Commonly Missed Red Flags During a Home Inspection

Home inspection companies play a crucial role in the home buying and selling process. Both parties need to know about any issues the house may have so they can work to fix them before the sale. Though you can minimize your risks by hiring the best home inspection service in Atlanta, GA, inspectors are still only human. Like everyone else, they are prone to making the occasional mistake. Here are a few of the most common red flags that a home inspector may fail to notice.

Roof

Though roofs can last for decades, they will, over time, begin to degrade. The damage to the roofing will depend on when it was installed and the material used at the time of construction. Some signs of aging are more apparent than others. Inspectors should look for things like cracking, rotting, splitting, curling, blistering, cupping, lifting, missing sections, and insect damage. Any of these signals could lead to leaking or pest control problems down the line. Make sure the home inspection specialists in Atlanta, GA, pay close attention to the roof.

Drainage and Grading

When a house is first built, the lot must be graded so water can properly drain away from the property. When the yard is not graded correctly, water can pool around the foundation. This causes a number of issues from basement flooding to the shifting or cracking of the house’s foundation. The inspector should check the foundation for signs of movement and sitting water.

Plumbing

Since plumbing systems are hidden away behind walls, it can be challenging to detect issues. Even the smallest leak can wreak havoc on the entire home, especially if the problem goes unnoticed. Leaking pipes and outdated plumbing are two of the biggest offenders when it comes to plumbing issues. Before committing to the sale of the home, ensure there is a high-quality plumbing system in place. Otherwise, you may end up with costly repairs down the line.

Electrical Wiring

Much like plumbing, it can be hard to spot wiring issues because of their placement behind the walls. However, this is one of the most important areas to check during the inspection. Building codes are being updated all the time. These codes keep people safe and prevent fires caused by defective wiring. To ensure the home is safe, the inspector will look at the number of electrical outlets in the house. When there are too few outlets, people tend to over-rely on extension cords, which puts stress on the whole system. Exposed wires are also a big area of concern. These are most often seen when a homeowner decides to work on a remodeling project in the basement, attic, or garage. Be sure to hire a professional electrician to fix this serious issue.