These aren’t the worse issues, but they are the most common home inspection finds. We are in Florida so some of our issues might be Florida based.
We will also take a look into why they are the most common and what you should do about them.
So let’s get started!
Minor Stucco Cracks
In Florida, most of our homes have stucco siding. This is a concrete texture siding that is then painted. Concrete eventually does crack and so does stucco. So with that, as the hot sun hits our siding, the home expands and contracts creating these minor cracks.
The minor cracks are common, however, they should be repaired soon to avoid water intrusion and further cracking.
As one seasoned inspector once said to me: “Imagine if you took a minor crack and cut it into one inch pieces, then, piled them on top of each other side by side to make a square. What you would get is a 1-inch hole in your home for water intrusion.
Damage to the Roof
The roof is one the most under maintained items of the home and with that, it is one of the most common findings in a home inspection.
Whether the roof is totally worn, or it needs maintenance, one of those things is probably going on the inspection report.
Even brand new roofs have issues that are written onto inspection reports because it’s not perfect and some roofers cut corners.
You may think an inspector is being picky, but you will thank us later. Minor maintenance items turn into roof leaks in just a few years!
Minor Cracks in the Driveway
Yup. This is a thing we write up and it’s quite common!
Defects with Electrical
It is almost like a guarantee there is something wrong with electrical system. It could be minor, or it could be major, but you can expect this.
Sometimes, the defects in the report are more like recommendations, such as the inspector recommends adding GFCI protection. On the other hand, the defects could be the electrical panel may need to be replaced.
Check out our electrical category for more issues.
Pool Safety
Pool safety is taken very seriously by home inspectors, especially with Broward County, Florida leading the nation in pool drownings!
Some common write ups are missing a baby-gate or pool alarm. Also, the pool drain should be an anti-entrapment drain so children do not get sucked into the pool drain while swimming.
Vegetation Too Close to the Home
Simply, having your mulch or plants close to the home. I know, it looks great, but it’s terrible.
Plants attract bugs and moisture. Those are definitely two things you do NOT want in your home. So, in order to stop this, we recommend a 4 to 6 inch clearance of any mulch and plants.
Instead of using mulch close to the home, you can replace it with rock! đ
Gutters & Grading
A house needs gutters, plain and simple. Since water is the #1 destroyer of homes, you need to be able to control the water and where it is going.
If a house does not have gutters and the grading is not properly completed, moisture can easily be held against the house leading to moisture intrusion, bugs, mold, and even structural movement in the long-term.
Dirty Evaporator Coils & Filter
You know that air filter we talk about replacing every 1-3 months? Well, it should be replaced every 1-3 months!
When a homeowner does not replace this filter, the coils on the air handler get dirty faster which also builds dust on the interior of your HVAC unit. The dust and dirt make your HVAC unit less efficient and ultimately have to work harder to produce cold air. Not to mention, it’s kind of gross.
Plumbing Issues
This is like the electrical issues explained above. Where, many common home inspection finds are in the plumbing category, but they can be anywhere from tiny recommendations like the toilet is loose, to have polybutylene.
Minor Cracks Around Windows
It is quite common for caulking and painting to crack over time. Furthermore, windows are critical penetration points of the home that are areas for water intrusion.
Ensuring these areas are freshly caulked and painted are important for protecting your home.
Concluding on Common Home Inspection Finds
Although a lot of the items mentioned above are minor, every homeowner should understand these items should be addressed at some point.
Many inspectors recommend solving the major items first and then, upon moving into a home, fixing those minor issues every month or so.
Spending the time to put a little effort into home maintenance has a huge payoff for when you go to sell your home and also, for your peace of mind.
Have a question? Drop a comment below!
