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Common Home Inspection Problems From CheckHome

Tuesday 24 April 2018, 7:10PM

By Beckie Wright

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Before investing in a new home, a house inspection is essential so you know the ins and outs of your new potential property, and as experts in the home inspection and building industries CheckHome encounter a wide range of problems during their building inspections. These can range from minor cosmetic grazes to major foundational issues that may cost a small fortune to fix in the long run.

One of the most common is water penetration and/or leaking which can occur in the roof, basement, bathroom, or worse, in the main plumbing lines. Unchecked leaks can lead to worse problems, such as rot or mould, and can be a sign of – and even lead to – defective linings and cracks. Another common problem is outdated electrical systems that need upgrades. Electrical wiring that doesn’t comply with building codes is another common issue.

Similarly, any damage to the roof can cause other serious problems in a house’s interior and exterior structure, making this a homeowner’s worst nightmare. Roof projects are among the most expensive to fix, especially if there are issues with improper installation or water penetration. Also, poor insulation is common in many homes, more so in older New Zealand houses. Heating systems need to be maintained annually, yet many homeowners defer this until an actual problem pops up.

Wall cracks, faulty doors or windows, and even floor cracks are some common structural issues, and maintaining a home’s structural integrity lengthens its service life and increases its livability value, so these should never be overlooked. Improper ventilation, especially in the bathroom or kitchen, is another common home inspection problem, as poor ventilation can cause moisture buildup in areas such as the attic, contributing to overall deterioration. Additional roof vents may be required to properly ventilate a home.

As CheckHome advise, doing your due diligence, and finding as much information as possible about your new home can save you from potentially great costs, and getting a professional home inspector to examine your new house will give you peace of mind so you know exactly what you’re investing in.

For more information on property inspections, building inspections Lower Hutt and building inspectors, please go to http://checkhome.co.nz .