Buying a home is one of the biggest investments most people will ever make. That’s why it’s so important to have a thorough home inspection done before finalizing the purchase. An inspection helps uncover any issues with the home that could turn into expensive repairs down the road.
For buyers looking at homes in Massachusetts, there are some common problems that seem to frequently come up during inspections. Being aware of these potential issues ahead of time allows buyers to budget accordingly and address any major concerns before closing.
Structural and Foundation Problems
One major area that Massachusetts home Inspections always examine closely is the home’s foundation and overall structural integrity. Massachusetts home Inspections are susceptible to a variety of foundation problems due to the cold climate, composition of the soil, and the age of many homes.
Some things inspectors look for are:
- Cracks or bowing in basement walls: This can indicate the walls are not properly supporting the home’s weight. Large cracks let water seep in and cause further damage over time.
- Cracks in mortar joints: The mortar between bricks and stone is designed to be slightly flexible. But large cracks or missing mortar could mean foundation settling.
- Leaning chimneys: Home additions or shifting soil can cause the chimney to tilt or pull away from the house. Left unfixed, it may eventually collapse.
- Sloping floors: If the floors are noticeably uneven or sloped, the foundation is likely sinking or shifting in certain areas.
- Sticking doors/windows: Doors and windows that stick or won’t open easily can mean the house has settled and the frame is now out of square.
While some minor cracking and settling is normal as a house ages, significant issues found should be evaluated and repaired by a structural engineer. Foundation repairs can be quite costly.
Roofing Problems
With their snowy winters, homes in Massachusetts are prone to roof damage. Warning signs inspectors look for include:
- Advanced age: Most asphalt shingle roofs should be replaced every 15-20 years. Older roofs are more likely to have damage and leaks.
- Missing or cracked shingles: Storms often blow shingles off, while cold and sun ages them over time leading to cracks. Any missing or damaged shingles should be replaced.
- Roof sagging: The weight of piled up snow or a weakening underlayment can cause the roof structure to sag in spots. This strains the entire roof and can lead to collapse.
- Leaks: Water stains on the ceiling inside indicate the roof is leaking somewhere. Leaks should be repaired promptly before rot sets in.
- Poor drainage: Standing water or ponding after storms shows the roof is not draining well. This excess weight damages shingles. Improved drainage is needed.
- Mold: Mold or algae growing on the roof shingles cuts their lifespan and can work its way through to roof rafters if left unchecked.
Home buyers should budget to have older roofs thoroughly inspected and potentially replaced or repaired. Catching damage early prevents more extensive repairs later on.
Plumbing Issues
With many older homes built in the early 1900s, Massachusetts houses often have antiquated plumbing systems. Home inspectors check for:
- Galvanized supply pipes: This old style pipe corrodes internally over time, leading to low water pressure, leaks, and rusty brown water. Re-piping is recommended.
- Lead pipes: Lead piping was commonly used until the 1930s. Lead exposure is dangerous, so these supply pipes need to be replaced.
- Cast iron drain pipes: Over time, cast iron rusts from the inside and joints loosen. It should be replaced with modern PVC.
- Kitec plumbing: This type of plastic plumbing fittings and pipe installed from 1995-2007 is prone to failure and leaks.
- Low water pressure: Old pipes, mineral deposits, and leaks can restrict water flow. Poor pressure may indicate the need for pipe replacement.
- Old fixtures: Outdated toilets, faucets, and tubs waste water. Replacing them with water saving models cuts waste.
Many buyers choose to replace plumbing systems right away to avoid future leaks, floods, and high water bills due to waste.
Electrical System Issues
Modern homes require significantly more power than old homes. If the electrical system hasn’t been updated, issues that may come up during a home inspection include:
- Small capacity: 100 or 60 amp panels were common in older homes but can easily overload with today’s appliances and devices. An upgrade to 200 amps may be needed.
- Aluminum wiring: Used in the 1960s and 1970s, this wiring is prone to overheating, arcing faults, and fires. Copper wiring is recommended.
- Knob and tube wiring: This very old, obsolete wiring lacks ground wires for safety. It needs total replacement.
- No GFCI/AFCI protection: Modern codes require GFCI outlets in wet areas and AFCI breakers to prevent fires. Old homes often lack them.
- Asbestos wiring insulation: Asbestos was used as wire insulation before being banned for its health risks. This should be removed.
- Two-prong outlets: Homes built before the mid 1960s often lack grounded three-prong outlets which are now required.
Electrical upgrades can take a big bite out of renovation budgets. But modern electrical capacity is crucial for today’s technology and appliances.
HVAC Issues
Heating and cooling systems work hard year-round in Massachusetts. Age, lack of maintenance, and duct problems can cause inspectors to recommend service or replacement of HVAC units. Some things they look for include:
- Old equipment: Heaters, air conditioners, and heat pumps usually last 10-15 years. Older units operate inefficiently. New Energy Star-rated models save energy.
