How did you feel when you first bought the home that you live in? We are sure that your excitement knew no bounds. At that time, you would not have even thought about the things that can fail a home inspection test. Obviously, nobody wants to stress their brain cells if they get the house they have fallen head over heels in love with.
But hang on.
Do you know that the house you are in love with could have several serious issues waiting to get your attention? Confused?
Don’t worry. We are here to clarify the most common things to you that are required to pass a home inspection test. Without further ado, dive into the article and get all the answers.
Ground sloping – The rule of thumb says that every lawn should have at least a 3% slope away from home. This slope carries water away from the house, thereby preventing water damage. It could result in dampness in the crawlspace or cracks in the settlement.
If the water doesn’t drain away properly, it could lead to mold or rot. You do not want that. Right? So, ensure to have a proper drainage system at home, and promptly address any drainage repair needs to protect your property.
Issues with plumbing – The most common things that fail a home inspection test are leaky pipes and plumbing issues. A few of the times, these issues are simple, for instance – a leaking faucet.
But they can also lead to bigger problems like cross-connection issues. A cross-connection is defined as a point in the plumbing system where a non-potable water source contaminates the household water. And if you don’t check these things, mold will make its way to your house.
So, keep a tab on these problems and resolve the plumbing issues as soon as possible to protect the mold from spreading throughout the home.
Also Read: 5 DIY Plumbing Tips Every Homeowner Should Know
Problems with the foundation – Inspectors will also take into account if there are any cracks in the foundation. It is noteworthy that nearly 60% of homes in the USA have the foundation of some clay content (expansive soil). And this soil can shift up to 2 inches per season.
Nobody wants that. If there is any crack, it could mean framing problems, issues with the doors and windows, or leaks in the basement. So, resolve these issues as soon as they are identified.
Also Read: 3 Signs Your Charleston Home Is in Need of Foundation Repairs
Harmful mold – What comes to your mind when we say “harmful mold”? For most people, the answer is black mold, also called Stachybotrys Chartarum. But there are other kinds of mold as well that can lead to health issues like respiratory problems, skin irritations, and headaches, to name a few.
Remember that the mold doesn’t need to have a distinct or musty smell. So, pay attention to wherever there are signs of leak as the mold starts its way from there.
Also Read: What To Know About Mold Removal
Radon testing – As per the environmental protection agency, approximately 1 out of every 15 homes in the USA has increased levels of radon. Let us tell you that radon gas gets to your abode through cracks, crawl spaces, and basements.
And do you know that it is a radioactive gas that elevates the risk of lung cancer? In fact, it is the primary cause of lung cancer in non-smokers and the second leading reason for all the diagnoses of lung cancer. So, tell your home inspectors to perform radon testing of your home and recommend an active remediation system, if needed.
If the results show the radon levels of less than four picocuries per liter, fix the problem quickly. In short, the lesser the radon levels, the healthier the home is.
HVAC problems – Home inspectors check the wiring of the house if it is safe to handle the HVAC system properly. If you have a gas-fired furnace at your home, they’ll check it to make sure that it doesn’t have any gas leak. The other items that they focus on are flue pipes and ductwork to check for cracks.
Roofing materials and problems – Home inspectors pay special attention to the roofing system. If the roofing system isn’t proper or has leaks in it, it can create numerous problems for you.
For example, it can weaken the structure, or even lead to collapsing of the roof. Hence, keep a tab on roofing. There should not be any evident signs of water or roof damage. Roofing issues can also diminish the value of your house as it is one of the most costly repairs.
Lead paint – There are good chances that your abode is painted with lead-based paint if it was made before 1978. So, check for its presence at your house and get an EPA (environmental protection agency) certified contractor to resolve the problems if it is there. It is noteworthy that lead can lead to various illnesses including, strokes, behavioral disorders, cancer, and more.
Electrical problems – Nearly 51,000 house fires occur every year and electrical problems are the reason behind them. So, it is not wrong to say that home inspectors are keen to verify the electrical system of the house to ensure everyone’s safety and security.
Common electrical issues include – fraying insulation, DIY-wiring, and overcurrent protection (also called over-fusing). Therefore, solving electrical problems is vital to pass the home inspection test.
Also Read: 5 Steps For Electrical Troubleshooting
Rotting wood – Let’s be honest: Nobody likes the smell of rotten wood. And that is what you need to look at your home. Check if there is any exposed wood. Home inspectors will take into account that the wood at your place is not affected by termites or mold. They will also scrutinize the door jambs, the roof, windows, and wooden structures (stairs or deck).
Asbestos – Asbestos was widely used in insulation and paints, until 1981 when it was identified as carcinogenic. So make your place free from asbestos, as you don’t want any health risk for your family members.
To sum it up all
It is needless to say that everyone loves their place. So, it isn’t wrong to shell out some finances for minor repairs of the house. After all, it will lead you to a more safe and secure place to live in.
At last, William J. Bennett can’t be more right when he said –
“Home is a shelter from storms-all sorts of storms.”