Real estate notebook
The 10 most common home defects

Thursday, August 31, 2006

Harley E. Rouda Jr.

Whether you're buying or selling a home, it's always a good idea to be aware of the most common home-related problems facing homeowners.

As a home buyer, you should be on the lookout for these defects. As a seller, you may want to fix these imperfections in your home before you put it on the market.

According to The HomeTeam Inspection Service, the following are the 10 most common home defects:

  • Poor drainage. Improper drainage can lead to water in the basement of homes and even severely compromise foundations.

  • Failing or aging heating and cooling systems. Older heating and cooling systems require maintenance and may be energy inefficient. There is also the risk that they can emit dangerous carbon monoxide fumes.

  • Environmental hazards. Older homes may contain lead-based paint, high levels of carbon monoxide, radon, toxic molds and even asbestos.

  • Inadequate ventilation. This can cause moisture accumulation in homes, damaging interior walls and structural elements.

  • Improper appliance maintenance. Taking poor care of your household appliances can create dire consequences. Simple things such as cleaning out the lint trap in the clothes dryer can help prevent a fire.

  • Plumbing problems. The pipes under your sink can be made of incompatible materials that lead to dripping faucets, leaking fixtures and slow drains.

  • Roof problems. The roof of your home may contain old or damaged shingles and improper flashing due to rain. The overall structure of the roof may be affected because of improperly installed collar ties and ridge beam supports.

  • No permit. Many homes don't have permits that may be required for finished basements, deck additions and hot tub and pool additions. This can lead to unnecessary fines when putting your home up for sale.

  • Electrical safety issues. Out-of-date electrical systems can lead to fires and electric shock. Examples of other electrical safety hazards are ungrounded outlets, lack of Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI), aluminum wiring and faulty wiring conditions in electrical panels or elsewhere in a building. These are potentially hazardous and shouldn't be taken lightly.

  • Rotted wood. Wood placed around areas that are frequently wet can begin to rot. Wood around bathtubs, showers and toilets can become especially defective. The exterior of the home, including the outside trim, decks and roof eaves, should also be checked regularly for signs of rotting.

    Knowing what may happen to a home is essential when you're looking to buy or sell. Performing preventive maintenance before putting your home on the market may make a difference in how quickly you sell. Also, if you're buying a home, you should have a licensed home inspector do a full inspection. In either case, work with a real estate professional to get the best guidance -- he or she will have your best interests in mind.

    Harley E. Rouda Jr. is CEO and managing partner of Real Living, parent company of Columbus-based HER Real Living. E-mail: harley@realliving.com.



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