All new and previously owned homes have issues that buyers should know about. Most of what we find will be communicated as general maintenance recommendations, probable life expectancies and minor imperfections.

Few of our findings actually are cause for major concern. We take pride in communicating issues clearly without unduly alarming our clients. Also, when discovered early, serious and potentially serious problems can be corrected, often inexpensively, by a qualified professional. Properly maintained, a home will provide years of comfort, satisfaction and security.

Below we've listed the top issues discovered during our inspections of single family homes, condos and loft rehabs:

1. Water intrusion into basements or crawl spaces due to excessinve ground water conditions and are often caused by misdirected downspouts.

2. Electrical safety hazards, often in older homes.

3. Unsafe fireplace and chimney conditions.

4. Faulty installation of water heaters.

5. Hazardous conditions involving gas heaters.

6. Firewall issues in attached garages.

7. Rotted wood at building exteriors and at various plumbing fixtures.

8. Building issues where additions and alterations were constructed without permits.

9. Roofing defects.

10. Ceiling stains, indicating past or current roof leaks.