warnings

If you think you know how to spot a solid home or one that needs work or
serious work, most home buyers are in that same category. Aside from the
obvious signs (missing roof shingles, damp spots on walls/floors, etc.) home
buyers may remain unaware of serious, yet hard to spot problems, such as
foundation damage.

Here are a few things you definitely need to look for.

1. ROOF DAMAGE Eighty percent of new construction litigation is
said to involve the roof. If the roof is bad the rest of the house could
be in danger of damage too.

2. FOUNDATION PROBLEMS Flower beds planted to close to
the exterior walls could draw too much water to the home's foundation
causing damage. A damp basement would also be an indication that
the foundation has a problem. This is one of the most expensive home
repairs to tackle.

3. ATTIC PROBLEMS Most home buyers never look in attics.
Home inspectors always do, when accessible. Special attention
requires direction to signs of roof leaks, missing support trusses, pest
infestation, illegal electrical wiring, inadequate insulation, illegal
venting, etc.

4. HEATING & COOLING SYSTEM ISSUES Potential
introduction of deadly carbon monoxide gas into the living area can
come from gas-fired furnaces. Check routine maintenance introduction
of deadly carbon monoxide gas into the living area gas company and
they could decide to lock it out and require furnace may prove to be
unsafe prior to your move in by the local replacement furnace prior to
turning the gas on in your new home.gas company and they could
decide to lock it out and require replacement furnace prior to turning
the gas on in your new home.

6. CHUGGING/CLOGGED DRAINS That "chug" noise in drains
that sounds like a upside down soda bottle or toilets that don't flush
properly could be signs that the plumbing system is not adequately
vented. Check out dripping faucets or leaking fixtures. Even a new
home has minor plumbing defects. Be sure your dream home is free of
costly repair problems such as these before signing any contract.

7. WIRING This will include often dangerous amateur wiring,
ungrounded receptacles, overloaded breakers, lack of ground fault
circuit interrupters (GFCI), etc. You will be informed of the presence
of aluminum wiring that was common in homes built in the 60's and 70's.
These installations could cause problems and should be fully
evaluated prior to closing your sale.

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2006 Copyright
Carters Home Inspection Services LLC

5. WATER DAMAGE Porous grout and cracks less than 1/16-inch
in a ceramic tiled shower can allow enough water through to do
thousands of dollars damage over time. Look for ceiling stains. It can
be very difficult to tell of these stains are from present leaks or were
caused by leaks which have been repaired.