As a home inspector, I have come across a wide range of issues during my inspections. Here are some of the most common findings I come across:

1. Electrical issues: This can include outdated electrical panels, improperly wired outlets, and faulty wiring. These issues can pose a serious fire hazard and should be addressed promptly.
2. Plumbing problems: Leaking pipes, clogged drains, and faulty fixtures are common plumbing issues I come across. These can lead to water damage, mold growth, and other problems if not addressed.
3. Roofing problems: Roof leaks, damaged shingles, and inadequate ventilation are common roofing issues. These can lead to water damage and mold growth in the attic and other parts of the home.
4. HVAC issues: Heating and cooling systems that are not functioning properly can be inefficient and costly to operate. Common issues include dirty filters, malfunctioning thermostats, and inadequate ventilation.
5. Structural concerns: Issues with the foundation, walls, and roof can all impact the structural integrity of the home. Common issues include cracks in the foundation, sagging floors, and bowed walls.
6. Insufficient insulation: Inadequate insulation can lead to energy loss and increased heating and cooling costs. It can also lead to moisture problems and mold growth.
7. Poor ventilation: Inadequate ventilation can lead to moisture problems and mold growth, as well as poor indoor air quality. Common areas where ventilation is a problem include attics, crawl spaces, and bathrooms.
8. Safety hazards: Safety hazards can include issues with stairs, handrails, and guardrails, as well as improper installation of smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.

These are just a few of the most common findings I come across during home inspections. It’s important to address any issues as soon as possible to avoid further damage and ensure the safety of the home’s occupants.

It’s important to remember that a home inspection is not a guarantee against future problems – it’s simply an overview of the current condition of the property. Below, we have outlined the top 5 findings in a home inspection.

GFCI – You might remember our post about GFCI, or lack thereof, and yes – it is still number one. A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet is a special type of circuit breaker that can automatically shut off power directly at the outlet when it detects an electrical fault. GFCI receptacles are required in bathrooms, garages, crawl spaces, basements, laundry rooms and areas where a water source is present. Shocking, isn’t it? Don’t believe us? Check out our Sample Reports to see how often this pesky little plug appears!

Basin Stopper Defects – Many bathroom sinks have a drain that can be closed to keep water in the basin. These are called stoppers, and they include a fitting that goes inside the drain and a lift rod to raise and lower the stopper valve. Often times,  the stopper won’t pop up or seat properly, and better yet, the Rod & Clip is no longer connected.

Smoke and/or Carbon Monoxide Detectors – Smoke alarms should be installed inside each bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement. On levels without bedrooms, install alarms in the living room (or den or family room) or near the stairway to the upper level, or in both locations. At a minimum, industry experts recommend a CO alarm be installed on each level of the home – ideally on any level with fuel burning appliances and outside of sleeping areas.

Often the yellowing of a smoke detector is an indication of age and not buildup of cigarette smoke, dust, or grease.

Ensuring a smoke or carbon monoxide detector is installed.

Seismic Bracing – Seismic straps are installed on a water heater to prevent it from falling over or shifting during an earthquake or other seismic event. The State of California requires that all water heaters must be strapped.

TPR Valve – The TPR (temperature, pressure, and relief) valve is a special safety valve that is responsible for making sure your hot temperature-pressure relief valve water tank stays within its designed temperature and pressure limits. It’s located on top or on the side near the top of your water heater. . The discharge pipe that serves a temperature pressure relief valve must:

• Not be connected to the drainage system.
• Discharge through an air gap located in the same room as the water heater.
• Not be smaller than the diameter of the outlet of the valve.
• Serve a single relief device.
• Discharge to the floor.
• Discharge in a manner that does not cause personal injury or structural damage.
• Discharge to a termination point that is readily observable.
• Not be trapped.
• Be installed so as to flow by gravity.
• Terminate no more than 6 inches above the floor or flood level rim of the waste receptor. And not less than 2 times the discharge pipe diameter.
• Not have valves or tee fittings.
• Be constructed of materials listed or rated for such use.
• Be one nominal size larger that the size of the relief valve outlet, where the relief valve discharge piping is installed with insert fittings.