TOTAL HOME INSPECTION, INC.

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Potential Problems: Warning Signs!

Structural
(Foundation / Basement / Floor Framing
Basement area – damp, musty smell
Basement area – condensation forming around pipes
Wood lath and plaster surfaces – loose or bulging
Baseboard wood (floor level) – soft and/ or discolored
Flooring – bouncy or sagging – joist issue
 

Roof
(Attic)
Wiring – stored item on or pushing against
Rafters – sagging, splits or cracks
Trusses – loose or missing gusset plates
Sheathing – discoloration or water penetration
Ceiling just below attic – staining, water, discoloration
Excessive water
Roof (underside) – frosting (ventilation issue)
Roof (topside) – nail pops (ventilation issue)
 

Exterior
Foundation walls - water penetration - possible improper drainage
Gutters – Protruding nails / spikes
Protrusions through roof – water stains
Shingles (roof) – missing, loose, cracked, curled, split, etc
Painted surfaces – peeling, blistering (bubbling)
 

Electrical
Wiring - bare, exposed, rusted, insulation cut
Junction boxes, Outlets, Switches – missing cover plates
Service panel – overheated
Lighting – flickering
Breakers – regularly tripping
 

Heating and Air Conditioning
CO2 (carbon moxicide) detector – near furnace making noise
Ventilation
Insulation – deterioration
Vapor barrier – rotting
 

Plumbing
(Fixtures)
Faucets and Valves – leaking
Toilet water – discoloration
Slow water drain from sinks or tub – obstructions
(Interior Systems)
Piping - corrosion
Water heater –leaking tank - corrosion or rust in hot water
Water heater – soot around firebox door – flame adjustment or venting issue
 

Interior Surfaces
Fireplace – poor draft / debris in chimney / poorly designed flue - smoke
stains running up mantel from opening


BEST OF LUCK IN YOUR NEW HOME
Phil Rubenstein
Total Home Inspection, Inc.