_Did you know what the American Society of Home Inspectors finds that the Top 10 Concerns shared by clients with a Home are?_Grading/Improper Surface Grading/Drainage
This was by far the most frequently found concern. It is responsible for the most common household maladies including water penetration of the basement or crawl space. Improper Electrical Wiring This item is found to be the most common concern. Improper electrical wiring includes potentially hazardous situations as insufficient electrical service, inadequate overload protection, and amateur, often dangerous, wiring connections. Roof Damage Although not the most common concern reported, roof leakage, caused by old or damaged shingles or improper flashing, was considered to be a frequent concern. Heating System Heating System concerns include broken or malfunctioning operating controls, blocked chimneys, and unsafe exhaust disposal. Poor Overall Maintenance Even the novice home buyer is usually aware of this situation. Evidence is inclusive of but not limited to cracked, peeling or dirty painted surfaces, crumbling masonry, makeshift wiring or plumbing, and broken fixtures or appliances. |
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Structural Concerns As a result of concerns in one or more of the categories, many houses sustain damage to such structural components such as foundation walls, floor joists, rafters, and window and door headers. Plumbing Though not ranked as the most significant concern, plumbing defects still rank high, and include the existence of old or incompatible piping materials, as well as faulty fixtures and waste lines. Exteriors Flaws in the home's exterior, including windows, doors, and wall surfaces, are responsible for the condition of water and air penetration, but rarely have structural significance. Inadequate caulking or weather stripping is the most common culprits. Poor Ventilation Perhaps due to overly ambitious efforts to save energy, many home owners have "over sealed" their homes, resulting in excessive interior moisture. This can cause rotting and premature failure of both structural and non-structural elements. Miscellaneous This category includes primarily interior components, often cosmetic in nature, which were not found frequent enough to rank individually, nor do they typically qualify to be reported on during the home inspection. |