Top home inspection defects
Top home inspection defects found during a routine a home inspection. These are just a few examples of some defects and poor planning made by home builders and home owners too. Read through them and look for these in a home you own or would want to buy. As a result a defect can stop a home sale dead. Insurance companies and mortgage companies won’t proceed with a home sale with defects. Home inspectors are always on the look out for such problems.
Foundation: site grading & Drainage issues
One common home inspection defect is drainage. Therefore gutter downspouts should lead away from the foundation at least 6 feet, 10 feet is better. Covering the foundation can lead to water infiltration, insect intrusion, rot, mold and structural failure. Homeowners often put in new landscaping without proper drainage, creating poor conditions. Improper drainage will lead to water infiltration to the foundation and sill plate. Replacing the sill plate on a house can be a costly and time consuming fix.
Electrical Defects
Double taped circuit breakers. Double tapped breakers are an unsafe condition. It is in which multiple conductors are placed under the set screw of a single breaker. When multiple wires are connected to a breaker you greatly increase the risk of a loose connection. Which can lead to overheating, arching, and electrical fires. We recommend hiring a licensed electrician to repair or replace as necessary. Double tapped breakers are easily fixed by a licensed electrician.
For example another common electrical defect we see at DVA Home Inspections is the location of the electrical panel. During a home inspection, we find panels behind refrigerators, walls, and under floors. We also find panels in closets and some are completely blocked by stored items. At DVA Home Inspections, Inc , we recommend that nothing blocks or conceals the electrical panel for ease of access. Especially ease of access in the event of an emergency is important. Finally you can find out more about electrical standards and codes by visiting the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) website.