Maintaining your home in its best condition is easier said than done. You need to consider several elements, like structures or systems. To ensure they are in good physical and working condition. For this purpose, you can start with identifying potential home issues. 

Spotting problems in property inspection takes an experienced eye. Some problems are too obvious to inspect by yourself. But there are some in-depth issues that professional inspectors reveal. For instance, you can check if your roof is leaking and test your appliances, like the water heater. And even catch mold patches or moisture intrusion. 

But what’s with the components that are compromising your home’s structural integrity? Those elements need professional help. You never know; there could be a cracked foundation or faulty wiring. That can risk your family’s safety at times.

That’s why AJF Inspections is here to guide you through this. We will discuss some important home inspection tips you can try yourself to identify potential home issues. So, without any further ado, let’s get started with

Identifying Potential Home Issues

During a home inspection, the inspector will thoroughly examine all areas of your home. To identify any defects or problems. Here are some of the main issues they will look for:

Electrical Problems

The inspectors will thoroughly look for faulty wiring that can cause a fire hazard. They’ll examine the outdated electrical panel or insufficient amperage according to your home’s needs. 

One of the easiest home maintenance tips is to look for any loose, damaged, or improperly covered outlets and switches. So you can easily infer there’s something wrong going on. You know, ground faults or reverse polarity can cause electrocution. Things can get worse when the breakers, fuses, or outlets are burnt. 

Plumbing Issues

The inspectors will look for leaky pipes, clogged drains, or signs of water damage. They will test your water for low water pressure or rust. You can try DIY techniques to look for such issues. 

But for plumbing issues that are out of your sight, you need the expert and professional eyes of plumbing inspectors. Such as highlighting any cracks, leaks, or faulty connections in pipes. They will also examine the physical and working conditions of your water heater. And check it for malfunctioning. Any poor drainage around the home and foundation will also be under the observation of professionals.

Structural Integrity 

The structural integrity of your home can be compromised over time. That’s why you should always keep an eye out for any cracks or shifting in the foundation or basement walls. The inspectors will ensure doors or windows are not stuck and open properly.

They will also look for sagging floors, ceilings, or roofs. Any cracks in drywall or plaster around doors, ceilings, or corners will not go unnoticed. If you notice any signs of shifting, rot, or insect damage in structural wood, seek professional inspection help.

Roofing Issues

Your roof could have issues. You know it takes a lot to withstand the extreme weather conditions and provide a safe shelter. You can look for obvious roofing issues, including leaks, water stains, or dark spots on the interior ceiling. But if you choose professional inspectors, they will look for any damaged, curling, or missing shingles.

They’ll also check your roof for poor drainage, pooling water, or excess moss growth. The damaged gutters and downspouts are also on their watch.

HVAC System

If you feel malfunctioned or insufficient cooling or heating, this means your HVAC system needs attention.

No matter if you are doing it yourself or hiring an inspector for it. Just look for leaks, cracks, or corrosion in furnaces or AC equipment. Pay extra attention to improper ventilation that could allow carbon monoxide to enter the home.

If the air ducts are damaged or dirty, they can restrict the airflow. That’s why you should look for that as well. Also, check if your thermostat is old or faulty. Because it can then fail to properly regulate temperature.

Home Inspection Tips You Can Try Yourself

While a professional home inspection is highly recommended before purchasing a home. There are still some basic things you can check yourself during a walk-through. Here are home inspection tips you can try on your own.

Check for Leaks

Take your time to slowly walk around all the interior and exterior areas of your home. This may include scanning walls, floors, and ceilings for any signs of water damage or leaks. 

You should look for water stains, mold, mildew, or peeling paint. Which could indicate current or past leaks. Also, make sure to check under sinks, near plumbing fixtures, and around the water heater for any drips or moisture. You should also look for dampness or standing water in the basement and crawlspace.

Inspect Your Electrical Panel 

Locate your home’s main electrical panel and open it up to examine the circuit breakers inside. You’ll want to check for any corrosion or burn marks which could indicate issues. Make sure the amperage rating meets your home’s needs based on size and utilities. 

You should look for any wires that are overloaded with too many connections. Also check that all wires are properly connected and that there is no exposed wiring.

Assess the Foundation

You should just walk around your home’s exterior. To check around the foundation, scanning for any cracks or shifting. You can use a level tool to check for any areas that appear misaligned or sloped. 

If your home has a basement, examine its foundation walls. That could be subject to bowing, cracks, or water intrusion. Any damp spots or cracks wider than 1⁄4 inch show you need further inspection. You should also look for uneven floors or cracks in interior walls or ceilings.

Inspect Your Roof

You should visually inspect the overall condition of your roof. Look for damaged, loose, or missing shingles. Search for any dark stains or moisture that could indicate a leak. Also, check that the roof flashing around chimneys, vents, and valleys is secure with no separation.  

The Bottom Line

Knowing effective home inspection tips helps you in identifying potential home issues. That’s why we walked you through some of the useful home inspection tips. This is how you can spot problems early on. And make the best decision about your potential new home. Scroll through our blog section to learn more about inspections.