Most Common Home Inspection Findings In Wisconsin

Wondering what problems may come up in a home inspection in Wisconsin? See the most common issues below.

Poorly-Maintained Roofs

A poorly-maintained roof will not last as long, and could lead to water damage, leaks and further costly repairs. 

Your home inspector will look at the roof and how it’s been maintained, and tell you how much longer it can be expected to last. Roof replacement is very costly, so this estimate definitely should not be overlooked.

Gutter, Downspout & Drainage Issues

Along with poorly-maintained roofs, it’s common to find drainage problems like:

• Improperly grading near the foundation

• Downspouts that drain too close to the foundation and the home

• Gutters that are clogged or in disrepair

When caught early, drainage issues are not a huge deal. But over time, they can cause issues like cracks in the foundation (due to water freezing and thawing) and higher risks of basement flooding, which can be prohibitively expensive to fix. 

Poor Insulation and Ventilation

Poor insulation is common in older Wisconsin homes. It can lead to a high power bill and a drafty home – and in attics, it can cause ice damming, a buildup of ice caused by melting snow that can lead to serious roof damage and leaks.

In addition, poor attic ventilation can lead to a higher risk of moisture damage and mold growth. Thankfully, it’s relatively easy and inexpensive to add more insulation and ventilation to a home. 

However, if these problems are not addressed, repairing the damage they cause may be very expensive. 

Worn-Out or Poorly-Maintained HVAC System

Many homeowners do not maintain their HVAC systems properly. This is why it is important to get a home inspection before buying a home, because you may never know if there has been proper maintenance done. 

Failing to perform yearly maintenance on furnaces, A/C units and ducting can lead to poor performance and a reduced lifespan, as well as issues like cracked furnace heater cores and faulty A/C compressors. 

Chimney Issues

Many older homes in Wisconsin have fireplaces and chimneys. Often, they are not properly maintained. 

If the flashing near the chimney is damaged, it may leak – causing serious water damage around the chimney and the surrounding parts of the roof. This can be a very costly fix, and it’s definitely not a DIY project.