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Top 10 Defects Found During a Home Inspection

Reblogger Marianne Bandy
Real Estate Agent with Bandy Homes

Most of these items apply to us in the Denver real estate market as well.

Search Homes in Castle Pines Colorado

Original content by Chrissy Doremus ~ US Inspect ~

Knowing what some of the usual situations our consultants discover during an inspection allows you to be a well-informed buyer. Over the years, and borrowing on over a half million inspections, here’s what we’ve discovered as the top 10 defects in most homes. Repair and replacement costs for such items could cost you thousands of dollars!

    * Roof leaks due to poor flashing and / or roof material failure due to poor installation

    * Water penetration in the basement or crawlspace due to poor surface water control

    * Electrical safety issues due to age of home or homeowner alterations

    * Deterioration of the interior wall material behind shower and tub surround areas

    * Safety concerns associated with improperly installed decks, stairs or railings

    * Heating unit and distribution system problems due to age and workmanship or alterations

    * Structural concerns due to improper construction and/or alterations, or excessive unbalanced load

    * Fire safety issues related to fireplace chimneys

    * Wood deterioration caused by termites or other wood destroying organisms due to local environment or conducive conditions

    * General fire and safety issues with home ownership

U.S. Inspect strongly encourages home buyers to attend the inspection with our consultants. In our 2 to 3-hour walking consultation, you’ll learn all about your new home—first-hand information about the condition of the property, how the house operates, where the main shut-off valves to the utilities are located, and much more. And if defects are discovered during the inspection, we’ll explain the possible cause as well as your options to have those defects corrected. With U.S. Inspect, you’re guaranteed to make a well informed buying decision!

Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTORĀ®, Broker

Marianne,

Too bad seller will not address some of these issues up front before a contract is even accepted.

Aug 04, 2010 11:18 AM
Stephanie Curd-Goulette
Livin' the Dream Real Estate, LLC - Morrison, CO

This is a great list Marianne.  There are a few others that came with living in the Rockies, such as roof damage from ice issues, which lead to things like water inside the walls and mold.  Just a few more fun ones to add on.  :-)

Aug 04, 2010 11:19 AM
Dawnita Griffith
Meadow Lake Real Estate, LLC - Pinedale, WY
It does matter who you hire.

Most all of these items can be seen or smelt with the naked eye.  During the listing time most of these things can be addressed and dealt with.  Sellers should be made aware that these items will effect them one way or the other.  Price offered on the house or fixing them after inspections.

Aug 04, 2010 11:47 AM
Adam Malachi
A 2 Z Realty LLC - Castle Rock, CO
QSC,CDPE,CIPS,CNE,CRB,CRS,GRI,MRE,SFR

Excellent post! Great list of information's! I agree with Richard comments! the sellers should address this issues before the property goes on the market!

Thanks for sharing,

Adam

Aug 04, 2010 12:32 PM
Kay Van Kampen
RE/MAX Broker, RE/MAX - Springfield, MO
RealtorĀ®, Springfield Mo Real Estate

Great information to give sellers prior to listing.  Hopefully this will help avoid problems later.

Aug 04, 2010 03:59 PM
Chrissy Doremus ~ US Inspect ~
US Inspect - Chantilly, VA
Residential Property Inspections

Thanks for the re-post--glad you liked the info.

Aug 06, 2010 12:52 AM
Chuck Forman
Forman Inspection Services, LLC - Highlands Ranch, CO

Great repost Marianne. Our company also provides Seller Inspections which are getting more and more popular. I realize that in today's market the seller doesn't want to spend any more money than necessary to sell their home, but some have found out the money spent early is well worth the money saved in the long run. Finding out the big problems ahead of the listing, and repairing them ahead of time, is much better than finding out about them when going under contract and loosing thousands of dollars in the negotiating process as well as taking the chance of loosing the sale.  

Aug 09, 2010 05:15 AM