Five Common Defects Found During Home Inspections

Defects found during home inspections vary from home to home. All homes are unique. However, some defects are found more often than others, especially in NE Tennessee (Kingsport, Johnson City, Bristol, and the surrounding area). Some common defects discussed in this blog are more urgent than others, but should all be addressed as soon as possible. Letting defects go unchecked can have a significant impact on the value, or comfort of your home. This list isn’t in any particular order of urgency and/ or cost.

1) Insulation Defects

Insulation is a vital component of a comfortable and energy-efficient home. Properly installed insulation will keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. On the other hand, improperly installed insulation can make the home less comfortable, and even trap moisture in your walls/ floors, potentially causing mold/ mildew issues. In our reports, we note any cases of insulation defects and provide recommendations for correcting them. Here is a great guide from the Department of Energy on Insulation recommendations.

2) Roof Defects

The most common defects we see during a home inspection are roof defects. A properly installed and maintained roof is vital to the well-being of your home. With the climate in towns like Johnson City, Kingsport, and Bristol a roof takes a beating from the elements and requires maintenance and replacement over time. Often we see a roof near the end of its life span when a home is being sold. We also find installation defects quite frequently on new construction homes. These defects need to be addressed promptly, as water intrusion can lead to very costly repairs.

3) Poor Surface Drainage

Given the amount of rain we receive in our region, properly sloped grading is vital to protect your home. The ground around a home should slope sufficiently around the property to divert water away from the foundation. Often we see no slope or even sloping toward the foundation. This defect can cause a number of other problems such as structural or moisture-related defects. Often coupled with this issue is a lack of properly extended downspouts on gutters.

4) Missing/ Degrading Caulk

Another common defect found during home inspections is caulk that is missing or in need of replacement. Caulk plays a vital role in keeping the systems of your home water/airtight. Caulking around doorways and windows keeps water from entering the wall cavity from rain and snow. On the interior of your home, it is used around bathtubs and sinks to prevent water damage. Proper installation and regular replacement of degrading caulk is a key component in preventing water damage.

5) Plumbing Defects

Water is the enemy of your home. Plumbing defects can result in a lot of water entering parts of your home where it doesn’t belong. Small plumbing defects often go unnoticed until there is significant and costly damage. We always call out these defects in our reports, even if they appear small so that they can be addressed before they get out of hand.

Takeaway

While the above is not an exhaustive list of defects we may find during a home inspection, it demonstrates a few of the most common defects we see. Even when you have a home inspection during the home-buying process, defects can arise over time. Scheduling an annual home maintenance inspection is so valuable when it comes to protecting your investment. Use the link below to schedule your home inspection today.