- Evidence of leaks: Refrigerant leaks make AC and heat pumps inefficient. The units should be evaluated for needed repairs.
- Rust/corrosion: This can cause furnaces and heating elements to fail prematurely. Rust also indicates condensation problems that should be addressed.
- Faulty thermostats: If the system doesn’t turn on properly or maintains steady temperature, the thermostat likely needs replacing.
- Cracks/gaps in ductwork: This allows conditioned air to leak out and allergens or moisture to enter the home. Duct repairs should seal it up.
- Blown fuses/tripped breakers: This may signal wiring issues, motor problems, or short circuits. A technician should diagnose causes.
- Weird smells or noises: Unusual odors or loud sounds often mean something is malfunctioning and needs repair or replacement.
With HVAC issues, early repairs can help avoid complete system failure down the road.
Insulation Deficiencies
Massachusetts winters get quite cold. Therefore, a home’s insulation becomes extremely important for efficiency and comfort. Inspectors will check for:
- Minimal or missing insulation: Older homes often lack sufficient insulation in exterior walls, attics, and basements. This allows heat loss and moisture problems. Additional insulation improves efficiency.
- Damaged or settled insulation: Insulation can become compacted over time or disturbed by rodents. This reduces its effectiveness and should be repaired. Fresh layers may need adding.
- Vapor barriers: Lacking a vapor barrier allows moisture to penetrate into walls and attics leading to mold/rot. Barriers should be installed on insulation.
- Drafts: Drafty windows and doors, electrical outlets, recessed lights, and unfinished walls/ceilings all waste energy. Caulking, insulation, and weatherstripping fixes help.
- Ice dams: When roof snow melts but remains frozen at the eaves, ice dams can form leading to interior leaks. This indicates poor attic insulation and ventilation.
Having an energy audit done and improving insulation can significantly reduce heating bills in cold Massachusetts winters.
Pest/Rodent Problems
Antique homes with gaps and cracks provide easy access for unwelcome furry guests. Inspections look for signs of:
- Mice: Look for droppings, torn insulation, gnawed wires, greasy rub marks, urine stains, and live or dead mice. Seal holes and traps may be needed.
- Rats: Larger droppings, burrows, and live sightings indicate a rat infestation. Traps and sealing access points are required.
- Bats: Guano piles, stains, and live sightings suggest bats have gotten into the attic. Special exterminators are needed.
- Cockroaches: Roach feces, egg cases, molted skins, and live bugs point to an infestation. Bait and insecticides will be required.
- Termites: Wood tunnels, mud tubes, sagging floors, or swarms mean termites. Get the house treated quickly before major structural damage occurs.
- Carpenter ants/bees: Look for sawdust piles, holes in wood, or bees entering holes. Nest removal and wood repairs are needed.
Pest control treatment and sealing holes shut will be required prior to buying the home in most cases.
Hazardous Materials
Many older building materials now considered hazardous were once commonly used in home construction. Inspectors test for:
- Asbestos: Found in old insulation, flooring, shingles, and siding. This fibrous material is a health hazard when airborne. Abatement is advised.
- Lead paint: Homes built before 1978 often have lead paint on walls, trim, and doors. This poisonous paint should be removed.
- Radon: This radioactive gas comes from certain rock types. A radon test is recommended for all homes. High levels require mitigation.
- Aluminum wiring: Used in the 1960s and 70s, this wiring presents a fire hazard and should be replaced with copper.
- Galvanized pipes: This old steel plumbing pipe may have lead solder at joints. Lead leaches into drinking water so replacement is recommended.
- Asbestos pipes: Used for water supply and drain pipes in older homes. Should be removed due to health risks.
Removal or remediation of hazardous materials improves health and safety but can get quite costly.
Major Remodeling Needed
Some older homes require significant repairs and updating to make them livable and efficient according to modern standards. Buyers may need to budget for renovations like:
- Kitchen: Outdated appliances, inefficient layouts, worn counters and cabinets may require a full remodel.
- Bathrooms: Old plumbing, electrical, tiles, fixtures, and poor ventilation necessitate bathroom upgrades.
- Windows: Energy inefficient single pane windows need replacing with modern double or triple pane windows.
- Siding: Cracked, rotting, or falling off siding allows moisture issues. New vinyl or fiber cement siding is low maintenance.
- Garage: Deteriorated roofs, old doors, and crumbling concrete require garage refurbishment.
Major remodeling projects can take months to complete at considerable expense. But renovations often pay off in the long run by increasing home value.
Massachusetts homes have plenty of historic charm but also come with common aging house issues. Having a thorough inspection done and evaluating the cost of repairs allows buyers to make informed decisions and budget realistically before purchasing a home. Being aware of the most frequently uncovered problems found by inspectors reduces surprises down the road. Addressing issues promptly prevents minor problems from becoming major headaches. With proper care and maintenance, Massachusetts homes can provide many years of enjoyable and comfortable living.
