The kitchen is perhaps one of the busiest rooms in the house, especially with a family having children. Someone will always be in here, making a quick lunch or preparing a feast with friends. With the amount of rush in here, we need everything to be in top shape for utmost convenience. In a new house, especially, you want things to perfect. A home inspection in Pittsburgh helps achieve this with a thorough check. However, your kitchen can fail the entire check with just these four problems.
Electrical issues
Electrical issues can turn deadly in kitchens and bathrooms. A seemingly small but potentially hazardous defect found in kitchens is faulty wiring and receptacles, which can fail the inspection. With a lot of exposure to water, this area of the house needs GFCI protection along with the use of a higher gauge wire. Yet another issue in this room is when electrical wires and plumbing are dangerously close, especially under the sink. Add DIY alterations in the future, and you have a recipe for disaster.
Plumbing problems
Plumbing problems are common when pipes and taps are used regularly. These can be as simple as a small leak and drip or serious issues like major leaks leading to subfloor rot. When caught early, these only need small repairs. However, when ignored, they can lead to expensive repairs or even reconstruction. Leaky supply pipes, fixtures, and sinks, clogged drains, plumbing vent defects, and water heater defects are some things that fail an inspection.
Defunct vents
Many kitchens have range vents, which, under ideal circumstances, should absorb airborne cooking grease and extract steam. It should vent outside the house. However, in some houses, this appliance is simply a decorative piece AKA defunct and defective. Either the switch doesn’t turn on or if it does, it is not function. A house inspector will flag this when they find the evidence.
Appliance defects
When you move into a new house, the last thing you need is the expense of an appliance repair on your shoulders (and pocket). They are costly and can cost thousands of dollars. Home inspectors save buyers from this by conducting a thorough inspection of major built-in appliances, including range burners, ovens, refrigerators, and ice makers. Defects in any of these or other devices can lead to a kitchen failing a home inspection. Loose garbage disposals and missing appliance stabilizer brackets are other red flags.
Conclusion
Kitchens see a lot of traffic and regular use. Therefore, the appliances here and other fixtures need to be in top shape and lasting for the new owners to avoid any immediate repair or maintenance expense. Home inspections help a lot to this end by inspecting the room thoroughly and flagging any defects.
