Common Issues Found 

Welcome to Tidewater Home Inspections' "Defect Library" your comprehensive guide to common home inspection issues. We're dedicated to empowering you with knowledge, helping you understand potential concerns in your home.

Electrical Issues

Double Taps- Double taps are anytime two or more wires are connected under one terminal. Sometimes double tapping is acceptable depending on the terminal or the wires but in cases when wires are double tapped when they shouldn't be this can lead to poor connections or dangerous traveling of electricity. Any time there's a poor electrical connection this can cause overheating and possible electrical fires. 

Mismatched Breakers- Each brand of electrical panel are designed to work with their own brand of electrical breakers and possibly a couple other brands. During home inspections we can not verify what brands are compatible and which are not. Anytime we see mismatched brands between the breakers and panel we call them out to be evaluated by an electrician. Having the wrong breaker in your panel could cause poor connections and also might cause them not not function properly.

 

Open Grounds- Having an opened ground on your outlet means that the wire that grounds your outlet is not present. In older homes it was common not to have a ground wire in your electrical system so some home have all open grounds on all of their outlets. Not having a ground wire is a safety concern since the ground wire provides a low resistance path of electricity to the ground instead of you during possible skocking events.

Roof Issues 

Aging Covering- Having an older roof covering means your more likely to develop leaks or damages. Your roof is the first line of defense for keeping rain water out of your home. With the high cost of roof replacement it's important to budget for repairs or replacement if your home inspection shows an older roof. 

Opened Plumbing Vents- Your plumbing system drains needs to be vented for proper water flow. This is typical done with plumbing vents that penetrate through the roof. These vents need to be mainted to keep them from allowing rain water into the home. 

Exposed Nails- Having exposed nails from improper nailing or nailing off flashing can lead to potentially leaks. These nails when properly installed should be sealed over with a roofing sealant to prevent them from rusting out and causing the leak. 

Structural issues

Structural integrity is paramount for any home. Our inspections frequently uncover issues like foundation cracks, uneven floors, sagging beams, and improperly supported structures. These can be indicators of serious problems that require immediate attention. Understanding these defects will provide invaluable insight into the long-term stability and safety of a property.

Plumbing issues

Functional plumbing is essential for daily living. We often find issues such as leaky pipes, clogged drains, water heater malfunctions, and inadequate water pressure. These problems can lead to water damage, mold growth, and costly repairs. Our defect library helps you recognize these issues and understand their potential impact, ensuring you have a clear picture of the home's plumbing health.

Exterior issues

The exterior of your home protects it from the elements and contributes to its curb appeal. Common exterior defects include deteriorated siding, cracking foundations, improper grading, and damaged windows or doors. These issues can compromise insulation, lead to water intrusion, and affect the overall value of your property. Our library sheds light on these potential concerns, giving you the knowledge to address them effectively.

Empowering you with knowledge in chesapeake

At Tidewater Home Inspections, we believe an informed client is a confident client. This Defect Library is designed to give you a clearer understanding of your inspection reports, highlighting common issues we find in homes across Chesapeake. As your locally owned and operated home inspection company, we are committed to providing thorough inspections and comprehensive information. Have questions about a specific defect? Don't hesitate to reach out to us at [[phonenumber]] or [[email]].