Common Home Inspection Defects

During a home inspection, defects can be found in virtually any part of the property, from the roof and exterior to the electrical, plumbing, heating and structural systems. Some defects are relatively minor maintenance concerns, while others may involve safety issues or significant repair costs.
A professional home inspection helps identify these visible concerns before you purchase the property. Understanding the defects found during the inspection can help you make a more informed decision and better prepare for repairs, maintenance or further evaluation when required.

The roof is one of the most important components inspected because defects can allow water to enter the home and damage the structure, insulation and interior finishes. Common roofing defects include missing or damaged shingles, deteriorated roof coverings, improper flashing, damaged vents and poor previous repairs.
Gutters, downspouts, chimneys and other roof penetrations are also examined for visible conditions that may affect drainage or allow moisture intrusion.

See our Roofing Defects page for more examples of roofing defects found during actual home inspections.

Electrical defects can present important safety concerns and are commonly found during home inspections. The inspection includes the visible electrical service, distribution panel, breakers or fuses, wiring, receptacles and other readily accessible electrical components.
Common problems include improperly connected wiring, double-tapped breakers, missing or improper GFCI protection, damaged electrical components and amateur modifications. Older homes may also contain aluminum wiring, knob-and-tube wiring or older electrical panels that may require further evaluation by a licensed electrician.

See our Electrical Defects page for more examples found during actual home inspections.

Plumbing defects can lead to water damage, moisture problems and costly repairs if they are not identified. The inspection includes visible water supply piping, drain and waste piping, plumbing fixtures, water heaters and other readily accessible components.
Common concerns include leaking or corroded pipes, improper drainage or venting, loose fixtures and poorly completed repairs. Older homes may also contain galvanized steel, cast iron or other aging plumbing materials that may require maintenance or eventual replacement.

See our Plumbing Defects page for more examples found during actual home inspections.

Heating and cooling systems are inspected for visible defects, signs of deterioration and conditions that may affect safe or reliable operation. This includes readily accessible components of furnaces, boilers, air conditioners, fireplaces and heating distribution systems.
Common concerns can include corrosion, damaged or improperly installed venting, disconnected ductwork, leaking equipment and aging components. Significant defects may require further evaluation or repair by a qualified heating contractor.

See our Heating Defects page for more examples of heating and cooling defects found during actual home inspections.

Structural defects can affect the stability and long-term performance of a home. The inspection includes visible components of the foundation, basement or crawlspace, floor framing, beams, columns, walls and roof structure.
Common concerns include foundation cracks, damaged or improperly altered floor joists, inadequate supports, deteriorated structural components and signs of movement or water damage. Significant structural concerns may require further evaluation by a qualified structural professional.

See our Structural Defects page for more examples of structural and foundation defects found during actual home inspections.

Proper insulation and ventilation help control heat loss, moisture and condensation within the home. The inspection includes readily accessible attic insulation, ventilation, roof sheathing and exhaust systems.
Common defects include missing or inadequate insulation, blocked attic ventilation, bathroom exhaust fans venting into the attic and signs of condensation or moisture damage. These conditions can contribute to mould growth, damaged roof sheathing and reduced energy efficiency if they are not corrected.

See our Insulation Defects page for more examples of insulation and ventilation defects found during actual home inspections.

The exterior of a home provides important protection from weather and moisture. The inspection includes visible siding, windows, doors, trim, decks, porches, walkways, grading and drainage around the property.
Common defects include damaged or deteriorated siding, improper flashing, loose railings, deteriorated decks and poor grading that directs water toward the foundation. Exterior defects can contribute to water intrusion, structural deterioration and basement moisture problems when left uncorrected.

See our Exterior Defects page for more examples of exterior defects found during actual home inspections.

The interior inspection can reveal defects that affect the safety, function and condition of the home. Visible walls, ceilings, floors, windows, doors, stairs, railings and other readily accessible interior components are examined.
Common concerns include damaged finishes, loose or missing railings, unsafe stairs, improperly operating windows and doors, and signs of moisture intrusion. Stains, cracking or other visible damage may also provide clues to roof leaks, plumbing problems or structural movement elsewhere in the home.

Water intrusion is one of the most important concerns identified during a home inspection because moisture can damage building materials and contribute to mould growth. The inspection looks for visible signs of roof leakage, plumbing leaks, foundation moisture, condensation and poor exterior drainage.
Water stains, damaged finishes, efflorescence and elevated moisture readings can indicate current or previous moisture problems. When suspicious conditions are found, additional investigation may be recommended to determine the source and extent of the problem.

See our Thermal Imaging Inspections page for more information about detecting moisture and hidden problems during a home inspection.

The defects identified during the inspection are documented in a detailed computer-generated report with photographs to help clearly explain the condition of the property. Significant concerns are described along with items that may require repair, maintenance or further evaluation.
The report provides a useful reference after the inspection and can help you discuss important findings with your real estate representative or appropriate contractors before completing your home purchase.

Every home inspection includes free thermal imaging to provide additional information about areas that may not show obvious visible signs of a problem. Thermal imaging can reveal temperature differences associated with missing insulation, possible moisture concerns, electrical hot spots and heating-system issues.
Thermal imaging does not directly detect moisture, so suspicious areas are evaluated along with the visual inspection and, when appropriate, checked with a moisture meter or other inspection tools.

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