100 Things Found During a Home Inspection
Common issues found during home inspections in Northern Illinois homes include roofing problems, electrical defects, plumbing issues, structural movement, and maintenance concerns.
Home inspections evaluate the condition of many systems and components throughout a property. While every home is different, inspectors commonly observe a variety of maintenance concerns, aging materials, installation defects, and safety improvements during the inspection process.
The following list highlights 100 conditions commonly observed during residential home inspections. Not every home will contain these issues, but understanding them helps buyers approach the inspection process with realistic expectations.
Homes throughout Northern Illinois and Eastern Iowa often reflect a wide range of construction styles and ages, which makes professional inspections an important part of the home buying process.
Roofing System
1 Missing or damaged shingles
2 Flashing deterioration around chimneys or vents
3 Exposed nail heads on roofing materials
4 Improper roof vent flashing
5 Evidence of past roof repairs
6 Granule loss on asphalt shingles
7 Moss or organic growth on shingles
8 Improperly installed gutters
9 Missing drip edge flashing
10 Sagging roof sections
Attic and Insulation
11 Inadequate attic insulation
12 Blocked attic ventilation
13 Improper bathroom vent termination
14 Evidence of roof leaks in attic
15 Compressed insulation
16 Improper attic access covers
17 Mold-like staining on sheathing
18 Exposed wiring in attic spaces
19 Improper attic storage modifications
20 Cut or altered roof framing members
Electrical System
21 Double tapped breakers
22 Missing GFCI outlets
23 Open junction boxes
24 Improper wiring connections
25 Outdated electrical panels
26 Improper grounding or bonding
27 Exposed wiring
28 Missing outlet covers
29 Improper extension cord use
30 Electrical panel labeling missing
Plumbing System
31 Dripping faucets
32 Loose toilets
33 Corroded water supply lines
34 Slow drainage at fixtures
35 Improper plumbing venting
36 Water heater safety valve discharge issues
37 Inadequate pipe support
38 Evidence of plumbing leaks
39 Aging water heaters
40 Improper drain trap installation
HVAC Systems
41 Dirty furnace filters
42 Aging HVAC systems
43 Improper flue venting
44 Inadequate combustion air
45 Rusted furnace components
46 Condensation drainage issues
47 Improper thermostat installation
48 Restricted airflow
49 Missing furnace service panels
50 Deteriorated duct insulation
Structural Components
51 Settlement cracks in foundations
52 Foundation wall displacement
53 Improper crawlspace supports
54 Moisture intrusion in basements
55 Inadequate drainage near foundation
56 Improper structural alterations
57 Uneven floor framing
58 Sagging beams or joists
59 Rotting structural wood
60 Improperly installed support columns
Exterior Components
61 Deteriorated siding materials
62 Missing exterior caulking
63 Improper grading near foundation
64 Deck attachment concerns
65 Missing handrails on steps
66 Rotting exterior trim
67 Improper flashing around windows
68 Damaged gutters or downspouts
69 Improper deck guardrails
70 Wood rot around exterior doors
Interior Components
71 Loose interior railings
72 Cracked drywall from settlement
73 Doors that do not latch properly
74 Window seal failures
75 Damaged flooring materials
76 Improperly installed stair components
77 Missing smoke detectors
78 Aging carbon monoxide detectors
79 Improperly installed bathroom fans
80 Interior water staining
Appliances and Miscellaneous
81 Improper dryer vent installation
82 Missing dryer vent covers
83 Dishwasher air gap missing
84 Garbage disposal leaks
85 Refrigerator water line leaks
86 Loose kitchen cabinets
87 Missing anti-tip brackets on ranges
88 Improper microwave venting
89 Damaged appliance connections
90 Improper laundry drain connections
Safety and Maintenance Items
91 Missing stair handrails
92 Improper garage door safety sensors
93 Fire separation concerns in garages
94 Improper attic access safety
95 Loose electrical outlets
96 Missing window well covers
97 Improper exterior lighting
98 Inadequate crawlspace vapor barriers
99 Improper sump pump discharge
100 Deferred maintenance items
Why Home Inspections Matter
A home inspection helps buyers understand the condition of the property at the time of inspection. While many of the items listed above involve routine maintenance or minor improvements, identifying them early allows buyers to plan for repairs, maintenance, and upgrades over time.
Understanding the condition of the home helps buyers move forward with greater confidence during the real estate transaction.
Home Inspection Services Across Northern Illinois
ALLIN Home Inspections provides professional home inspection services throughout Northern Illinois and Eastern Iowa. Every inspection is performed by Michael Musgrave, Certified Master Inspector (CMI®).
Inspection services are available throughout communities including:
Sterling
Rock Falls
Dixon
Rochelle
Princeton
Freeport
Galena
Learn more about local inspection services:
Sterling Home Inspections
https://www.allinhomeinspections.com/service-areas/home-inspection-sterling-illinois
Rock Falls Home Inspections
https://www.allinhomeinspections.com/service-areas/home-inspection-rock-falls-illinois
Princeton Home Inspections
https://www.allinhomeinspections.com/service-areas/home-inspection-princeton-illinois
Freeport Home Inspections
https://www.allinhomeinspections.com/service-areas/home-inspection-freeport-illinois
Galena Home Inspections
https://www.allinhomeinspections.com/service-areas/home-inspection-galena-illinois