Grade sloping (or draining) back towards the home.
This could lead to damp or wet crawlspaces, foundation movement, cracking or settlement. Water wicking up the foundation could lead to rot in the walls, framing members and mold. Some indications of foundation movement include: windows that are out of square, interior doors that have large, uneven gaps at the top when the door is closed, or floors visibly out of level. If you see this, know that the cost to correct this problem could add up quick.

Stucco Issues.
Homes with stucco exterior surfaces, when applied correctly, will last a lifetime. However, a major flaw we see in the field could add up to water in the living space and big bucks out of your pocket! At the base of exterior walls, where the foundation and the bottom plate (sill plate) meet, a component of a stucco-surfaced wall called a weep screed is applied. We know water can enter stucco through cracks, around unsealed light fixtures, outlets and the like. The water then hits the house wrap and sheds down to the weep screed and out of the building. This is brilliant, but when concrete patios, stoops or sidewalks have been poured too high and the weep screed is buried, the system cannot work and water may enter the walls and living space. When you are walking around a house and you see the weep screed disappear into the
concrete, this may one day lead to water intrusion and damage.

Roofing Materials
As homes age, so does the material covering the roof. This is the component of the house that keeps us and the internal workings of the house dry. As the roofing material ages, it lends itself to water intrusion and can lead to expensive repairs or even replacement. If roofing material is improperly installed, it can lead to premature aging. There are many types of
roofing materials used to protect us from the elements. The most common are, starting with the most economical: asphalt shingles, wood shakes/shingles, terracotta tile, concrete tiles and slate just to name a few.

Asphalt shingles have a life expectance of between 15 to 40 years. With age, asphalt roof shingles will begin to cup either up or down. They will blister and have granular loss. Next, the matrix (material holding the product together) will be
exposed. At this point, water becomes the main enemy, waiting patiently for the opportunity to make its move.

Wood shingles and shakes will show similar symptoms as asphalt when aging. Cupping, curling, lifting, splitting, insect damage, rotting and missing sections are all possible.

Terracotta, concrete and slate tiles have a life expectancies of about 20 to 100+ years. These materials are very brittle. Expansion and contraction caused by the changing seasons will cause these tiles to crack or become loose. Walking on these tiles can be deadly to the material. Cracking and the signs of aging can be difficult to see from the ground. It will usually take a good pair of binoculars and a solid ladder to get a bird's eye look at the condition of the roof. Any signs
of previous substandard repairs should be a warning sign that water may have been leaking into the property.

Home Style vs. Building Materials

When looking at the house of your dreams, look for consistency in the architectural style and building materials. A single-story cottage-style house built in the '40s with plaster walls and clapboard exterior siding that has added a new wing with modern building products may be an indication of unauthorized modifications and substandard workmanship. Should
this be the case, it could add up to big bucks to correct and a severe heartache for the unsuspecting buyer.

Electrical Wiring

House fires caused by faulty electrical wiring are common. Modern homes have an ample supply of power and electrical outlets. Older homes do not.

It's typical to see extensions cords running from room to room in older homes. This places a burden on the electrical system, outlets and cords and could lead to a fire. Another common electrical problem found in all ages of homes is exposed electrical wires. Any wire that is exposed is susceptible to physical damage. If this occurs, it's sure to wreak havoc. Open splice wire (when wire is conjoined using only electrical tape and/or wire connectors) is a typical do-it-yourself job and is common in garages, attics, crawlspaces and above-dropped ceilings. This is high priority, however, and should be corrected by a licensed electrician

What year was your house built:

Here is a list of potentially costly and hazardous conditions or components that may be lurking.

Home built between 1942 and 1958

Orangeberg Sewer Piping was a sewer line made out of paper mache that connected the house to the main sewer line. This piping was born out of necessity as the military during World War II was using all the iron products for the war effort. A pipe manufacturer in Orangeberg, New York, created this piping. If the pipes in the home you are considering buying have not failed as of yet, it is inevitable. The cost of repairs will run between $2,000 to $5,000. A video sewer pipe inspection is paramount.

Home built between 1984 and 1990

Defective ABS Piping was produced by five different manufacturers and is made out of recycled plastic. The pipe has a tendency to crack within the glue joints. If ABS pipe is present it is extremely costly to replace.

Home built between 1990 and 2000

A NOX Rod Consolidated Furnace has heat exchangers that will crack and will release carbon monoxide into the home and can cause potential fires. This furnace was used widely during this time period and is on a recall list. A thorough home inspection will detect this type of furnace.

Homes of All Ages

Most importantly is the #1 defect detected during the inspection process: moisture and drainage. This is the leading cause of dry rot, major structural damage and toxic mold. It is important that grading of the property slopes away from the home. The roof must be inspected and be watertight. Plumbing throughout the home must be free from leaks. These criteria must be met or the results would be catastrophic. Look for the following indicators:

 

• Moisture stains around the ceiling, walls or windows
   

• Worn roof
   

• Water ponding under or by the foundation

Inspection for moisture conditions may need to include air quality testing. This process will detect if there are any mold spores in the air. The presence of toxic molds can be extremely hazardous to a person's health and is extremely costly to correct. Be sure to let me know of any concerns you may have regarding the house you are purchasing.