Absolute Home Inspections LLC Serving Hagerstown, Maryland and Surrounding Communities ASHI CERTIFIED INSPECTOR #247124 Jerry Smith Tel. No. 301-223-1599 Email: info@absolutehomeinspectionsllc.com

#247124

Knowing some of the usual defects inspectors discover during an inspection allows you to be a well informed buyer. Absolute Home Inspections LLC has compiled a list of the top 10 defects found in most homes. Repairs or replacement could cost or save you thousands of dollars. Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have regarding possible problems in your home.
 

Top 10 Defects Per Absolute Home Inspections LLC

• Many electrical safety concerns are discovered during the course of home inspections. Inside the main panel, for example, there can be "double" and, yes, even "triple" taps at the breakers, over fusing, mismatched breaker and circuit wire size just to mention a few. Also, severely "frayed" exterior service cable is common at older properties.
• FPE (Federal Pacific Electrical) "Stab-Lok" panels are still present in some properties. The breakers in this style panel have been known to fail due to poor mechanical design and have been responsible for house fires. The integrity and safety of these panels needs to be evaluated by a licensed electrician.
• Many decks are built by the homeowner and, in most cases, without a permit. The issues found are: improper connection of the stair stringers to the deck frame; improper connection of the support beams to the support posts; absence of metal connectors at the floor joists and support beam; ledger board "nailed" to the property instead of "bolted"; and loose railings. SAFETY is very important when it comes to decks.
• Defects typically noted when on the roof are: missing shingles; loose flashing at the chimney; deteriorated rubber boots at the DWV (Disposal Waste Vent) pipes; deteriorated (cracked) cement chimney crown; cracked chimney flues; and exposed nails without sealant.
• Mold can be found in basements, crawlspaces, under sinks, as well as, other locations throughout the property.
• Improper grading at the exterior of the property can lead to horizontal "hydrostatic cracks" in the foundation due to the water pressure at the exterior walls.
• Crawlspaces provide a wealth of defects: Mold from poor ventilation or water intrusion; rotted floor joists and ban boards from poor ventilation; damage from termites and other wood destroying insects; missing vapor barriers or in poor condition; fallen and falling insulation due to dampness.
• Absence of, or misrouting of the drain pipe from the protective pan under the attic air handler. I find these drains terminating into the gutter at least 75% of the time. The end of this drain pipe needs to be visible so the homeowner can monitor it for "dripping" water which indicates a problem with the air handler and immediate service is warranted. It is usually routed to and through the soffit and above a window.
• A high percentage of wet basement corners are due to the down spouts not being extended to adequately direct the water flow away from the property.
• Safety concerns: missing handrails; improper handrail material; missing railing barriers at exterior doors without stairs or decks; GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) receptacles either missing at required locations or not wired properly; "anti-tilt" bracket not installed at the Kitchen stove; missing or inoperable smoke and CO (Carbon Monoxide) detectors.