Home Inspection Nightmare

Here We Go

• Recommend adding gutter downspout extensions and properly route them away from the foundation. (We never had any water in the basement, but OK.)
• Recommend adding extension for sump pump drain.
• Rear exterior GFCI outlet is defective. (It works, but the “trip” does not.)
• Front face brick pulled away at side exterior. (We never noticed this.)
• Fascia needs repairs at side exterior. (We have strained our necks trying to locate this one.)
• Metal siding needs repair at side exterior. (Found it!  Fixed with a few nails.)
• Pool and pool equipment not tested.  Recommend seller verify pool is operational and equipment is functional. ( It’s early May.  Too cold in the Midwest to open it.  Our pool guy is writing verification.)
• Stain by wood fencing. (Still searching.)
• Moisture stains around chimney at attic.  Stains dry at the time of inspection. (These are prior to complete tear-off roof stains.  All good.)
• Recommend all kitchen and bathroom electrical outlets be GFCI protected. (Now, that is a valid error on our part.  Will do.)
• Improper drain line repairs noted under both master bedroom sinks.  (Totally work, but my husband did it.)
• Drywall repairs at ceiling in bedroom walk-in closet. (Repaired nail “pops” 5 years ago.  Neglected to paint closet ceiling.  Painted, and it is now beautiful.)
• Drain stopper at upper main bathroom needs replacement.  (Bought the house this way.  My inspector missed it. I just stuck a razor under it so it would drain.  Will give credit to buyer to have it fixed.)
• Stove exhaust fan not vented to exterior and vent not venting properly. (Home Depot installed it.)
• 1/2 bathroom sink leaking at overflow (underside).  (We never overflowed, so who knew?)
• Recommend maintenance for interior of fireplace brick and damper shows signs of rusting.  Gas line not tested due to no key. (Bought the house without the key.  Gas scared us.  Never used it.)
• Recommend replacing vinyl dryer vent pipe with metal.  (Found the metal one!)
• Few double tapped breakers in main electrical panel.  (Will fix)
• Recommend adding anti oxidant gel to aluminum service conductors in main electrical panel. (Sounds good to me.)
• Furnace is older model. (My husband’s reply to this one, “So’s your wife.” He didn’t say it to inspector.)
• Humidifier stat not responding when tested. (Just for the record: The humidifier and the in ground pool were my husband’s idea.)
• Ejector pit not sealed air tight or vented to waste vent.  Recommend further evaluation and repairs by licensed plumber.  (OK, will do.)
• Install new smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on each level. (They work, so ???)

Having a home inspection is the right thing to do.  When presented with a list of imperfections regarding the home you put so much time and effort into can really send you reeling.  Actually, a few things on the list are safety issues, and any homeowner should be pleased with the information and remedy the problems.

At this point, we do not care if we stay in our home or downsize to a smaller, one-level home.  Besides, the house looks really, really, really good and summer is coming and we want to SWIM!

The best advice for anyone who is thinking of listing their home is to have a pre-listing home inspection.  It will save you a lot of distress.  Wish we had done that.