5 Most Common Home Inspection Findings in New Jersey
GCA Home Inspections, owned and operated by Rick Vecchio, has been performing home inspections for years and come across some pretty unique findings along the way. We’ve seen everything from animal skeletons in crawlspaces to scenes that might belong on the show, Fargo. With all of the oddities we’ve seen over the years, we’ve also established what have been the most common findings. Here’s a look at the 5 most routine flaws found during a New Jersey home inspection.
Faulty Electrical Wiring
Faulty wiring can often go unnoticed without a proper inspection, and a problem like this poses a serious safety hazard. Faulty electrical outlets and old, outdated appliances are the most common culprit when it comes to electrical fires. It’s rare that an electrical fire will give off a smell, and it won’t smoke so the smoke detectors can’t help on this one. Often times it will take a long period of time for faulty wires to finally ignite, don’t let that happen AFTER you purchase your dream home!
Roofing Issues
Many roofing issues will go unnoticed to homeowners since it isn’t exactly the most accessible part of their home, especially during the winter months when it is hidden by snow. Missing or damaged shingles is a common find, but also a pretty easy fix or replacement. The more important things to worry about are damages to the structure, improperly installed flashings, and serious leaks. Roofing costs can range anywhere from $10,000 to $85,0000 for a 2,000 square foot home, and that is not a surprise expense you want to encounter as a homeowner.
HVAC systems
Since AC/Heat is used on a daily basis in most homes, HVAC systems are usually kept in pretty good shape. The problems we come across result in aged systems or systems that have been poorly maintained. We see refrigerant leaks, electronic control failures, drainage problems & dirty filters inhibiting HVAC systems from efficient performance.
Structural & Foundation Problems
Issues with the structure and foundation of a home are not little fixes and can affect the life expectancy of your home significantly. Cracks in the foundation can also lead to water issues, specifically in the basement. Unwanted water can cause mold, mildew, poor indoor air quality and over time start to deteriorate the foundation of your home. If these issues are present, GCA Home Inspections can help you understand what you are really getting into so you can make an informed decision.
Poor Insulation
Contractors with a moral compass pointing slightly off of “True North” might try to save themselves a few bucks and skimp on adequate insulation in attics and crawl spaces. They can get away with doing this since most homeowners aren’t lounging in these areas, so the problem goes unnoticed until a trained home inspector knows what to look for. Let us make sure your home is properly insulated!
As a home buyer, the process of finding a home & making sure there aren’t any secret defects can be stressful. When you’re considering purchasing a home in Brick, New Jersey, we hope that you’ll trust us to give you the peace of mind that a thorough home inspection provides. When you’re ready to schedule an appointment, click here & see what GCA Home Inspections has to offer!
New Jersey Service Area
