After thousands of home inspections across Northeast Ohio, certain findings show up in nearly every report. Here are the most common issues we document, what they mean, and when they're a negotiating point versus a deal-breaker.
Missing or damaged shingles, granule loss, and flashing failures are the most common roof findings. Ohio's freeze-thaw cycles accelerate wear, and most roofs in the region need replacement every 20 to 25 years. A roof with less than 5 years of estimated remaining life is a legitimate negotiating point.
Double-tapped breakers, ungrounded outlets, missing GFCI protection in kitchens and bathrooms, and amateur wiring are extremely common in homes of all ages. Older homes may still have knob-and-tube wiring or 60-amp service panels that are inadequate for modern electrical demand.
Galvanized steel pipes in older homes, improper drain slopes, missing shut-off valves, and water heaters past their service life are the most frequent plumbing findings. In Cleveland and Akron, clay sewer laterals are a near-universal concern in pre-1960 homes — a sewer scope is the only way to know their condition.
Furnaces and air conditioners past their design life, dirty filters, improper venting, and systems running outside their rated parameters are common findings. HVAC replacement is one of the most expensive single-system costs a homeowner faces, so condition and age matter significantly in a transaction.
Basement moisture, improper grading, clogged gutters, and evidence of past or active leaks are present in a significant percentage of Northeast Ohio homes. Ohio's clay-heavy soil and freeze-thaw cycles make moisture management a persistent challenge.
Not every finding is a deal-breaker. Our job is to give you a complete picture so you can make an informed decision. Some findings are safety issues that need immediate attention. Some are negotiating points. Many are just maintenance items to plan around. The report tells you which is which.
Serving Cleveland, Akron, Canton, Medina, Strongsville, and communities throughout Northeast Ohio, our experienced inspectors deliver clarity, honesty, and timely reports so you can confidently move forward with your real estate decisions.
