Top Home Inspection Issues

Here are some common problems that general home inspections bring to light.

 
1. Plumbing:
• Leaking around exposed pipes, particularly with washing machines.
• Outdated pipes. It's common to find old Polybutylene pipes, which your inspector will recommend replacing.
2. Electrical:
• Ungrounded outlets. You can recognize these by their two-slot configuration versus the three-slot configuration of a grounded outlet. Most inspectors will recommend that you upgrade to grounded outlets.
• Improperly wired breaker boxes. Common hazards include two circuits on a single-pole breaker, oversized breakers, double-pole breakers that supply two single circuits, and wires that cross over the panel's center.

 
3. Heating:
• Leaks in piping or heating unit; air ducts that need cleaning.
• Not enough insulation. Insulation requirements vary by location, but an improperly insulated home will always lead to high energy bills.

 
4. Drainage:
• A wet basement is a problem because it indicates that water isn't properly draining away from the home.
• Mold in the air. When water isn't draining properly, it can result in mold in the air. Mold can also be a byproduct of dry rot.

 
5. Roof:
• Torn and cracked shingles, or flashing that's not properly installed. Each of these can cause roof leakage.
6. Walls:
• Bowed or damaged walls and signs of mold or water problems 

7. Dry rot:
  • This occurs when fungus grows in your home's wood due to high condensation. The affected wood will have to be replaced.
  • Another main concern is figuring out why the condensation is occurring in the first place.
 
Home Inspection Myth: You don't need a home inspection for a newly constructed home. Not so. Property defects come upon new construction all the time. Just because the house is new doesn't mean it was built properly.
 Home Inspection Myth: You don't need a home inspection if you're buying a home warranty. Home warranties rarely cover everything. You'll want to know of any potential problems before your closing so that you the seller can take care of them.

Get In Touch

Local Expert Updates

Janie Eick

Cell: 712.339.0574

Greg Sheeler

Cell: 712.330.1573

Brooke Jones

Cell: 641.420.2172

Community Updates

Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf

Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf in Arnolds Park

X marks the spot for this family fun pirate themed mini golf! Pirate's Cove is located in Arnolds Park right next to the amusement park. The kids will love this summer activity. They will be able to putt their way through caves, over bridges, and under waterfalls. Being right in the middle of all the summer action you are also walking distance everything that downtown Arnolds Park offers.

Real Estate and MLS Homes For Sale in Arnolds Park

Gary's on the River

Gary's on the River in Spencer

Gary's is newly owned by Rabab, and sure to keep your taste buds coming back for more. The menu still features classic American comfort food, as well as some of Rabab's Mediterranean favorites. This comfortable, yet classy restaurant is perfect for date night, or family night. Gary's features their ever popular "pizza night" on Thursdays and Fridays, which is always amazing, and their "pasta night" on Wednesdays, which is sure to keep you full all night!

Real Estate and MLS Homes For Sale in Spencer

Ferguson's

Ferguson's in Spirit Lake

Ferguson's is arguable the most popular place to buy flowers, trees and more in the lakes area. They're a family owned business, providing flowers, trees, plants, supplies, and furniture. They also have a small gift shop inside, as well as a floral shop, with freshly cut flowers. They have amazing customer service, and are there to help with all questions regarding planting and gardening. Ferguson's seems to go above and beyond, offering to bring anything you buy from them to your front door!

Real Estate and MLS Homes For Sale in Spirit Lake

Subscribe To Our Newsletter