Common Home Inspection Deficiencies

Common home inspection issues are more often a geographical pattern, especially for an area like New Orleans, Louisiana. New Orleans is our little tropical fishbowl, it is common to find green algae growing on homes during the Spring, eroding soil around homes (although it should not), or heavy rains causing puddles. Each region has its own problems but that does not mean you cannot mitigate or eliminate the concerns – if it is done correctly.

Here are some of the common home inspection defects:

Grading and Drainage Around the Home or Property

A home inspector will be able to notice any drainage channels throughout the inspection unless it is a subsurface drain line which cannot be seen. Gutters and downspouts are essential to a roof’s ability to shed water and direct it away from the home. Downspouts should terminate at least 6 feet away from the home. As water begins to pool around the home without proper drainage, it can lead to foundation issues and potential mold growth; if it sits around wood it can attract termites. It is important to install proper drainage throughout the property to direct the water away from the home.

Roof Problems

It is highly likely you will see black algae growth on shingled roofs. In our region we have a common type known as gloeocapsa magma – aka blue green algae. This algae growth serves no positives for shingled roofs. It shortens the life expectancy of the roof, compromises the integrity which can lead to easier damage by weather, increase roof weight, and can increase utility bills. Roofs should be cleaned and maintenance at least once a year. Algae is just one of several different issues that can be found on a roof during an inspection. Damaged shingles, lack of gutters, and improper flashing are some of these issues.

Attic Ventilation and Insulation

The U.S. Federal Housing Administration recommends a minimum of 1ft²of attic ventilation for every 300ft² of attic floor space – split between positive air flow (soffit vents) and negative air flow (ridge, gable, or turbine vents etc.). It’s common to find homes lacking insulation throughout the attic and it may be difficult for an inspector to visually inspect all areas of the attic. Vapor barriers should face the warm side of the space to be insulated, so in an attic, unless you lift the insulation up you won’t see the barrier. It’s also important to confirm that electric turbines (Whirlybirds) are functional in order to push that hot air out the attic. Proper ventilation and insulation allow the home to heat and cool efficiently and reduce moisture to prevent mold or inorganic growths. Attics are great places to get a better visual on electrical and plumbing systems too.

Plumbing Problems

Plumbing issues can lead to costly repairs and create serious health concerns. Because plumbing repairs and maintenance are not cheap, homeowners tend to become their own licensed plumber in a time of need – not to be shameful of this, desperate times calls for desperate measures, right?

Visual defects in plumbing systems are leaks, slow drainage, low water pressure, a shuttering sound when turning off the faucets, improper drain traps, and several other indicators. It’s important to keep plumbing systems maintenance and serviced annually, those minor fixes that get put to the side can turn into greater problems down the road if not handled.

Electrical Deficiencies

Home inspectors are not licensed electricians, though we may be able to spot concerning installations and wiring issues, we can’t find them all. It’s important to have a licensed electrician evaluate and inspect (in his/her field of expertise) the home you are trying to buy. Failing electrical systems that are either not compatible for your lifestyle or too old to handle the weight are systems that need to be changed immediately. Some visual defects are stripped wires, incompatible breakers (size or brand), lack of GFCI outlets in kitchens, bathrooms, and exterior, exposed junction boxes, and black soot markings. Electrical systems can pose as serious health risks and are the most common cause of house fires.

Call Craig Wodehouse with Swampland Home Inspections at 504-982-8288 or email him at swamplandhomeinspections@gmail.com for all your home and sewer scope inspection needs! We offer 24/7 communication and support, same day report delivery, and much more. Be sure to check us out on Facebook and join our community – click the Facebook button down below!

What to expect during a typical home inspection?

A typical home inspection in Louisiana follows the Standards of Practice and everything outside of that is supplemental for the buyer or seller (the client) and it’s the home inspector going above and beyond – that’s a good thing! At Swampland Home Inspections, we deliver thorough and objective reports to all clients.

In the standard home inspection, the inspector will observe readily accessible systems and components of those systems. Readily accessible defines those systems to be observed and inspected without moving furniture, personal property, or putting oneself in safety danger. The checklist of systems includes but are not limited to:

Exterior

Trim
Doors and windows
Driveways and sidewalks
Walls – siding, fascia, soffits, and eaves
Columns, etc.

Any components directly related to the exterior system of the home.

Roof

Gutters and downspouts
Flashing
Roof penetrations
Chimneys
Skylights etc.

Any components directly related to the roof system of the home. Even satellite dishes installed on roofs can lead to potential water intrusion if not installed properly.

Interior

Walls
Doors and windows
Ceilings
Floors

Electrical

Switches and receptacles
Fixtures and protective coverings
Main panel and sub panels
Conduits
GFCI and AFCI
Smoke detectors

Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning

Year
Make/Model
Size
Location
Power source
Fireplaces

Plumbing

Water supply and natural gas supply
Distribution lines and fixtures
Drainage, Traps, and Vents
Water heaters
TPR valves and other safety related measures

Attic

Insulation
Ventilation
Accessibility

Foundation

Slab
Crawlspace
Basements
Property grading
Property drainage
Landscaping and vegetation near the home

Garages

Vehicle door
Pressure reverse safety mechanism
Eye sensor safety features

Appliances

Permanently installed appliances
Garbage disposal
Range, cook top, stove, ovens, and microwaves
Dishwashers
Trash compactors
Refrigerators – if applicable

Home inspections can be anywhere between 2 to 4 hours long. Depending on the age, size, and number of defects the inspection time can increase. In addition to your standard home inspection, Swampland Home Inspections offers other inspection services such as, sewer scope inspections, four point inspections, pre-listing inspections, new construction inspections, and more. Wood destroying insect inspections are also a vital resource to those lenders that require it. We have teamed up with professionals to offer wood destroying insect reports too.

Inspectors shouldn’t be there to scare you but to protect you. Home inspectors have the trained eye for defects found in everyday systems of the home and can offer objective and professional reports along with a list of repairs and recommendations for the home.

Call Swampland Home Inspections at 504-982-8288 or email us at swamplandhomeinspections@gmail.com for all your home inspection needs! We offer 24/7 communication and support, service bundle discounts, same day report delivery, and much more. Be sure to check us out on Facebook and join our community – click the link down below!