Important Home Inspection Findings You Should Know

When the time comes to schedule a home inspection in Baltimore, many homebuyers aren’t sure what to expect. Often, they begin to panic as their home inspector turns up minor issues here and there, or sheds light on a major problem. As their home inspection report climbs to dozens of pages, it can feel like the home is turning into a money pit! 

Let’s adjust expectations a little. While no one likes to see the minor and major issues of a home laid bare, the purpose of a professional home inspection is to find problems! If your home inspector is turning up minor issues in every room, it means they’re doing their job right. And while something like reverse polarity on an outlet is a lot easier to fix than a cracked foundation, knowing about these issues is the first step in making an informed decision about whether to buya piece of property. 

To help homeowners better-understand the condition of their home in the context of an inspector’s report, here’s a look at 10 of the most common issues that appear during real estate home inspections in Waldorf, MD. 

1. Electrical and Wiring Issues

The older your home is, the more likely there are to be electrical violations that appear during real estate home inspections. For instance, you might have leftover evidence of knob and tube wiring (pre-1940). Or, previous remodels might’ve expanded circuits in odd ways. From double-tapped breakers to outlets with reversed polarity, to missing grounds and faulty switches, prepare to see electrical problems on your home inspection report. It’s almost guaranteed!

2. Plumbing Issues

Like electrical, plumbing is another system that’s rife with potential problems. When people ask, “should you get a home inspection?” plumbing alone is often enough to answer the question with a resounding “yes!” From leaky joints to faulty backflow valves, even the simplest plumbing problems could cost you big if they’re not identified and remedied. Your inspector will examine your plumbing, looking for signs of corrosion, poor water pressure, drainage issues and more. 

3. Dirty and Clogged Filters

Did you know that there are more than 15,000 housefires annually attributed to blocked exhaust vents? A home inspector will be the first to tell you if your dryer’s lint trap is packed with flammable material, or if your furnace isn’t venting properly! When people ask “what does a home inspection cover?” they’re often surprised to learn that it extends to these exhaust vents. Most home inspectors will even pull out the furnace filter to see how often the current homeowner replaces it! Talk about peace of mind!

4. Roofing Issues

Roofing is one of the most expensive features of a home—largely because it’s one of the most vital. This is an area where your home inspector will spend a lot of time, so don’t be surprised if they turn up problems. From missing shingles to damaged flashing, these are problems you’ll need to fix fast, before they become severe. Your professional home inspection will also extend to the interior of the roof, where ventilation and joist integrity will become focal points. Inside and out, expect your inspector to pay keen attention to every facet of your roof. 

5. Improper Ventilation

Ventilation is key in certain areas of the home, such as bathrooms where moisture can build up or in kitchens with overhead stove vents. Ensuring that these systems work is one thing; making sure they vent properly is another. Your inspector will follow the vents and test the air exchange to make sure moisture, smoke and air particles are flushed outside—not blown into your walls or ceiling. 

6. Immobilized Windows

Did you know that windows that are painted shut, nailed in place or otherwise immobilized are a fire hazard? If you’re wondering, “why is a home inspection recommended?” it’s because turning up common issues like this can potentially save your life. Given the cost of replacing windows, finding that yours have a paint seal or warping due to moisture can give you all the reason you need to walk away from a sale—or evoke the seller’s right to cure before the sale proceeds. 

7. Missing Handrails

Missing handrails might seem like an off item to list on a real estate home inspection, but they’re among the most common citations. Handrails are a safety feature, and it’s crucial that they’re placed wherever there are stairs. A single slip, trip or fall can be deadly, and handrails are an important installation for preventing accidents. It’s a seemingly minor offense, until it turns into major medical bills! More importantly, it’s a simple example of why every person needs a home inspection before buying. 

8. Fireplace and Chimney Issues

Why do I need a home inspection? Well, for starters, because your inspector will look for potentially deadly problems you didn’t even know existed—like in the chimney or fireplace. An inspector will stick their head where you likely won’t, to check for a damaged flue damper, creosote buildups, animal remains and anything else that might obstruct your chimney or turn your fireplace into a fire hazard. Why are home inspections are important? Because they can save lives!

9. Sump Pump and Palmer Valves

How much does a home inspector cost? The answer is less than the cost to remediate backflow and flooding in your basement! A home inspection in Baltimore is critical for houses with sump pumps or older homes with palmer valves, since they’re both prone to failure with age. Palmer valves can get stuck open, allowing effluent to push back up through the drain. Likewise, sump pumps can fail for a variety of reasons, leaving them unable to bail out water during heavy rains or flash floods. 

10. Downspouts and Drainage

How long does a home inspection take? While it depends on the size of the home, it often comes down to the thoroughness of the inspector. And, when your inspector takes the time to check for proper drainage of downspouts and drain tile, you’ll be glad they’re taking their time! Water poses a significant problem for home foundations when it’s not jettisoned away by downspouts. And, seeing as how this is one of the most common issues to turn up on a home inspection report, you’ll appreciate knowing that your inspector is looking out for it. 

Need a Home Inspector?

Is a home inspection required? No. Should you get one? Without question! While it might make you nervous to see all the imperfections of the home you’re about to buy laid out in an inspector’s report, it’s important to realize that knowledge is power. When you know about problems—major or minor—you can choose how you want to approach them. More importantly, these issues won’t come as a surprise later down the line! If you need a home inspection in Baltimore, contact Next Level Home Inspection today, and let us give you the thorough inspection report you deserve.