What A Home Inspector's Report Might Reveal

When selling a home it pays to fix minor problems before putting the property on the market. Major problems also need careful consideration and you will need to determine is involved in rectifying the problem(s). What will the costs be, the disruption factor and whether the problem(s) will affect the sale or the sale price.

It is usual for a property to undergo an inspection prior to sale, so at the very least, be aware of the likely problems that could be exposed in a home inspector's report. They could delay the sale, lose you the sale, or affect your final selling price or terms of sale.

Here are two items that often appear on a home inspector's report:

1. Improper Or Faulty Drainage.

Flooding, dampness, or puddles of water near a property can cause problems, especially if there is wood close to the ground. Having the ground level slope away from the property can sometimes resolve the problem of standing water.
Another good precaution is to have rain gutters that carry the water from the roof away from the house.

2. Roof Repairs.

Although leaks may not be visable on the ceilings of rooms, a home inspector will usually check the attic for evidence of roof leaks. Common areas for leaks are areas around flashings such as skylights, chimneys, and vent pipes. Although these areas have probably been sealed with a black mastic compound, the mastic deteriorates over time and leaks can result.