Common Defects

No house is perfect.

Even the best built and best maintained homes will always have a few items in less than perfect condition.

Below are some of the items we at Tri-State Home Inspections of Wheeling, LLC most commonly find when inspecting a home:

Roofing
The single most common defect we find is problems with the roofing material. Usually it doesn't mean that the roof needs replaced, but simply that it is in need of maintenance or repair.

                                  
Multiple roofing layers                                                   Shingles broken, cracked, aged, missing granuals

Ceiling stains
Ceiling stains, past or present, are very common. It can be difficult to tell whether the stains are from leaks still present, or were caused by leaks which have since been repaired.

Ceiling Stains from previous leak

Electrical hazards
Most common in older homes, but electrical hazards are often found in newer homes as well. Electrical hazards come in many forms, from ungrounded outlets to wiring done incorrectly by the homeowner.

                                            
Electric service panel knockouts missing                     Improper electrical panel bonding

Rotted wood
Rotted wood is caused by being wet for extended periods of time and is most commonly found around tubs, showers and toilets on the interior and roof eaves and trim on the exterior.

                                  
Exterior wood water damage,                                      Wood rot with possible wood boring pest damage
wood exposure & wood rot

Water heater installations
Many water heaters are not installed in full compliance with local plumbing code.

Water Heater has no T&P valve extension, no drip pan, improper gas line connection & no drip leg

Gas furnace
Most gas furnaces we inspect seem to be in need of routine maintenance, such as replacing filters or gas company certification. Many have other gas furnaces have issues, such as faulty operation, poor plumbing installation, inadequate ventilation or inadequate fire clearance.

Gas furnace with flashback, dirty & damaged filter, poorly maintained, aged

Plumbing defects
Plumbing issues commonly found in homes we inspect include dripping faucets, leaking fixtures, and slow drains. Even in brand new homes, it is common to identify minor plumbing defects.

Kitchen sink leaks, broken gasket & improper trap