DRAINAGE/WATER MANAGEMENT - Drainage problems are THE most common type of issue noted on new and older homes. Sometimes, the "fix" is simple, and relatively inexpensive. Items that we find needing minor correction include: detached downspouts, gutters out-of-level or blocked with organic material, and downspouts which are discharging water close to the foundation walls or slabs of the home. Occasionally, insufficent or improper lot grading around certain homes can also be responsible for drainage issues, including wet basements and crawl spaces.

ROOFING - Roofing covering material and workmanship issues aren't uncommon. Sometimes, roof covering and flashing issues can be maintained or repaired on a limited basis; on other occasions, the condition of aged, hail-damaged or manufacturing-defective roofing materials can indicate an imminent replacement need.

STRUCTURE - Improper and potentially dangerous notching, boring and cutting of floor and other structural framing support members (joists, studs, columns, piers, trusses, rafters and beams) are sometimes found; inadequate framing support and fastening in attic areas and at decks and balconies are also commonly-found deficiencies. Poorly-operating or inoperable windows and doors, as well as out-of-level floors are commonly-found defects; some homes also exhibit more significant foundation problems (movement, leaks), which can be caused by a wide variety of conditions.

INTERIOR, WALLS/CEILINGS/FLOORS/STAIRWAYS - Stains are common; we help you determine how they got there. Ergonomic problems with stairways are very common in older homes.

ELECTRICAL HAZARDS - Common in older homes, sometimes found in newer homes as well. Electrical hazards come in many forms, including improperly-grounded or ungrounded outlets, amateur wiring installed incorrectly by homeowners, lack of Ground Fault Circuit-Interrupt (GFCI) devices in appropriate locations, open live junction boxes, and overfused circuits.

ROTTED WOOD - Caused by wood being wet for extended periods of time, rot is most commonly found around tubs, showers and toilets inside, or at roof eaves and trim areas outside.

WATER HEATING PROVISIONS - Many water heaters are not installed in full compliance with local or national plumbing requirements; worse yet, these devices are sometimes installed in a potentially unsafe manner. Lack of temperature/pressure relief valves and improper venting of flue gases are discrepancies and deficiencies most commonly-found.

HEATING, FURNACES - Most gas-fired furnaces seem to be in need of routine maintenance. Dirty or improperly-installed filters are common. Other common furnace issues include improper venting of flue gases and combustible fuel supply (natural gas or propane) piping leaks.

PLUMBING DEFECTS - Plumbing issues commonly found include leaking fixtures and pipe connections, slow drains, poor water pressure, and insufficient venting. Even in brand new homes, it is fairly common to identify at least several minor plumbing defects.

INSULATION & VENTILATION - Surprisingly, while most insulation is relatively simple to install, we often find homes with insulation installed improperly. This can lead to moisture problems, particularly in attic and crawlspace areas. We find that many homes built prior to the early 1980's have an inadequate quantity of insulation installed above heated home areas. Also, proper ventilation in attic and crawlspace areas is critical for effective moisture-control. In a significant number of homes that we inspect, inadequate ventilation in these same areas is often noted.

GARAGES & PARKING FACILITIES - Poorly-adjusted closing force settings on electric garage door operators rival drainage issues in most homes for the designation of "most commonly-found defect(s)." If you've got small children or pets, this is an absolutely critical issue. Less commonly, passage doors and common walls between garages and living spaces are found to lack fire resistance integrity.

If you have specific concerns about the home or investment property you're considering buying, or, if you just want the peace-of-mind that comes with a thorough, independent and professional inspection of your prospective home, call or e-mail us today for more information. 

STEM TO STERN INSPECTION SERVICES

LOCAL:  (815) 521-1215

E-MAIL: inspect4me@sbcglobal.net