What is the most common mistake you find in a home inspection?

By far it is electrical problems.

The most common in older homes is that people remove the old two-slot outlets and replace them with three-prong outlets, which are supposed to be grounded. Just because they are three-prong does not mean the wires were changed and that they are grounded.

This problem can be fixed by reverting back to two-slot outlets. But a better solution is to install ground fault circuit interrupter outlets, which have the test and reset buttons on them. These outlets, which have a circuit breaker built into them, do not need to be grounded to offer protection.

Improperly updated electrical service is another common problem. When a service is updated from the old 60 amps to a more modern 100- or 200-amp service, the old meter base needs to be changed. Without changing the meter, youre still getting the old amperage.

I recommend hiring a licensed electrician when you have any electrical problems.

I feel I did not get a full inspection because the inspector could not inspect the gas fireplace or the water heater because the gas was turned off to them.

Anything that is turned off should not be turned on or ignited by a home inspector.

The reason is we cannot know or predict why they are turned off. If a breaker is tripped the inspector should not turn it back on. It may be off for a reason.

The inspector could be held liable if something would happen if they turned it on.

Original post:
Ask the Inspector: Electrical problems common

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