Entries by Andy Welti

Gutters and Downspouts

Gutters, Downspouts and Downspout Extensions – Common Home Inspection Findings One of the most common findings that I document in a home inspection report is the lack of a proper roof drainage system.  In many instances, spending a few dollars can save a homeowner thousands of dollars by preventing wet basements, foundation issues, or concrete […]

Grade

Grade of soil, landscaping and concrete surfaces – Common Home Inspection Findings Negative grade can cause excessive rain water and surface water to flow toward a home.  Surface water combined with freezing and thawing deteriorate foundation components, lead to damp basements, and cause cracking and settlement of foundations and concrete flatwork. Sloping soil, landscaping, concrete […]

Caulk and Sealant

Caulk and Sealant – Common Home Inspection Findings Preventing rain or melt water from intruding behind siding and roofing coverings is important.  Water damage can cause deterioration of OSB, plywood, buffalo board and other construction materials.  During new construction, residing or reroofing projects, contractors apply new caulk and sealant around siding and roofing penetrations.  Common […]

Weatherstripping

Weatherstripping – Cracked, Deteriorated or Missing – Common Home Inspection Findings Weatherstripping around home entry doors and garage doors is built into the doors or has been added to doors to limit or prevent air from passing through the spaces between the doors, jambs, and threshold.  It also prevents rain and insects from entering the […]

Open Joints

Open Joints – Common Home Inspection Findings Properly filling open joints can save a homeowner thousands of dollars in costly concrete or pavement repairs.  The joint, where the concrete or paved driveway meets the concrete garage apron or floor, should be properly filled to prevent or reduce water from seeping through the joint.  Joints also […]

Chimneys and Facades

Chimneys and Facades – Common Home Inspection Findings Cracked Bricks and Deteriorated Mortar/Cement on Chimneys, Brick Veneer and Facades, and Decorative Architectural Features Water and the Minnesota weather freeze-thaw cycles may deteriorate brick veneer surfaces and components of chimneys.  The older the home, the more likely it is to find that brick components of a […]

Windows

Windows – Common Home Inspection Findings Windows are a very important element of the home.  Homeowners expect them to easily operate and want to see clearly out of clean glazing (window). The most common home inspection findings related to windows are inoperable hardware, windows that are difficult to open or close, cracked glazing, broken seals, […]

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Laundry Area

Laundry Area, Common Home Inspection Findings Three of the most common findings in the laundry area are unsecured laundry sink legs, disconnected dryer vents, and plastic, vinyl or light-weight venting material.   If a laundry sink sits on top of legs, it should be securely fastened to the floor.  Without proper fasteners securing legs to […]

The Attic

The Attic – Common Home Inspection Findings Most homeowners rarely enter the attic.  The access is typically located in a difficult to reach closet ceiling, garage ceiling or wall.  The door/hatch/panel is often small.  Many access points are surrounded by insulation, the walking space or crawl space is low.  Navigating through the space is tricky […]

Plumbing

Leaks and Inoperable Plumbing – Common Home Inspection Findings Many plumbing issues, leaks and inoperable plumbing, can be found by running water in tubs, showers, and sinks.  Look at the handles, pipes, faucets, shower heads, etc. above, below and behind coverings to identify leaks.  When necessary, contact a qualified plumber to repair the leaks. The […]

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