Top 10 Home Defects
- Roof leaks due to flashing and valley problems
- Water penetration in the basement or crawlspace due to the surface water conditions
- Electrical safety issues due to age of home
- Deterioration of the wall material or substrate behind ceramic tile in shower and tub areas
- Roof material failure due to age and deterioration
- Heating unit and distribution system inequities due to age and workmanship or system compromises
- Structural issues due to improper construction and/or alterations, or excessive unbalanced load (ie. Failing concrete block foundation wall)
- Fire safety issues related to fireplace chimneys
- Termite and other wood destroying organisms due the local environment and conducive conditions
- On-site waste (septic) system failures usually due to lack of maintenance
Home Component Life Span
| HOME COMPONENTS | YEARS of SERVICE |
| Air Conditioning Compressor | 8-15 |
| Heat Pump(outside unit) | 6-12 |
| Forced Air, Gas Furnace | 15-20 |
| Electric Furnace (heating elements may need periodic replacement) | 15-20 |
| Electric Baseboard Heaters | 10-15 |
| Hot Water Heater | 8-12 |
| Garbage Disposal | 5-10 |
| Dishwasher | 7-12 |
| Ranges & Ovens | 15-20 |
| Cooktop | 15-20 |
| Built-in Microwave | 5-10 |
| Trash Compactors | 5-12 |
| Galvanized Gutters | 14-20 |
| Composition Shingle Roof (1st roof) | 15-30 (depends on shingle grade) |
| Composition Shingle Roof (2 layers) | 12-26 (depends on shingle grade) |
| Roll Roofing | 6-10 |
| Wood Shake Roofing | 18-24 |
| Wood Shingle Roofing | 16-20 |
| Slate Roofing | 40-80 |