You've finally found the perfect buyer for your old home, but of course, they want an inspection. While home inspections are a crucial part of the home buying and selling process, they can be stressful. Here are seven of the most common problems cited by home inspectors. Taking care of these ahead of time will ensure that your home is PERFECT when it comes time for the inspection.  

Plumbing Problems

Inadequate plumbing can cause a lot of problems, including rotting floors, mold and mildew. As a result, it is one of the main things that home inspectors check. Before the inspection, take a few moments to look for water damage around the home and have a plumber fix any potential problems. Also, you should replace the wax ring under any toilets and clean out the pipes.

Electrical Issues

Faulty wiring accounts for 20%  of all fires in Canada and is the leading cause of house fires.  The most common culprits are open junction boxes, amperage mismatches, and a lack of wire nuts on wires. To prepare for this part of the inspection, have an electrician fix any broken junction boxes as well as update the amperage in the home to 100 amps. Replacing any missing wire nuts is inexpensive and also advised.

Roofing

Problems with the roof can result in leaks inside the home and extensive damage. Inspectors will look for signs of damage on the roof, such as curling shingles or missing flashing. Prior to the inspection, replace any damaged shingles or flashing. If your roof is metal, the inspector will look for signs of corrosion. Painting the roof will ensure that you ace this part of the inspection.

Faulty Gutters

Gutters transport water off the roof and safely to the ground. If your gutters are bent or clogged, then the water can stay on the roof, where it does damage. Make sure the gutters are not clogged or corroded before the inspection and make sure to give them a quick once over.

Exterior Maintenance

While it may not damage the home, a lack of routine maintenance can signal problems in the future. As such, it is likely to be flagged by the inspector. To pass this part of the inspection, paint the home and fix any cracks in the driveway.

Chimney and Fireplace

Improperly maintained fireplaces and chimneys can cause problems ranging from house fires to leaks. As a result, routine inspections and repairs should be done every few years. Make sure the flashing around the chimney is replaced, as well as any missing mortar or caps.

Termites

These little bugs can do a lot of damage if left untreated. Before the inspection, take a few moments to inspect any wooden areas of the home. You should look for signs of the wood being eaten away, or termite trails. If you see either, treat for termites and repair the damage before the inspector comes to visit.

Selling a home is stressful, but knowing that you'll ace the inspection can take away some of the anxiety. Remembering these steps will help you to ensure your home is PERFECT when the inspector shows up on your doorstep. Read more to learn about home inspections.