Originally Posted By: Dan Auito
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I haven’t checked for duplicate problems posted yet, but here’s what we have so far gentlemen. Tell a buyer that here are just a few things that could go wrong and watch’em call for a professional inspection in a hurry!
Any one else see something these men have not noted before we close this list out?
Inadequate drainage
downspouts that empty next to the foundation
windows caulked in, instead of with proper splines and a head flashing
stoops poured directly against the house w/o capillary breaks
insufficient siding to grade clearance
blocked vents
poor attic ventilation
sloppy HVAC
poor flashings of every sort
roofs without drip edging
fans venting into attics and crawls
dryer ducting too long
furnaces improperly vented
water heaters without proper T & P or seismic bracing
siding installed incorrectly
no weeps in brick veneer
faux stone without weeps meeting grade
improperly installed shingles
Poor grade drainage
Exposed / uncaulked nails on the roof
Errors in neutral bar wiring (Main panels)
Errors in neutral bar wiring (Subpanels)
Lack of GFCI's in required locations
Sinks / tubs that don't hold water (stopper leaks or is missing)
Errors with water heater relief valves and piping
Non-professional work where a professional was needed
Flange bolts and other fasteners not tightened at column(s)/beam
Anchor bots not tightened at sill/sill plate(s)
Improper joist boring/notching/end-bearing
No drain pan under water heater
T & P valve drain has a reduction in size
No back flow (anti siphon) prevention in commodes or at exterior hose bibs
Insuffiecient air gap at refill tube in commodes
A/C condenser under or over fused
Trees and/or heavy foliage too close to house
Dead bolts on exterior doors requiring a key from the inside
- No vapor barrier in crawl space.
- Homemade shims for support columns.
- Bath vent exhausting to attic.
- Plastic dryer duct. Real bad!
- Metal dryer duct with screws. (collects lint)
- Gutters rusting at seams.
- Debris in roof valleys.
- Hot water heater set too high.
- Sellers trying to hide previous leaks under sinks.
- Almost always, insufficient attic insulation in older homes.
- Wood to ground contact (posts).
- Realtors in a hurry.
Breaks in the firewall between the garage and living space of the house. Either an attic access door made from inadequate material, or missing. Door into living space from garage has none or inadequate weather stripping
Doors opening out over stairs, and stairs without handrails. Inconsistent rise in bottom and/or top step. Uninsulated attic pull-down stairs.
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Interested party
