Common Asheville home inspection issues

If you’re buying or selling a home in Asheville and nearby Western North Carolina, a comprehensive inspection is essential. In fact, if you are financing a home loan, most banks will require an inspection before closing takes place. In any circumstances, it’s best to know what issues to expect before sitting down at the table to close the deal. What are the most common problems uncovered in an Asheville home inspection? Let’s take a look.

Electrical wiring

Among the most common electrical issues in homes are unprotected splices from do-it-yourself homeowners. For example, a homeowner installs a ceiling fan and splices into a wire running across the attic. He uses wire nuts and electrical tape and leaves the splice lying unprotected in the attic. To meet code requirements in most areas, electrical splices must take place inside a junction box for safety reasons.

Burned out fuses or shorted breakers in electrical panel boxes are common signs of electrical problems. Gaps in electrical panels present an electrocution hazard, and must be fixed immediately.

In some older homes, inspectors may see extension cords running across the floor between rooms. In addition to being a trip-and-fall hazard, they can strain or overload circuits, raising a risk of fire.  Electrical problems can be life-threatening, and therefore should be addressed immediately.

Roof issues

Inspectors often find several types of roof issues. Poorly installed or missing flashing where roof surfaces join can result in water intrusion as the materials degrade over time. Worn out or damaged tiles or shingles are also common. Some roofing problems may be minor and require only simple fixes. Wider and more complicated issues may require total roof replacement.

If your home inspector points out any roofing problems, the best course of action is to follow up with an evaluation by a qualified roofing company.

Leaky plumbing

Water leakage is a common plumbing issue. A home inspector looks for signs of mold, mildew and fungus that could result from water seeping out of leaky or broken pipes. Dark and rotted wood near pipes could also indicate a water leak.

Most of the time inspectors cannot find leaky pipes, unless they happen to be in an accessible crawlspace or attic. Finding leaky pipes behind walls can be tricky, unless the wall is showing visible signs of water damage.

While we’re on the subject of water leaks, don’t ignore that ancient-looking hot water heater. As these appliances approach the far end of their life spans, they can fail and leak. Inspectors look for signs of rust at the base of hot water heaters, dampness on the floor around them, or telltale signs of water stains. A note of wisdom: It’s better to replace your hot water heater before it leaks. If it’s old, start doing research for what will be your next one. Don’t wait until 80 or 100 gallons of water leak out onto the floor.</span?

Poor attic insulation or ventilation

It is not uncommon for an Asheville home inspection s to reveal poorly insulated or inadequately ventilated attics. The attic floor is your home’s ceiling. Without an insulation barrier, or if the ventilation is poor, utility bills will go through the roof (pun intended) and the home will seem too warm in the summer and too cold in the winter. If your inspector finds attic ventilation problems, ask for recommended solutions.

Poor drainage and grading

If your home has proper grading, water drains away from the structure. That means the slope of the ground travels downward and away from the house. Improper grading can be costly to fix, but not nearly as much as water damage inside a home.

Inspectors might also find clogged or damaged rain gutters and downspouts. Rain gutters must slope towards drain openings and be free of clogging debris. Downspouts must not empty out near the home’s foundation, but should direct water away from the structure.

Signs of neglect

Homes don’t maintain themselves. Sometimes, previous owners didn’t properly care for the home, and your inspector might find multiple issues. These might include worn out appliances, clogged or dirty air conditioning/furnace filters, clogged dryer vents, rotting exterior wood, and other signs of neglect. These homes are called “fixer-uppers,” and may require some costly repairs to bring them back into good condition. For the right person, these homes can be a great deal. For others they can be a huge hassle.Get

It’s rare to find a previously owned house that doesn’t show up a few issues on an inspection report. That’s why a thorough home inspection can save you money and help avoid future problems.</span?

Get an Asheville home inspection before buying or selling a home

Don’t sign on the dotted line without getting a comprehensive home inspection. Call Peter Young at (828) 808-4980, or click the link below to make an appointment today.