MOST COMMON HOME INSPECTION FINDINGS IN PENNSYLVANIA

Home inspectors are always finding defects in the homes that they inspect, but since they inspect homes around the same areas, it is easy to begin to notice trends that pop up more often than others. 

Here are the most common home inspection findings that Precise Inspecting sees here in South Central Pennsylvania. 

DOOR SHIFTING ISSUES

One of the most common issues that is found in Pennsylvania homes is doors that need to be adjusted, or doors that are crooked and don’t fit into the doorway the way that they should. 

While this may seem like a minor problem, it is actually a sign of a much larger problem, and that there may be a foundation issue. 

The door being off-center is usually a sign of foundation cracking or shifting, and this happens because the house begins to sink lower on one side. This makes the house uneven and can lead to much larger problems in the future. 

PLUMBING PROBLEMS

 Another problem with homes that inspectors find frequently in Pennsylvania is issues with the plumbing. Many homes have plumbing problems because it is used frequently, and pipes and faucets are older and worn. 

Many Pennsylvania homes have been around for a while, which means that the plumbing systems have been as well. Pipes can freeze and crack during the winter, causing them to leak over time and burst. 

Faucets are often marked on home inspection reports as needing to be replaced because they wear down over time and can have problems. 

HOMES LACKING CAULK 

Caulking and sealant on the outside of houses is something that inspectors find to be missing frequently during home inspections. 

This can either be because the home never had it in the first place, or because over time it has worn down and the house needs to be re-sealed. Lack of sealant on the exterior of a home is problematic because moisture can get into the home and cause other problems. 

Since Pennsylvania is relatively humid, water damage occurs often and is a serious issue for many homes. This is why having the proper sealant on the outside of a home is so important. 

ROOF REPAIRS

Roofs that have served their life span and need to be replaced are commonly noticed during home inspections. The homes in Pennsylvania see a lot of precipitation as well as hot and cold days, so roofs wear down over time and need to be replaced. 

Roofs typically last around 10 years, sometimes more or less depending on the area that the home is located in and what types of materials are used. 

Shingle and wood roofs last less than those made out of clay or tile, because the material is more durable and can withstand harsher conditions.

The process of buying a home can be exciting, but make sure you protect your investment by getting a professional inspection before purchasing your next home.