Whether you’re selling or purchasing a home, you want to ensure that the home in question is in good condition.  ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors) recently completed a survey and found the following to be the most common problems in homes today.

- Improper surface grading and drainage

Improper surface grading and drainage can be responsible for household disorders such as leaking and crawl spaces.  The grading and drainage problems can be fixed either by regrading the ground away from the house or replacing gutters and down spouts.

- Improper Electrical Wiring

Electrical wiring in homes can installed incorrectly.  The problems included insufficient electrical service, inadequate overload protection and amateur wiring connections.

- Roof Damage

Leaking roofs resulting most often from old or damaged shingles or improper flashing and drainage.  Asphalt and wooden shake shingles have a life span of between 20 and 30 years, slate shingles can last more than 100 years.

- Heating Systems

The most common problems include broken or malfunctioning controls, blocked chimneys and unsafe exhaust disposal.  Problems in this area should not be overlooked, as they can be dangerous if left unattended.

- Lack of Maintenance

While this problem is common, it is also avoidable.  Signs of poor maintenance include:  cracked, peeling or dirty painted surfaces; crumbling masonry; makeshift wiring and/or plumbing; and broken fixtures and appliances.

- Structural Issues

This area includes damage to structural components such as foundation walls, floor joists, rafters and window/door headers.  Many of these problems are a result of some of the conditions listed above.

- Plumbing

Faulty fixtures, waste lines and the existence of old or incompatible piping materials are also common problems.

- Exteriors

While these flaws may not affect the property structurally, defects in windows, doors and wall surfaces can cause discomfort to residents via moisture and air penetration.  The most common exterior problems are inadequate caulking and weather-stripping.

- Poor Ventilation

Over sealing a home can trap excessive moisture inside resulting in rotting and failure of structural and non-structural elements.

Fortunately, many of the most common problems in homes can often be fixed quickly and inexpensively.  The ideal solution is to fix them before they can cause significant damage to your home.

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