12 Home Inspection Items Inspected

Home Buyers Want to Know Everything about Your Home

While home buyers are as individual as the homes they plan on purchasing, one thing they share is a need to ensure that their new home has no hidden surprises. Will the roof require replacement? Is the electrical wiring safe? What is the condition of the plumbing?  These, and others, are the questions that home buyers will seek a professional home inspector to provide detailed answers.

According to Home Inspection experts, there are at over 30 physical problems that will be inspected during a typical home inspection. We’ve identified the 12 most common defects and, if not identified and dealt with, any of these 12 items could cost you to repair or replace.

12 Items You Should Know About 

Defective Plumbing

Faulty plumbing can identified usually by  either leaking or clogging. A visual inspection can detect leaking, and an inspector will gauge water pressure by turning on all faucets in the highest bathroom and then flushing the toilet. If you hear the sound of running water, it indicates that the pipes are undersized. If the water appears brown when first turned on at the faucet, this is a good indication that the pipes are rusting, which can result in water quality problems. Your home inspector will check older homes for galvanized plumbing.  Many insurance companies will not insure a home with galvanized plumbing as it is over its predictable life span.

Damp or Wet Basement

An inspector will check your walls for a powdery white mineral deposit a few inches off the floor, and will look to see if any water stains are visible. Effervescence is the minerals left behind when moisture or water passes through your foundation wall. A mildew odor is almost impossible to eliminate, and an inspector will certainly be conscious of it.

Inadequate Wiring & Electrical

Your home should have a minimum of 100 amps service, and this should be clearly marked. Wire should be copper or aluminum. Home inspectors will look for aluminum wiring, faulty installations or damaged cables during the home inspection.  Many insurance companies will not insure a home with aluminum wiring.

Heating & Cooling Systems

Insufficient insulation, and an inadequate or a poorly functioning heating system, are the most common causes of poor heating. While an adequately clean furnace, without rust on the heat exchanger, usually has life left in it, an inspector will be asking and checking to see if your furnace is over its typical life span of 15-25 yrs. For a forced air gas system, a heat exchanger will come under particular scrutiny since one that is cracked can emit deadly carbon monoxide into the home. These heat exchangers must be replaced if damaged – they cannot be repaired.

Roofing Problems

Water leakage through the roof can occur for a variety of reasons such as physical deterioration of the asphalt shingles (e.g. curling or splitting), or mechanical damage from a wind storm. When gutters leak and downspouts allow water to run down and through the exterior walls, this external problem becomes a major internal one.

Moisture in Attic Spaces

Problems or lack of ventilation can allow moisture to accumulate in your attic with the potential to cause mould and rotting of sheathing etc. Vermiculite insulation could also contain Asbestos and requires a Laboratory Test to verify.

Rotting Wood

This can occur in many places and will typically occur when wood has a moisture content above 15%. The building inspector will sometimes probe the wood to see if this is present – especially when wood has been freshly painted.

Masonry Work

Re-bricking a chimney can be expensive, but, when ignored, these repairs can cause problems with water and moisture penetration into the home which in turn could lead to a chimney being structurally unsound.  The home inspector will check chimney cap of any signs of water penetration.

Over-Loaded Electrical Circuit

A fire hazard is created when more amperage is drawn on the circuit than was intended. 15 amp circuits are the most common in a typical home, with larger service for large appliances such as stoves and dryers. Most circuits are rated for 12 items such as lights and outlets.   A Double Tap connection may put an unsafe load on breaker.

Adequate Security Features

More than a purchased security system, an inspector will look for the basic safety features that will protect your home such as proper locks on windows and patio doors, dead bolts on the doors.  In Ontario new homes are required to have Strobe Smoke Alarms in every bedroom, hallway and level of the home.

Structural/Foundation Problems

An inspector will certainly investigate any visual signs that there are problems with the underlying footing and foundation of your home.  Any structural repairs or additions require a design and building permit from your local building department.

Asbestos Hazard

An inspector will check for signs of asbestos on heating ducts and any old boilers etc.   Unfortunately many older homes have had any accessible asbestos removed but it is sometimes found in the heating ducts in walls etc.  This is where the value of an experienced home inspector is invaluable.

Barrie Home Inspector

Roger Frost is a Certified Building Code Official with the Ontario Building Official Association of Ontario.   He is also a Certified Master Inspector who has inspected over 8,000 homes.  The Barrie Home Inspector offers Free Thermal Imaging with every home inspection.  Every Home Inspection comes with a 100% Money Back Guarantee.  Call Roger today to book your “Risk Free” home inspection.   Cell Phone 705-795-8255

WETT Certified Inspections

The Barrie Home Inspector also provides WETT Certified Inspections for $75.00 when included as part of Home Inspection.  For more detailed information on WETT Inspections, installations or clearances visit WETT-Inspection.com.

Home owners in Orillia should contact the Orillia WETT Inspector for Fireplace, Wood Stove, Pellet Stove, Fireplace Insert, Wood Burning Furnaces or Outside Boilers.  Most insurance companies now require a WETT Certified Inspection when buying a home or installing a new appliance.  The Orillia WETT Inspector can provide a WETT Report at the time of inspection that meets your Insurance Company and Municipal Building Department requirements.

Requirements for installing fireplaces and wood stoves has changed considerably over the years.  Ensure your families safety by having a WETT Certified Inspection today!

Air Quality Testing

Concerned about the air quality in your home?  How often do you consider the indoor air quality of your home and its impact on your family’s health? Some individuals can be more sensitive to respiratory irritants in the air athan others.  Typically babies, children, asthmatics, those with allergies or respiratory issues can be more sensitive and develop health problems from poor indoor air quality. It can be compromised by high indoor humidity, pet dander, various airborne allergens, or more serious problems, such as mold.  Our Air Quality Testing Report is generated by a Certified Laboratory and provides an indepth review of the air quality in your home.

Call Roger at 705-795-8255 or Email Roger