Common Home Inspection Findings in February 2019
What Can I Do Before a Home Inspection?
Each month we list our common home inspection findings from the homes we inspected in and around Jacksonville, FL. Most of the items are simple, inexpensive fixes that can be corrected before the home inspection. Fixing these items ahead of time can reduce the last minute back-and-forth negotiations between buyers and sellers.
1. Kickout Flashing
We sometimes come across missing or insufficient kickout flashing where the wall extends beyond the roof edge. Kick out flashing should direct rainwater away from exterior walls and into gutters so that rainwater is less likely to run down the front surfaces of siding or flow behind siding.
2. Sealant Missing at Wall Penetrations
Missing sealant at wall penetrations was found multiple times during our home inspections this month. These areas should be properly sealed to help prevent moisture intrusion. Typically a homeowner or handyman can make this quick fix.
3. Smoke Detectors Older Than 10 Years
We inspected multiple older homes this month and found that most of them had smoke detectors that were older than 10 years. It is recommend that any smoke detector that is older than 10 years of age and/or if age is unknown, be replaced with a new smoke detector for occupant safety.
4. Double-Tapped Neutral Wires
These are neutral wires that are doubled or bundled together under the same lug on the neutral bus bar in the electric panel. For one neutral to be disconnected, other neutrals from energized circuits sharing the same lug will be loosened. Power surges may result on the energized circuits. Multiple wires under the same lug may also not be completely secured.
5. Loose Roofing Shingles
Shingles that are not properly secured can be damaged by wind. Leaks can occur as a result. Shingle strips may not be sealed because the sealant has failed, or because the sealant never activated and cured after the original installation.
Can I Fail a Home Inspection?
Simply put, no. A home inspection is a visual examination of the current condition of the home. It is not an appraisal, and it is not a code-compliance inspection. Home inspectors do not pass or fail a home, but instead report on the home’s overall condition and point out any systems or components that may need repair or replacement.
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Buying or selling a home in the Jacksonville FL area? Our detailed home inspection consists of a thorough examination of all systems and components of the home. See one of our sample home inspection reports and read our 5-star home inspection Jacksonville FL reviews. We’re always here to answer any questions, whether it’s weeks, months or years after your home inspection. Let our local, Jacksonville FL home inspectors help you make an informed decision.
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