers often assume that if home looks good on the inside that it must be structurally sound. Unfortunately, this is not the case often. Good New Jersey home inspectors have seen hundreds of homes with serious foundation problems that were only detected because the home inspector was well trained and knew what to look for.
Common structural concerns or potential warnings:
- Cracks in the foundation or the exterior brick. Especially horizontal type cracking through either the foundation wall or the brick.
- Windows and doors that stick in their frames and do not open and close properly can indicate problems with the foundation settling or moving
- Significant uneven flooring can be a sign of foundations that are sinking or shifting
Air conditioning and heating problems:
A home heating and air conditioning system can be one of the most expensive components to replace yet many buyers never inquire about their age or condition. New Jersey home inspectors will always identify the units age and confirm the proper operation of the system.
Heating and air conditioning potential red flags:
- A furnace or air conditioning unit that is older than 15 years will be at its statistical life expectancy.
- Dirty or obstructed air filters can be a sign of improper or neglected maintenance
- Inconsistent air conditioning or heating temperatures could indicate problems with the ductwork or a non-performing system
Roofing issues:
Roofing is expensive to replace. Many homebuyers hardly even glance at the roof covering. The roof might look good from the ground but up close there could be issues such as curling shingles, soft spots, missing flashings, and a loss of protective granular material.
What to watch for:
- Shingles that are curling cracking or missing
- Water stains on ceilings or the underside of the roof deck can indicate a roof leak
- Sagging areas of the roof can be a significant structural issue
Conclusion: All homebuyers should get an NJ home inspection, and they all need to read the report afterward. A home can be such a blessing. But you do not want to turn that home into a potential nightmare by not understanding the issues that may exist. That It is why getting a comprehensive home inspection by a well-trained and experienced home inspector is paramount. As a buyer you must read the report and not just the summary. Ask questions and understand the issues that are present. You must also factor in repairs and have an adequate repair budget. A good, qualified New Jersey home inspector is not there to torpedo the real estate deal. Home inspectors are there so you can make good, informed purchase decisions. At the end of the day an informed buyer is an educated buyer.