Defects in houses are shortcomings that affect the quality, safety or value of a home. They can be visible or hidden and range from minor maintenance issues to serious structural problems.
Features
Common defects in houses include:
- Damp problems: rising damp, penetrating damp and condensation
- Cracking in walls and facades
- Wood rot and woodworm in beams, frames and floors
- Foundation problems such as pile rot and subsidence
- Concrete rot caused by corroding reinforcement
- Cold bridges and poor insulation
- Leaks in the roof, pipework or plumbing
- Outdated installations and the presence of asbestos
A distinction is made between visible defects, which are immediately apparent on inspection, and hidden defects, which come to light only later or after further investigation.
Application
Knowledge of defects is especially important when buying, selling and maintaining a property.
- Have a building survey carried out before purchase
- Assess the severity and expected repair costs
- Use the findings during price negotiation
- Plan maintenance in good time to prevent problems worsening
Related terms
- Building error
- Wood rot
- Concrete rot
- Foundation problems with wooden piles
- Building survey
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