Your home has been on the market for months, and it finally looks like it’s selling.
Before you celebrate, you still have a home inspection. It shouldn’t be a problem though, right? You can’t see anything wrong with your house.
Sadly that’s how many home sellers think of their home inspections. Then they get blindsided by problems that cost them thousands of dollars.
It’s important to take an unbiased evaluation of your house before you put it on the market. Hiding things will only make it worse for you when the home inspector rolls up.
Don’t get caught unawares by a home inspection. Take a look at these common problems that your home inspector will notice.
Common Problems with Your Home You Can’t See
Below is a list of common problems home inspectors find with houses.
1. Electrical Issues
Electrical issues are one of the most common problems in old houses, but it’s also the biggest pain. The major issue is that if you don’t solve this problem upfront, it could cause a house fire.
Take a walk around your home and see if you can spot exposed wires. Even if it’s covered in rubber, there’s a chance the wire could get damaged. These wires are often in basements, attics, and crawlspaces.
If you spot anything, call a licensed electrician. Never try to DIY an electrical issue in your home.
2. Leaks
Leaks seem like an annoyance on the surface. You have to put the buckets out during rainstorms, and move your carpet away from the wet walls.
Over time though, leaks can damage the structural integrity of the house. That’s the kind of common problem that home inspectors are looking for.
If you have a leak in your house, you might need to repair your roof. The problem could also be a leaky water pipe.
If you’ve already fixed the leak in your house, you still need to tell the realtor about it. It’s best to be upfront with common problems like this.
3. Problems with Stucco
Homes with stucco walls will (supposedly) last forever. If it wasn’t applied well or there are other issues with the house, the walls collect moisture.
At the base of a stucco wall is a part called the weep screed. When water hits the stucco wall, it flows down and collected in the weep screed. Then the water flows out, keeping everything dry.
If there is anything obstructing that weep screed like a patio, the water never gets a chance to escape. That creates problems with moisture in your interior that will cost you extra.
4. Contaminated Backyards
Older homes built before 1975 typically ran on oil. The homeowners had large oil tanks in their basements or underground in the backyard.
This creates issues later on for you. Oil can contaminate your soil, especially as that tank gets older. Some homeowners will try to hide the evidence of that tank.
While home inspectors don’t know everything, they do know about common problems in your area. If your house had an oil tank in the backyard, your neighbors did too. Instead of hiding the information, be upfront with your home inspector. They’ll find out anyway.
5. Foundational Issues
It doesn’t matter how nice a house looks if the foundation is shaky everything else is in danger.
You can spot a weak foundation in your home by looking for zig-zag cracks in the wall. If you feel like you’re walking up or down while on a “flat surface,” the foundation is bad.
6. Old Home Mechanical Systems
If you haven’t replaced your heating system in the last 30 years, you might be in trouble.
Before you put your house on the market, check all the dates of your major home systems. Based on how severe the problem is, you can decide to replace the unit yourself or put it on the buyer.
Remember that if you replace it yourself, you can sell your home for more money.
7. Pests
Back luck happens to everyone. You can live your life happily, then one day a family of groundhogs moves in under the house.
The same can goes for other common problem pests like fleas, termites, and raccoons.
If you’ve ever had a problem with pests in the past, you need to divulge that information. Nothing turns off a buyer like hearing their future house is overrun with fleas.
8. Problems with the Pool
If you’re a buyer in a warm climate, a house with a pool is a no-brainer. Yes, it requires it’s own kind of upkeep and cleaning, but it’s worth it… right?
Home sellers with pools put their money on this huge selling feature, but it can turn against them. If there’s a crack in the pool, it can create leaks, a bad backyard, and destroy that water bill.
There’s also the common problem of faulty pool equipment. You want your pool to get you more money, not cost you money. Talk to a professional about inspecting the pool.
9. Water Damage
Speaking of water damage, water damage in the home can be a huge deal breaker when it comes to home inspection.
Water damage can hurt the home’s structure, from the walls to the floor. It’s also a breeding ground for black mold and creates a nasty odor in the house.
If you suspect your house is suffering from water damage, get that checked out before you put it on the market.
10. “Additions” That Hurt Rather Than Help
Let’s say your house was a 1940s masterpiece… except the living room was way too small for your family. You decided to build an addition.
While that addition worked for you, it can actually hurt your bottom line. Make sure that you hire someone who won’t take any short-cuts or make shoddy modifications. Bad construction will cost you thousands you didn’t prepare for.
Looking for More Home Inspection Tips?
Now that you know how to spot the common problems in your home, check out our other articles.
If you’re buying an older home, you’ll want to read this article. If you’re selling or buying a home, we’ll help you understand your home inspection report.
We want to help you avoid any nasty surprises in your dream home. Contact us today if you’re in Northeast Ohio to schedule an inspection.