Home additions can be a fantastic way to add more space and value to your home. Whether you’re looking to add a bedroom, bathroom, or a whole new living space, home additions are a popular choice for many homeowners. However, as a home inspector, it’s important to be aware of the potential problems that can arise with home additions. In this blog, we’ll take an in-depth look at home additions, their impact on home sales, and the common problems that can be found during a home inspection.

 

What are home additions?

 

Home additions are any structural changes or additions made to an existing home. They can include everything from adding a second story to building a new wing onto the house. Home additions are a popular choice for homeowners who want to add more living space, improve the functionality of their home, or increase its value. There are many types of home additions, and each comes with its own set of benefits and challenges.

 

Are home additions a hot inspection item that will cause a home sale to fail?

 

The answer to this question depends on the quality of the home addition and how well it was integrated into the existing home. If the addition was done properly, with all necessary permits and inspections, it should not cause a home sale to fail. However, if the addition was done improperly, without permits or inspections, it could become a hot inspection item that could impact the sale of the home.

 

Common problems found with home additions during a home inspection

 

During a home inspection, there are several common problems that can be found with home additions. Here are some of the most common issues that home inspectors look for:

 

1. Structural issues: One of the most common problems found with home additions is structural issues. This can include everything from foundation problems to issues with the framing, roofing, or siding.

 

2. Electrical and plumbing issues: Home additions often require new electrical and plumbing systems to be installed. These systems can be prone to problems, especially if they were installed improperly.

 

3. Insufficient insulation: Home additions often require additional insulation to be installed. If this insulation is installed improperly or not installed at all, it can lead to problems with energy efficiency and comfort.

 

4. HVAC issues: Adding more living space to a home can put a strain on the existing HVAC system. This can lead to issues with heating and cooling, as well as problems with air quality.

 

5. Poor design or workmanship: Finally, one of the most common problems with home additions is poor design or workmanship. This can include everything from poorly installed windows and doors to issues with the finish work.

 

Tips for avoiding common problems with home additions

 

As a homeowner, there are several steps you can take to avoid common problems with home additions. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

 

1. Hire a reputable contractor: When it comes to home additions, it’s important to hire a reputable contractor who has experience with this type of work.

 

2. Obtain all necessary permits and inspections: Make sure that all necessary permits and inspections are obtained before work begins on your home addition. This will help ensure that the work is done properly and to code.

 

3. Plan for additional HVAC and electrical needs: When adding more living space to your home, it’s important to plan for additional HVAC and electrical needs. This may require upgrading your existing system or installing a new system altogether.

 

4. Use high-quality materials: Finally, it’s important to use high-quality materials when building your home addition. This will help ensure that the addition is durable and long-lasting.

 

In conclusion, home additions can be a great way to add more living space and value to your home. However, as a home inspector, it’s important to be aware of the potential problems that can arise with home additions. By understanding the common issues that can be found during a home inspection, you can help homebuyers make informed decisions about the condition of the home they are interested in purchasing. As a homeowner, you can take steps to ensure that your home addition is done properly, with all necessary permits, inspections, and high-quality materials. By doing so, you can avoid common problems with home additions and enjoy the added space and value that they provide.

 

In summary, home additions are a popular choice for homeowners looking to add more living space or value to their homes. While they can be a great investment, it's important to understand the potential issues that can arise with home additions. As a home inspector, it's crucial to inspect home additions thoroughly to identify any structural, electrical, plumbing, insulation, HVAC, or workmanship issues. By knowing what to look for, you can help ensure that homebuyers are making informed decisions about the condition of the home they are interested in purchasing. As a homeowner, taking steps to ensure your home addition is done properly can help you avoid common problems and enjoy the added space and value that it provides.