9 Most Common Issues Found During Lakeland, FL Home Inspections

Buying a home is probably the biggest purchase you’ll ever make, and it’s important to know as much as you can about the property before you sign on the dotted line. 

Unfortunately, most people don’t think about getting a home inspection until after they’ve already bought the house. This can lead to costly repairs down the road.

A home inspection is an important step in buying a home. It can help you find out about any potential problems with the property so that you can negotiate a lower price or get them fixed before you move in.

While most home inspections go smoothly, there are occasional issues that are found. 

In this blog post, I’ll discuss 9 of the most common issues found during Lakeland, Fl home inspections.

1. Roof Issues

One of the most common issues found on home inspections is roofing problems. This can include everything from missing or damaged shingles to water infiltration. Knowing about these roof issues in advance can help you plan for repairs or negotiate with the seller.

Roof issues can cost anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars to fix, depending on the severity of the problem.

2. Foundation Issues

One of the most common issues found during a home inspection is foundation problems. There are many different types of foundation problems, but they all generally fall into one of two categories: structural problems and moisture problems.

Structural problems

Structural problems with a foundation occur when the foundation itself is not properly supporting the weight of the house. 

This can often be caused by poor construction, incorrect soil type or compaction, or a change in the ground level around the foundation. These types of problems can often be expensive to repair, and in some cases may even require the house to be completely rebuilt.

So knowing about these issues before buying a home can be extremely important.

Moisture problems

Moisture problems, on the other hand, occur when there is excessive moisture present in the soil around the foundation. 

This can often be caused by faulty gutters or downspouts, improper grading around the house, or a lack of proper drainage. 

These types of problems can often be corrected without too much expense, but if left unchecked they can lead to serious structural problems down the road.

3. Water Damage

Water damage is another common issue found during Florida home inspections. This can be caused by a number of things, including leaks in the plumbing or roof, flooding, or condensation. 

If left unaddressed, water damage can lead to a number of serious problems, including mold growth, foundation damage, and wood rot.

Knowing where the water damage is coming from is important in order to address the issue in a timely manner.

4.  Mold and Mildew

Mold and mildew are also very common issues in Florida homes. They have a higher chance of water damage and have high humidity levels. 

If left unchecked, mold and mildew can cause serious respiratory problems for you and your family so knowing about the issue early is best.

 If caught early it is usually an easy fix with the help of a mold remediation specialist.

5. Plumbing Issues

Plumbing issues are also fairly common and can include anything from leaks to clogged drains. 

Leaks in your pipes can cause water damage in your home if the leak isn’t stopped in a timely manner and can cause extensive damage. But when leaks are found early and repaired, the damage is often minimal.

Clogged drains can be a nuisance, but if left unchecked they can lead to much more serious problems. Always be sure to have your drains cleaned regularly to avoid any major issues.

6.  Electrical Issues

Another common issue found during home inspections is electrical problems. These can range from outdated wiring or improper grounding to more serious issues like exposed live wires.

It is very important to have these problems addressed before completing the purchase of a home, as they can pose a serious safety hazard.

A lot of times it can be a simple fix with the help of a local electrician.

Never try to do electrical work by yourself unless you are fully qualified and licensed, as it can be extremely dangerous.

7. Pest Issues

Pest issues especially in Florida are also relatively common, especially in homes that are not well-maintained. This can include anything from rodents to insects. 

Pest issues can often be resolved relatively easily, but if left unchecked they can lead to serious damage to your home.

Be sure to have any pest issues addressed immediately to avoid any further damage.

8. Insulation and Ventilation Issues

Insulation and ventilation problems are also relatively common, especially in older homes. This can include everything from insufficient insulation to poor ventilation. This causes your home to lose heat in the winter and be overly hot in the summer, leading to higher energy bills.

9.  Heating and Cooling Issues

Another common issue is problems with the home’s heating and cooling system. This can include everything from a faulty thermostat to an inefficient HVAC system. 

When you have problems with heating and cooling in your home, it can often lead to higher energy bills and discomfort for you and your family.

Knowing about these problems in advance can help you budget for repairs or replacement of the system. It can also help you negotiate with the seller on the price of the home if it needs to be replaced.

Final Thoughts

As you can see a home inspection is an important step in the buying process and can reveal a lot of common problems with a home. While some of these issues, like plumbing and electrical problems, may need to be fixed immediately, others may not be as big of a deal. It’s just always best to be aware of any potential problems with a home before making an offer.

With a home inspection, you can feel confident that you’re making a wise investment. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that your new home is in good condition, your family is safe, and you won’t need any expensive repairs right after you move in. And if it does you can use this to help you negotiate the price down.

It’s also a good idea to have one done every few years as part of your insurance policy.

So what are you waiting for?! Protect your investment and hire a qualified home inspector as soon as you can.

Schedule your Lakeland, Florida home inspection today with By Your Side Home Inspections on our website or call or text!