Why Should I Always Get A Home Inspection?

Some potential problems with a home are obvious.  However, sometimes the issues lurking in a home are not apparent to the naked eye.   Here is a gallery of real-life problems we've found over the years that were pointed out to the potential buyers.

Window with a broken seal causing moisture to form between the panes of glass.Window with a broken seal causing moisture to form between the panes of glass.
Downspout discharging directly into the foundation.Downspout discharging directly into the foundation.
Downspout discharging directly into the foundation. The basement in this home had significant water intrusion.Downspout discharging directly into the foundation. The basement in this home had significant water intrusion.
Water intrusion in the basement.Water intrusion in the basement.
Evidence of rodent infestation.Evidence of rodent infestation.
Dissimilar metal used for holding copper pipe causing corrosion. This will develop into a leak.Dissimilar metal used for holding copper pipe causing corrosion. This will develop into a leak.
Breaker box has been concealed behind a wall limiting access.Breaker box has been concealed behind a wall limiting access.
Infrared camera shows lack of insulation in the ceiling. Lack of insulation has caused moisture to accumulate on the ceiling and soot from the fireplace to deposit in the moisture.Infrared camera shows lack of insulation in the ceiling. Lack of insulation has caused moisture to accumulate on the ceiling and soot from the fireplace to deposit in the moisture.
Downspout has become detached and is directing water to the foundation.Downspout has become detached and is directing water to the foundation.
Grounds and neutrals have been run to the same bus bar in a subpanel. This can allow stray current to flow into grounded surfaces creating a potential shock hazard.Grounds and neutrals have been run to the same bus bar in a subpanel. This can allow stray current to flow into grounded surfaces creating a potential shock hazard.
Air conditioner is out of level potentially limiting the life expectancy of the unit.Air conditioner is out of level potentially limiting the life expectancy of the unit.
Light bulbs in closets need to be covered to protect from excess heat and potential breakage.Light bulbs in closets need to be covered to protect from excess heat and potential breakage.
No railing on one side of the steps creating a fall hazard.No railing on one side of the steps creating a fall hazard.
Bathroom fan is venting into the attic. This will cause excessive moisture and potential mold in the attic area.Bathroom fan is venting into the attic. This will cause excessive moisture and potential mold in the attic area.
Cracked rafter no longer providing adequate support for the roof.Cracked rafter no longer providing adequate support for the roof.
Cracked rafter no longer providing adequate support for the roof.Cracked rafter no longer providing adequate support for the roof.
Flashing on chimney has not been installed properly creating the potential for water leakage into the attic.Flashing on chimney has not been installed properly creating the potential for water leakage into the attic.
Significant water leakage into the ceiling.Significant water leakage into the ceiling.
Missing furnace filter.Missing furnace filter.
Moisture meter indicating leak under first floor toilet.Moisture meter indicating leak under first floor toilet.
Trim is not adequately caulked causing potential water penetration.Trim is not adequately caulked causing potential water penetration.
Defective and missing shingles as seen from drone inspection.Defective and missing shingles as seen from drone inspection.
Deck supports not properly set on a footing and have moved significantly.Deck supports not properly set on a footing and have moved significantly.
Transition from siding to brick has no flashing. Stone cap is loose. Potential source of water penetration.Transition from siding to brick has no flashing. Stone cap is loose. Potential source of water penetration.
Cracked floor joist no longer providing adequate support.Cracked floor joist no longer providing adequate support.
Cracked floor joist no longer providing adequate support.Cracked floor joist no longer providing adequate support.
Flue liner in the chimney has shifted causing gaps between the sections.Flue liner in the chimney has shifted causing gaps between the sections.
Stone chimney is deteriorating leaving the potential for water penetration.Stone chimney is deteriorating leaving the potential for water penetration.
<br />Looks beautiful but the ivy can cause significant damage to the homes siding.
Looks beautiful but the ivy can cause significant damage to the homes siding.
<br />Drain tile test in progress.
Drain tile test in progress.
<br />Significant movement in the basement wall.
Significant movement in the basement wall.
Water intrusion and mold like substance.Water intrusion and mold like substance.
Radiant floor heating in a bathroom inspected with infrared camera.Radiant floor heating in a bathroom inspected with infrared camera.
Poorly repaired woodpecker damage leading to leak pictured to the right.Poorly repaired woodpecker damage leading to leak pictured to the right.
Significant moisture penetration due to woodpecker damage on exterior trim.Significant moisture penetration due to woodpecker damage on exterior trim.
Rotted wood below patio door.Rotted wood below patio door.
Poor ventilation in the attic leading to mold like substance.Poor ventilation in the attic leading to mold like substance.
Backflow preventer in basement floor drain is clogged up and no longer functions. Backflow preventer in basement floor drain is clogged up and no longer functions.
Exposed bulbs in closets are a safety hazard. They can be easilly broken or ignite a fire.Exposed bulbs in closets are a safety hazard. They can be easilly broken or ignite a fire.
Service entry has been ripped from the wall due to the movement of the earth below.Service entry has been ripped from the wall due to the movement of the earth below.
Pushmatic breaker box considered unreliable, although there is a lot of debate on the topic.Pushmatic breaker box considered unreliable, although there is a lot of debate on the topic.