How To Look At A House

McGarry and Madsen's home inspection blog for buyers of  

site-built, mobile/manufactured and modular homes

Frequently Asked Questions About Common House Problems

Monday, January 13, 2020

There are two unavoidable consequences of the passage of time for any home: 1) the structure moves and settles, and 2) materials deteriorate. It’s the architectural version of death and taxes, and the process begins even while a home is under construction. Also, problems are sometimes baked into the walls of new construction by poor materials and workmanship, along with weekend warrior remodeling inspired by HGTV.

    We never say “we’ve seen it all,” because another unique, puzzling defect turns up regularly. But most of the problems a home inspector finds are both predicable and common. Here’s some of our articles about common house problems, with a focus on what to look for as a homebuyer:

• What are the most common problems with older houses?

What are the common problems to look for when buying a 1940s house?

What are the common problems to look for when buying a 1950s house? 

What are the common problems to look for when buying a 1960s house?

What are the common problems to look for when buying a 1970s home?

What are the common problems to look for when buying a 1980s house?

What are the common problems to look for when buying a 1990s house?

What are the problems to look for when buying a homeowner remodeled house? 

What are the most common problems with wall/window air conditioners? 

What are the most common problems with wood roof trusses? 

What are the most common plumbing problems with older houses? 

What are the most common defects with over-the-range microwaves? 

What are the common problems with attic insulation?

What are the common problems to look for when the plumbing has been replaced in a house?

What are the most common installation mistakes with water heater replacement? 

What problems should I look for when buying a country house or rural property?

What problems should I look for when buying a house that has been moved? 

What problems should I look for when buying a house that has been vacant or abandoned?

What should I look for when buying a house that is being "flipped" by an investor seller? 

What are the common problems you find inspecting windows?

What are the most common problems with older mobile homes? 

What are the common problems when a homeowner converts a garage to conditioned living space, such as a family room?  

Do similar problems occur in houses in the same neighborhood?

What are the most common homeowner electrical wiring mistakes? 

• What are the common problems to look for when buying one side (half) of a duplex? 

What are the most common problems/defects found with electric receptacle outlets during a home inspection?

• What are the most common problems with washing machine installation and maintenance?

• What are the mistakes to avoid when doing attic improvements?

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