We’ve conducted thousands of home inspections in and around the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area and have seen everything from do-it-yourself wiring to slanted foundations you couldn’t walk on straight.
In today’s hot real estate market, it’s common for homebuyers to forgo a home inspection to make their offer more competitive. However, this strategy could put your safety and your money at risk.
We understand the financial risks of buying a home, which is why our home inspection reports are designed to be as thorough and professional as possible.
Through our years of experience in the field and some additional research, we’ve uncovered the most common home inspection problems for homes in the Northeast PA region and much of the nation. Let’s dive in!
11 Of the Most Common Home Inspection Issues
Unfortunately, the most common home inspection problems we find with many homes in the area tend to be the most expensive repairs.
It often makes sense as many homeowners don’t have the available capital to make these repairs and thus dump their home on the market, hoping it will sell in spite of these flaws or that they will be missed.
Understanding and identifying these common home inspection red flags will help you avoid costly repairs and give you greater peace of mind.
1. Roof Issues
According to a survey by the Inspection Support Network (ISN), roof issues were the most common issue cited on 19.7% of all inspection reports.
Regardless of the type of home you have, most people in the northeast tend to have asphalt shingle roofs, which last between 15-30 years on average.
However, excessive rainfall, poor drainage, low-lying tree branches, squirrels, and extreme weather can cause immediate damage or diminish the longevity of your shingles very quickly. Some of the most common issues we tend to find with roofs include:
- Missing or damaged shingles
- Leaks and water damage
- Improper flashing installation
- Mold or algae growth
While repairing a roof may only cost a few hundred dollars. Replacements can total tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the size and contractor.
Mountain to Valley Home Inspectors uses a drone to assist with roof inspections that provide high-level details about the condition of your roof for the most accurate analysis possible.
2. Outdated Electrical Wiring and Panels
The second most common issue cited in the ISN report that many people may overlook is outdated electrical wiring. If you’ve ever looked into a perfectly preserved Victorian, Tudor, or Colonial home in the area, you’ve probably run into nob-and-tube wiring that doesn’t pass code.
However, aluminum wiring–commonly found in homes built between 1965 through 1973–is also another red flag that tends to deteriorate faster than copper and is a fire hazard.
Likewise, poor electrical wiring on your circuit panels that causes breakers to trip is another common issue we frequently run into that can be hazardous and inconvenient.
3. Foundation Cracks and Damage
Homeowners often ignore foundation and structural issues due to their costly repairs, but they can cause a whole host of problems, from inviting moisture to damaging walls and ceilings.
Some signs of structural issues commonly found on home inspection reports in the area include:
- Cracks in walls or foundations
- Uneven floors
- Water intrusion in basements
- Rotting or damaged support beams
Don’t think that foundation issues are strictly limited to older homes. Often, newer homes built in the last 10-15 years suffer from structural issues due to poor soil compaction that doesn’t allow the foundation to settle properly.
4. Water Damage
Water damage can vary based on the build and location of the home, but damage from flooding can be very apparent for many homes that line the Susquehanna River. Additionally, leaky pipes that homeowners may not be aware of can also cause substantial damage.
Unfortunately, water damage can be difficult to clean up as it can seep into walls, damage electrical wiring, cause mold, and rot out wooden beams, which may go unnoticed in a standard home inspection report. Therefore, any sign of water damage, such as stained walls, must be investigated further.
5. Plumbing
Nearly every home will experience some minor plumbing issues over its lifetime, and many of these can be fairly minor. Nevertheless, addressing any leaks or backflows before they lead to water damage or flooding is still important.
We also tend to note any Polybutylene Plastic supply lines that are more susceptible to leaks.
6. Poor Drainage
Your gutters may be something you ignore every year, but they play an essential role in protecting your foundation. Any drainage issues from downspouts, including clogged or damaged gutters, will be flagged on a home inspection report. While repairs are fairly inexpensive, they should be addressed immediately to protect your foundation.
7. Sticking Windows and Doors
You might not believe it, but the third most common issue cited in the ISN report was sticking or outdated windows. We frequently encounter this issue with older homes in the area that have windows or doors that stick or won’t open. This can cause ventilation issues, which can lead to excess humidity or carbon monoxide.
Windows and doors are also common points where air leakages have occurred, especially if either has separated from the frame of your house.
8. Cracked Floor Joists
Cracked or rotting floor joists are just as common and dangerous as foundation issues. Measuring your floors to see if they are balanced is a good idea for homes with a basement or a second story. It’s actually very common for newer homes with lesser quality wood or recently remodeled homes to have joist issues, which can threaten the structural integrity of the home.
9. Trees Close to the House
Trees with low-lying branches are a very common red flag we see on houses all across the area. Known for our dense forested mountains, many homes tend to have a cluster of trees in their front or backyard that can put their roof at risk.
10. HVAC Issues
During inspections, we will also flag any HVAC issues, which typically arise from:
- Poor maintenance
- Clogged filters
- Duct leaks
- Outdated or inefficient systems
Not only will the efficiency of these systems decline, but replacement may also be necessary, which could cost thousands of dollars.
11. Deck and Patio Issues
Finally, we tend to encounter a lot of shoddy workmanship when it comes to both professional and DIY decks and patios.
From poor staining to uneven ground and even wooden planks that have rotted, we recommend that sellers fix these problems before proceeding with a sale, as they can be extremely hazardous.
Additional Red Flags Not Covered in Home Inspection Reports
While home inspection reports are thorough and cover most areas of your home, there may be some additional areas that you may want to hire for a separate inspection.
- Mold: It’s very easy to miss mold during a home inspection, as mold tends to proliferate in dark and wet places, such as behind your walls, a drop ceiling, or your HVAC system. We recommend all first-time homebuyers conduct a separate mold inspection, especially if you’re purchasing an older home.
- Septic/Sewage System: Most homeowners are unaware that they are responsible for many of the pipes connected to their house from their sewage system. While it’s not entirely necessary to inspect these pipes, we do recommend getting an inspection done on your septic system if you don’t have public sewage. Since septic systems require more maintenance, they tend to run into more problems.
- Waterproofing: If you live in a flood zone or on a hill, it’s a good idea to determine if your basement is properly waterproofed. This will help prevent water damage from heavy rainfall or snow.
- Water Quality: If you purchase a home with well water, it’s a good idea to get a water sample test to determine if it is safe for consumption.
- Radon: Radon is a silent and harmful gas that tends to emit in higher concentrations from old mine shafts. Get a radon test done to see if there are any steps that need to be taken to remove or protect your home from radon.
By understanding these common home inspection issues, you can determine what the right course is, as many of these are bound to come up on any home inspection report.
FAQs
What should I do if a home inspection report reveals significant issues?
If major problems are identified, consult a contractor or specialist for repair estimates. Buyers can negotiate with sellers for repairs or price adjustments to avoid being on the hook.
Are home inspections mandatory?
While not legally required, most lenders insist on inspections to ensure the property’s condition and underwrite any loan.
Can I waive a home inspection to gain a competitive edge in the market?
Waiving an inspection is risky, as it leaves you unaware of potentially costly repairs.