No house is perfect. Even the best built and best maintained homes will always have a few items in less than perfect condition. Below are some of the items I most commonly find when inspecting a home:

Roofing Problems with roofing material are the single most common defect I find. Usually it doesnt mean the roof needs replacement, simply that it is in need of maintenance or repair. Damaged shingles, moss growth and damaged flashing are not unusual defects found in my inspections.

Ceiling stains Caused by past or present leaks, ceiling stains are very common. It can be difficult to tell whether the stains are from leaks still present, or were caused by leaks which have since been repaired. I do my best to determine if a stain is moist and a recent event.

Electrical hazards Most common in older homes, but often found in newer homes as well. Electrical hazards come in many forms, from ungrounded outlets to wiring done incorrectly by the homeowner. GFCI's are not typically installed in older homes but they are an easy upgrade to meet current code issues in most locales.

Rotted wood Caused by being wet for extended periods of time, most commonly found around tubs, showers and toilets inside, or roof eaves and trim outside.

Water heater installations Many water heaters are not installed in full compliance with local plumbing code. Temperature /Pressure Relief valve pipes are missing or improperly installed.

Gas furnace Most gas furnaces seem to be in need of routine maintenance such as new filters or gas company certification at the least. Many have other issues such as faulty operation or inadequate fire clearance as well.

Plumbing defects Plumbing issues commonly found include dripping faucets, leaking fixtures, slow drains etc... Even in brand new homes, it is common to identify minor plumbing defects.