SELLING? The 10 Most Common Home Problems...

  1. Improper Surface Grading and Drainage: One of the most common problems responsible for the household aggravations, including water penetration into the basement or crawls pace is improper surface grading.
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  3. Roof Damage: Leaking roofs are a frequent problem. This is caused by old or damaged shingles or improper flashing and drainage. 
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  5. Plumbing: Though not ranked as the number one problem, plumbing defects still rank high. This includes the existence of old or incompatible piping material. Like polybutheline, lead piping, as well as faulty fixtures and waste lines.
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  7. Poor Ventilation: In an effort to save energy, many homeowners have “oversealed” their homes, resulting in excessive interior moisture. Significant moisture can lead to rotting and failure of both the structural and non-structural elements.
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  9. Improper Electrical Wiring: This includes such situations as insufficient electrical service, inadequate overload protection, and amateur wiring connections. Unfortunately, the average home owner wouldn’t recognize these conditions.
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  11. Heating/Cooling Systems: Defect items in this category include broken and/or malfunctioning controls, blocked chimneys, leaking evaporators, drip pans and unsafe exhaust disposal.
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  13. Poor Overall Maintenance: Signs of poor maintenance include cracked, peeling or dirty painted surfaces; crumbling masonry; makeshift wiring or plumbing; and broken fixtures and appliances.
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  15. Structurally Related Problems: As a result of problems in one or more other categories, damage is sustained by such structural components as foundation walls, floor joists, rafters and window and door headers.
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  17. Exteriors: Windows, doors, and wall surfaces, rarely have structural significance but may pose discomfort to the occupants due to water and air penetration. The most common problems are inadequate caulking and weather-stripping.
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  19. Miscellaneous: This includes interior components (often cosmetic in nature), such as baseboards, door trim, cabinets, tiling, etc. that have minor damage or imperfections.