Home inspections are an essential part of the home-buying process. A professional inspector will examine the property for defects and potential problems that could be costly to fix. In Texas, there are several common defects that inspectors frequently find. Here are five of the most common defects that you may encounter during a home inspection in Texas.
1) Faulty Electrical Wiring
Electrical wiring defects are one of the most common problems found in Texas homes. Old wiring can be a fire hazard and pose a safety risk to the home's occupants. It is also common to find breakers that are the improper size for appliances. During the inspection, the inspector will check the wiring and electrical systems to make sure they are functioning correctly. Some of our common findings:
Breakers in the off position- We cannot flip a breaker that was found originally in the off position. There's almost always a reason that the breaker was turned off in the first place. If you getting your home inspected, just be aware of this.
Improper breaker size for an appliance- most large appliances that operate on a 240v circuit operate under a min and max amperage. This ensures the safe operation of the appliance and keeps it from being damaged due to electrical issues. It is common to find that the breaker installed does not match the appliance rating.
Improper wire sizes- Older homes use less power and sometimes the panels get upgraded without getting the wiring updated. This means that the wiring is undersized and cannot support the load on the breakers. It is important to note that the reverse situation is usually not an issue (oversized wires are capable of carrying smaller loads).
2) Plumbing Issues
Plumbing defects can be another significant problem that an inspector might uncover. These can include leaks, clogs, and improper installation. Additionally, they may check for water damage and signs of mold growth, which can be signs of an ongoing plumbing issue. Some of our common findings:
Improper plumbing trap- The P trap allows the proper flow of waste and prevents sewer gasses from escaping.
Leaks from sinks- Typically, we find improper installations in the supply and waste materials. Stains on the ceiling are also a common find due to leaky plumbing.
Caulking failure- this is a problem in almost every home. Most caulking materials used around the house are only guaranteed for 5-10 years.
3) Roofing Problems
Roof defects are another common issue that Texas homeowners face. Damage from storms, hail, and wind can weaken the roof's structure and cause leaks. During the inspection, the inspector will look for signs of roof damage, including missing shingles, sagging, and water damage.
Some of our common findings:
Improper Flashing- We don't have an explanation for why this is so hard for roofers to get correct. Once they install the roof, they don't want to fix flashing issues. When we find issues with flashing, it often means that water had made its way through and the entire around it is affected. Just look at the pictures below and imagine water flowing into these areas and down into the home.
Old Roof- The cost of getting a roof installed can become super expensive. Some homeowners decide to sell their homes and pass these costs on to the next homeowner. It's just another thing you need to be aware of and budget for.
Exposed Nails- Nails should not be exposed on the roof installation. Sometimes a few nails are unavoidable depending on the installation. These exposed nails must be caulked and sealed with the appropriate material. The roof may last 25-30 years, but that sealant only last 10 years at bests. If there are too many exposed nails, it can affect the warranty or insurance. All of these things are important to take into account.
4) HVAC System Issues
A faulty HVAC system can lead to a variety of problems, including poor air quality, high energy bills, and even health issues. The summers in Texas are very hot, so your home inspector should take extra care when inspecting the A/C system in this climate. During the inspection, the inspector will check the heating and cooling system to make sure it is working correctly and efficiently.
Some of our common findings:
Not working- Believe it or not, some people live with little to no A/C in Texas. We've encountered a few homes with zero air conditioning or heating.
Inadequate cooling- This one opens up a rabbit hole. There are numerous causes for inadequate cooling. An inspector looks to make sure the temperature differentials are within range. If they are not in range, then an A/C company is the best person to evaluate the issue and determine the solution.
Water coming out of the secondary condensate drain- The attic unit's primary condensate drain has clogged and the system is relying on the secondary drain to function. The primary drain needs to be "blown out" to prevent damage to the home. Check out our blog post that examines this problem in more detail.
5) Foundation and Structural Issues
Finally, foundation and structural problems can be significant defects that inspectors may uncover. These can include cracks in the foundation, shifting walls, or uneven floors. These issues can be costly to repair and can affect the home's overall value.
Some of our common findings:
Corner Pop- A corner pop is a crack at the corner of your home's foundation. Most often it's just a symptom of expansion differentials and a lack of separation between brick and concrete when the home was built. While corner pops can be concerning, they usually aren’t a sign of foundation issues. Learn more.
Cracks- Understanding the behavior and conditions in which a crack occurred can help an inspector determine how much of an issue a crack is. When wide cracks follow a certain pattern and other issues inside the home are noticeable, then you've got major issues. An inspector in Texas is required to report on the performance of the foundation. So if the cracks are a cause for concern (at the time of inspection), then your inspector should let you know.
Crawlspace (framing members improperly supported)- The beams and joist of your flooring need proper support in the crawlspace. We've seen all sorts of crazy stuff people have used as "temporary" support.
In conclusion, these are five common defects that a home inspector may find during a home inspection in Texas. It is important to note, that these are not the most expensive problems we encounter, this is a list of common problems that we find almost daily/weekly. It is essential to address these problems before closing on a home to avoid costly repairs down the road. By being aware of these issues and addressing them early, you can help ensure that your new home is safe, comfortable, and a good investment.
About TruGuard Inspections:
At TruGuard Inspections, we take pride in delivering top-quality home inspection services to clients throughout the DFW Metroplex. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing thorough and detailed inspections, utilizing the latest tools and technology to ensure no aspect of the property goes unnoticed. Whether it's a buyer's home inspection, seller's inspection, new construction inspection, 11-month warranty inspection, or thermal inspection using infrared cameras, you can rely on us to provide honest and insightful assessments for informed decision-making. Check out our website to learn about all the services we offer.
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