4 common house defects uncovered by property inspections
Roof and ceiling issues
Problems in the roof are common. The roof suffers the brunt of the weather and small problems can escalate fast. Fortunately, it often does not require a replacement of the entire roof, but repairs are needed in many circumstances. Issues with roofs stem from a variety of sources, like poor framework, corrosion, or inevitable deterioration over time. Much roof damage goes undetected for a long time, until it becomes impossible to ignore. Similarly, ceiling problems are common. Many homes have stains on the ceilings caused by leaks, which can be repaired, but sometimes a stain is a sign of an ongoing leak which has yet to be fixed.
Cracking
Cracking is a problem which can either be benign or severe, and should be assessed by professionals. Many older buildings have cracks caused by normal movement to be expected over time, and are easy to cover. But some cracks spell disaster for the building, and as such, all cracks should be taken seriously to begin with. Some cracks effect the stability of the building, while others compromise waterproof areas, causing further damage. A professional will assess things like the type of building materials, the environment, and recent renovation history to determine likely causes, and examine the crack itself for indications of its origin. Often a crack needs to be observed over time, so it’s not ideal for homebuyers to take on a cracked home with no idea of its severity.
Drainage and plumbing
Drainage problems can apply to a whole block of land, not just the house sitting on it. However, plenty of drainage and plumbing issues are found inside homes as well. In severe cases water damage and damp conditions can seriously impair the structure of the building. Bathrooms are a big culprit of moisture damage, which often occurs behind showers and taps. Timber structures like pergolas and fences can decay when drainage is not adequate or they aren’t maintained properly in moist weather. Other common plumbing issues of course include leaking taps and clogged drains, which are easy to fix. Pipes also deteriorate over time and some systems are installed to outdated standards.
Structural defects
Structural problems can be caused by mistakes made during construction, problems which arise like cracking and water damage, or through simple wear and tear. Some problems are caused by insufficient planning or building- usually pergolas or extensions which were not approved or built to adequate standards. Poor building practices account for much of sagging floors, deflected slabs, and other distortions in structure. Termites and fungus can pose serious threats to building structures, and are often a result of lacking ventilation in the initial build. Many problems can be avoided with regular maintenance, but once they occur they can escalate quickly.
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