Our terrific home inspectors shared these common defects found in most homes:

No house is perfect. Even the best built and best maintained homes will have a few items in less than perfect condition. Below are some of the items we most commonly find when inspecting a home:

Roofing: Problems with roofing flashings and installation are the most common defects we find. Usually it doesn't mean the roof needs to be replaced, simply that it is in need of maintenance or repair.
Water stains: Caused by past or present leaks, water stains are very common, especially in older homes. It can be difficult to tell whether the stains are from leaks still present, or were caused by leaks which have since been repaired.
Electrical hazards: Most common in older homes, but often found in newer homes as well. Electrical hazards come in many forms, from ungrounded outlets to incorrect wiring.
Rotted wood: Caused by being wet for extended periods of time, most commonly found inside the home around tubs, showers and toilets, or roof eaves and trim outside.
Wood Destroying Organisms: Most of the wood destroying organisms in the Pacific Northwest require specific conditions to be able to infest homes, such as high moisture. This being said most infests are "invited" by lack of proper maintenance or improper care of the home. A few infests "just happen", although this is more common in other parts of the country.
Gas furnace: Most gas furnaces seem to be in need of routine maintenance such as new filters or gas company certification at the least. Many have other issues such as faulty operation or inadequate fire clearance.
​ Plumbing defects: Plumbing issues commonly found include dripping faucets, leaking fixtures, slow drains etc... Even in brand-new homes, it is common to identify minor plumbing defects.