Photos of home inspection deficiencies
Can you spot the problem? Below you’ll see some of the most common (and not so common) home inspection deficiencies we’ve come across in Victoria BC. These defects, some of which can pose serious safety issues, are a reminder why its always a good idea to hire a licensed home inspector.
Electrical
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- Unsupported junction box with cover missing. Also – unsupported PEX distribution plumbing.
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- Double tapping (two circuits on a breaker designed to hold just one)
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- Exposed live circuit branch wiring. These should terminate in a junction box.
Attic
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- Kitchen and bath exhaust do not terminate outside as recommended. This has implications of moisture build up in the attic space and adds risk of mould, mildew and wood rot.
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- Steam shower equipment is outside of the thermal/vapour envelope (exposed in the attic). This condition will cause moisture problems including mould, mildew and wood rot in the attic space.
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- Minor moisture staining on roof decking due to kitchen exhaust fan air leakage.
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- Kitchen exhaust fan discharging into attic space. This condition adds risk of moisture problems including mould and mildew in the attic space.
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- Water ingress at chimney/roof penetration. This will deteriorate the mortar and mason units and may rot the roof decking/ framing.
Roof
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- Missing counter-flashing around chimney. This condition will not adequately protect from water ingress.
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- Missing downspouts/ gutters over flowing. This will cause rain water to back up and may cause moisture damage to the building.
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- Downspout discharging onto roof covering. This will prematurely deteriorate the roof covering.
Chimney
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- Metal chimney shows signs of rust. Rust may perforate the chimney and allow flue gasses into the living space.
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- Mortar deterioration may allow flue gasses into the living space.
Structure
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- High moisture content found at sill plate. Wood will begin to rot when moisture content is 20 percent or greater. Once established, rot may thrive as moisture content drops to as low as 16 percent.
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- Notched joist. This effectively weakens the floor joist and may cause settlement.
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- Unsupported header over door opening. Although no signs of settlement are evident at the time of inspection, this may settle over time.
