TEN COMMON CONCERNS HOME Improper Grading around Home Improper grading and drainage can often lead to moisture/water intrusion into basements and crawl spaces.  This water can lead to foundation/structural damage and possibly mold growth.  Correction can range from installing new roof gutters and downspouts to possibly re-grading the surrounding lawn to better channel surface water away from the structure. Ungrounded Three Prong Outlets Ungrounded outlets may go undetected and can be assumed to operate properly until tested.  Disconnected or non-existent ground conductors are frequently found in both older and new homes.  This commonly occurs when outlets are installed/repaired in an unprofessional manner.  Ungrounded outlets present a potential shock and fire hazard and should not be taken lightly.   Older/Insufficient Electrical Systems An insufficient or outdated electrical system is a common problem in many older homes. If they have not been updated they may have undersized services or knob-and tube wiring.  This type of wiring may have been sufficient when originally installed, but with the added demands of today’s modern lifestyles which often require the use of many electric appliances and gadgets, these systems could be potentially dangerous. Loose or Missing Balustrade Systems Handrails and Balustrade systems are typically required on all stairways with three or more risers.  Often times the existing system installed has loosened over time and becomes extremely unsafe.  A person holding on to a railing and relying heavily on the installed system could still find themselves falling when the system becomes detached due to extra force being applied. Plumbing Problems The most common plumbing defects include faulty fixtures or waste lines.  Improper maintenance and caulking can lead to deterioration of the underlying materials and cause structural failure. Ground Fault Outlets Many times the Ground Fault Outlets also known as GFCI outlets are none existent.  This problem is common in older homes and are now required by modern code in the garage, outside the home, in unfinished basements, kitchens and bathrooms.  GFCI’s provide additional protection against electrical shock because they are highly sensitive to the flow of electric current and will interrupt the circuit stopping the flow of electricity instantaneously. The GFCI is designed to protect people from severe or fatal electric shocks; it can also prevent some electrical fires and reduce the severity of others by interrupting the flow of electric current Pressure Relief Valve Drain Pipes The safety extension pipe for pressure relief valves installed on combustion appliances is often missing or not properly aligned.  If this valve were to ever release very hot water the water could spray in your face rather than disperse the hot water to the floor. Double Cylinder Deadbolts This type of lock is keyed on both sides, requiring a key to lock or unlock from either side. Although they are installed with the intent of allowing illegal entry they pose a significant safety concern making it difficult or impossible to exit the home in the event of a fire or emergency if the key cannot be located. Safety Devices on Garage Door Openers All garage door openers are required to automatically reverse if a closing door should hit an object.  Newer garage door openers may have improper “down force” adjustment and should be readjusted.  Older garage door openers may lack safety reverse mechanisms and should be replaced.  Poorly Maintained Property Poor maintenance can lead to a variety of problems.  Examples of poor maintenance include cracked or peeling paint, crumbling masonry, broken fixtures or substandard wiring or plumbing.  Small leaks that aren’t dealt with can lead to much larger problems such as rotting cabinetry to suspicious substance growth.  Dirty filters on furnaces can lead the system to work inefficiently.  Untrimmed shrubbery can cause excess moisture to permeate wood sidings and result in cosmetic damage to the paint or other surfaces.