Once you’ve been in the home inspection industry for many years like I have, you’ll start to see some patterns developing. That’s not to say I don’t still stumble across some interesting situations, but for the most part, I see the same issues in homes across Edmonton time and time again.
Some of these issues have to do with our climate, while others are due to building materials and practices, or general wear and tear. Although many of the issues I diagnose are not serious, they can often predict a larger problem down the road. Protecting homeowners from dangerous, costly, or uncomfortable issues is always a top priority in my day-to-day work, which is why I want to focus on a few common problems I spot during inspections.
The Top 5 Issues a Professional Home Inspection Could Reveal
Faulty or Outdated Wiring
One of the greatest dangers I look for in a home is faulty or outdated wiring, which can cause serious housefires. Outdated wiring is a major problem in older homes, which were built before our lifestyles required numerous appliances and plug-in technology.
Faulty wiring could also be the result of the materials or techniques used, or DIY fixes by an owner or an inexperienced electrician. Either way, it’s a major safety concern and it’s always a priority in home inspections.
A Badly Constructed Roof
Since roof replacement is such an expensive repair, it’s important to know if it needs to be done before you buy a home so you can avoid taking on financial responsibility for it later on.
Even some of the most high-quality homes have roofing issues. Missing shingles and flashing can signal impending leaks, but they’re an easy fix if dealt with quickly. Most certified home inspectors will check the quality of the roof from the attic or from doing a walk-around outside the home. In some cases, when the roof is easily accessible and safe to walk on, I’ll head outside to check the roof up close.
Furnace and HVAC Issues
Our HVAC systems take the brunt of cold winters and hot summers in Edmonton, which is why they’re often in need of some TLC (or replacement) before a sale. Again, this is a fairly costly replacement, so there’s a lot of peace of mind in knowing what the potential lifespan is for the heating and air conditioning system in a house.
While checking to make sure the system is working well, I’ll also be checking for potential safety hazards, including blocked ventilation.
Cracked Foundations
A cracked foundation may not be a problem yet, but it could signal impending leaks. Homebuyers and real estate agents often want to know whether a foundation is cracked. A visual inspection is possible in unfinished basements, but it’s harder to see when there’s drywall in place. I can use a combination of techniques, including looking for signs like sloping walls and uneven door frames.
Faulty or Badly-Sealed Windows and Doors
Faulty windows and doors can be the culprits for many issues in a home. These can include poor insulation, restricted access in certain areas of the home (which is potentially dangerous), leaks and condensation, and bad soundproofing. That’s why every home inspection service includes checking all accessible windows and doors.
Windows and doors that are improperly sealed are one of the main problems I see. Aside from physically checking the seals and weatherstripping, thermal imaging can help me detect areas where there may be coolness or dampness seeping in from outside. If sealing is an issue, there may be cost-effective solutions available that I can recommend.
What’s Included in a Home Inspection?
A home inspection is a thorough process that goes through a lengthy checklist and inspection report. I will look at all the major systems in your home (or potential home), right down to the tiniest details that could impact your safety, health, comfort, or financial wellbeing.
If you’re looking for one of the best home inspection companies in Edmonton, I’d be happy to tell you more about what a home inspection from Fortified Home Inspections includes. My team serves the Edmonton area, including St. Albert, Sherwood Park, and the surrounding areas. Get in touch today for home inspection pricing and more information.
