3 Common Issues That Could Jeopardize Your Home Inspection

Purchasing a home is one of the biggest decisions a person can make. Of course, anyone looking to buy a home would be inclined to learn all they can about everything happening beneath the surface. There are some red flags that are commonly found in inspections that could cause you not to pass your home inspection, which can deter buyers. We’re going to talk about a few examples, as well as what signs to look for in your own home and how to stay on top of these issues in order to minimize them.

Damp Basement and Attic

Signs of dampness in the home are worrisome to inspectors because they point to foundational or ventilation and insulation issues. In the basement, you will want to look out for a white line of calcification on the walls a few inches above the floor, and a smell of mildew. This could be indicative of a crack, water buildup under the house requiring a sump pump, or inadequate waterproofing of the foundation. Dampness in the attic will show signs of condensation buildup, damp insulation, and also a smell of mildew. This can be caused by issues with the roof, poor ventilation, or improper insulation. An attic with moisture buildup can lead to premature wearing of the roof and structure of the home. Both of these issues can have detrimental long term effects on the structural soundness of a home. Checking your basement and attic regularly for dampness can save thousands of dollars in repairs, because these issues normally cost much less to fix if caught early-on. 

Masonry Work- Brick Repairs

Although rebricking can run up a bit of a higher price, if damaged bricks are left unattended it can cause more serious issues, such as moisture penetration and structural issues. A brick Chimney could become clogged or could even collapse if not maintained. Crumbling bricks are a concern for inspectors because of these possible complications, and could cause you to fail a home inspection.

Rotting Wood

Rotting wood can occur in a variety of places around the home, such as window sills, door frames, decks, as well as many other locations. Inspectors make sure to probe wood thoroughly, especially wood that has been freshly painted. It is worth your time to replace rotting wood rather than cover it up in order to gain favourable results from your home inspection.

It is crucial to be checking in regularly with what your home may require for maintenance in order to minimize repair costs.The Dione Irwin team strongly suggests you contact a professional to inspect your home and inform you on what could require maintenance before you put your home on the market. The topics discussed are only 3 of 11 common issues that inspectors find people failing their home inspections for. Our team works with inspectors and can provide you with a professional to get you started on your selling journey! If you would like more information please contact the Dione Irwin team at (403) 483-9208, or send an email to Dione@DioneIrwinTeam.com.

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