Waiting for the results of a home inspection can be highly stressful at times. This applies to both the buyer and the seller. That being said, if you know which parts of a house fail the inspection the most frequently, you’ll be able to better prepare for the results. Furthermore, if you know which home parts are most likely to fail a home inspection, you will know which home features require the most attention in your current and future homes. No house is perfect, and only a tiny percentage of homes pass an inspection without any issues. With that said, if you’d like to know what the most common things that fail a home inspection in Los Angeles are, we’ll tell you everything you need to know.
Foundation Cracks and Structural Flaws
Home inspectors will first look at the visible components of a home’s structure. This includes both the interior and exterior walls of a home. They will primarily look for general wear and tear. However, a house with a few cracks does not mean it will fail an inspection. All homes settle over time, resulting in a few cracks. That is why it won’t be a problem if vertical hairline fractures occur in the mortar between bricks. However, if the cracks start splitting at the mortar and travel through the bricks, there may be a significant structural concern. Other than cracks on the wall, inspectors are also going to look for:
- Horizontal and thick cracking in chimneys
- Cracks in the foundations
- Cracks outdoor stairs
- Cracked slabs in your driveway
Unfortunately, one of the biggest issues with Los Angeles homes is that they frequently have foundation problems, which can lead to a slew of structural flaws that never pass inspection. As a result, if you’re looking to buy, sell, or rent out a property in Los Angeles, the first thing you should consider is the condition of your foundation.
Problems With the Roof
According to experts from Master Moving Guide, the roof is one of the most serious issues that most house inspections uncover, not just in Los Angeles but across the country. This is the case despite the fact that California’s weather is typically mild and consistent. In addition to roofing issues being the most prevalent, they are also one of the most costly to fix. Inspectors will primarily search for signs of deterioration, poor maintenance, leaks, and excessive wear. They will also inquire about the age of the roof, as a roof that is too old will fail the inspection automatically.
Issues With the HVAC System
Because of the year-round high temperatures in Los Angeles, air conditioning units often run for much longer and harder than they should. As a result, they are frequently in poor condition and fail a home inspection. That being said, house inspectors will evaluate a home to ensure that the heating and cooling systems are operational and that the wiring looks to be safe and capable of supporting the HVAC system. Inspectors will ensure that the gas-fired furnaces have proper ventilation to prevent gas leaks. In some situations, they will look to see if you have carbon monoxide and smoke detectors in the furnace room. Inspectors will also look at the ductwork and flue pipes. They need to do this to see if the installation is good and that there are no fractures.
Issues With Outdated Electrical Systems
These days electrical requirements are substantially higher than they were in the past. Most homes fail this aspect of a home inspection in Los Angeles because they have outdated electrical systems and panels. This has mostly been the case because in the last 30 years, there have been many changes in electrical requirements, and not everybody has been able to follow them. The most typical electrical problems are outdated panels, fuse boxes, aluminum wire, fabric wiring, and 2-prong outlets. Hiring a qualified electrician can ensure that your electrical system is up to date.
Water-related Issues and Old Plumbing
Poor plumbing is a common source of structural leaks, wood rot, and other moisture-related issues. Homes that fail an inspection for these reasons in LA are usually older homes. With that said, during a home inspection itself, the inspectors are going to look for the presence of excessive moisture in the flooring, walls, and ceilings can be determined through a thorough home inspection. If they find any, it can lead to a failing grade. If you don’t want that to happen, you can inspect the building for more obvious signs of water damage yourself. Water stains, pipe cracks, and rotting wood are all signs that immediate attention is required. The higher the relative humidity, the more cautious one should be when investing in real estate.
Issues With Mold
Mold is a highly harmful fungus that can develop for various reasons. Mainly, it grows in humid locations that are not well ventilated but can also occur in dry places, such as LA. Mold has been linked to asthma, headaches, and other health problems. As a result, exposing your loved ones and yourself to it is the last thing you’d want to do. Sadly, homes with rampant mold won’t pass a home inspection in Los Angeles.
Conclusion
Whether you are buying or selling a home here in LA, it is a good idea to educate yourself as much as you can about home inspections. Relocations are difficult and stressful. However, knowing what awaits you can help you be ready for this. A good plan of action is one of the best local moving tips that are going to serve you well when it comes to relocations in LA.
That being said, now that we’ve covered the most common things that fail a home inspection in Los Angeles, you can look over the house you want to sell and see if there are any improvements you can make. On the other hand, if you are looking to buy a home, you will now understand what structural and technical elements you should consider in order to make the best possible purchase.
