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.