Unveiling the Top 5 Most Common Issues Found During Home Inspections in Ohio

Are you considering buying or selling a home? Or perhaps you’re a real estate investor and curious about common issues found in Ohio homes? Understanding the most common items found during home inspections can be invaluable for those looking to buy or sell in the Buckeye State.

Let’s dive into the top five issues that home inspectors frequently encounter. Keep in mind, these aren’t the biggest issues we see. In fact, these issues are usually pretty minor and just need to be added to the new homeowner’s to-do list. However, if you’re looking at selling your home, these are great places to start as you may be able to shorten the list of items the home inspector flags on your property!

1. Bathroom Fans:
Improperly functioning bathroom fans can lead to moisture buildup, which in turn can cause mold and even wood deterioration. Our licensed home inspectors see this issue in roughly 40% of the homes we inspect in Ohio. Either they are not working or more commonly, are exhausting directly into the attic space. While this used to be the norm when building homes, it’s not best practice today and should be vented to the exterior of the home (see photo). Addressing this issue promptly can help maintain healthy indoor air quality and prevent wood deterioration to attic spaces and roofs.

2. GFCIs (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters):
GFCIs are electrical safety devices designed to protect people against electrical shocks. They are usually easy to identify as the have “Test” and “Reset” buttons on them. You can think of them as extremely sensitive breakers. They constantly monitor the flow of current and can trip as quickly as 1/40th of a second if they detect an abnormality. Although you may still receive an electrical shock, the tripping GFCI will prevent a prolonged shock which can cause serious injury or even death.
Home inspectors commonly discover GFCIs that are improperly installed, malfunctioning, or missing altogether. When GFCIs were first introduced in the 1970s, they were only required to be used on exterior outlets. Today, they are required in basically all wet locations (kitchens, bathrooms, garages).

3. Open Junction Boxes:
Junction boxes are essential for safely containing electrical connections. However, during home inspections, inspectors frequently encounter open or improperly covered junction boxes. These pose a significant safety risk as they can lead to electrical fires or shocks. Properly securing and covering junction boxes is essential for electrical safety in the home.

4. Improper Grading:
Grading is a term used for the slope of the ground around the home and is quite possibly the most important single factor in maintaining a dry basement and crawlspace. When the ground is sloping away from the house, it is called positive grading (good). When it is sloping towards the house, it is called negative grading (not good) and is very common. Negative grading causes the water around the home to drain back to the foundation, increasing the risk of water infiltration and even structural damage.
Licensed home inspectors in Ohio frequently identify negative grading during inspections and recommend corrective measures such as re-grading the soil to ensure proper drainage away from the foundation. The good news is that re-grading soil isn’t too technical and can be done by most eager homeowners.

5. Clogged Gutters & Downspout Extensions:
#4 and #5 on our list run hand in hand. Clogged gutters and inadequate downspout extensions can lead to water damage to the home’s foundation, exterior walls, and landscaping. During a home inspection in Ohio, inspectors often find gutters filled with debris or downspouts that do not adequately direct water away from the foundation. Regular maintenance of gutters and downspout extensions is essential for preventing water-related issues and preserving the integrity of the home’s structure. We like to see downspouts running 4 to 6 feet away from the foundation (the further the better). A downspout that is pointing straight at the ground is just asking for problems as it concentrates all the rainwater into one point in the home’s foundation.

In conclusion, being aware of these common issues discovered during home inspections in Ohio can help homebuyers, sellers and real estate investors better prepare for the home inspection. Whether it’s ensuring proper ventilation, electrical safety, or drainage around the home, addressing these issues promptly can help maintain the safety and value of your property.
If you’re in need of a professional home inspection by a licensed home inspector in Ohio or have questions about potential issues in your home, don’t hesitate to reach out to Erie Inspection Service. Our experienced inspectors are here to help ensure your peace of mind and the safety of your home.