Before buying a house, it's important you have a home inspection to help determine if there are any problems with the property you should be aware of so that you can make a more-informed decision about your purchase.  After the inspection, you might wish to ask the seller to help correct any issues discovered at the inspection. Here, Archway Home Inspections, a trusted and experienced home inspector in Cincinnati, discusses some of the most common issues a home inspection might reveal.

5 Common Problems a Home Inspection Reveals

1. Indication of Pests

A home inspector may discover signs of wood-destroying insects in the home. Archway Home Inspections is licensed in the Sate of Ohio to inspect homes for termites, carpenter bees and carpenter ants. Although the inspector will not provide treatment or repair, they will try to identify existing or potential damage from wood-destroying insects. The home inspector may recommend further investigation by a contractor or pest control professional. .

2. Window Problems

Windows should open and close freely for both fire egress and ventilation reasons. To protect the home from moisture and to help insulate the home, windows should seal properly. Fogging thermopane windows are unsightly. Windows degrade over time and may need to be replaced every 20-30 years.

3. Bad Electrical Fixtures

The electrical system should operate properly. Electric witches and outlets and light fixtures should be wired safely and be securely attached to the house structure. Loose electric fixtures can lead to loose wiring and possible arching. The inspector tries to identify whether the home’s electric panel(s) is wired properly.

4. Poor Grading

Water should flow away from the home, not toward it. Water flowing toward the foundation will damage the foundation and cause moisture penetration into the structure. Gutter downspouts should drain at least 4-6 feet away from the home for the same reason. Improper grading around the home is the most common repair issue found during home inspections.

5. Plumbing Issues

All plumbing systems degrade or develop repair issues over time. Pipe joints develop leaks, shutoff valves corrode or loose their seals. The home inspector tries to identify leaking water supply lines and drain waste pipes. The inspector tries to determine if the plumbing system is performing as designed.

You should hire a home inspection company before buying a home. An experienced and well-trained home inspector can help discover important safety and home maintenance concerns before you buy the home. Contact Archway Home Inspections in Cincinnati, OH. Owner Jeff Tikkanen has more than 16 years of experience as a home inspector and radon contractor and will provide a detailed home inspection report after completing the inspection. Call (513) 871-1473 to schedule an inspection or stop by his website to connect with him online.