First-time homebuyers have gotten some much-needed assistance this year thanks to $8,000 tax credits but with the program scheduled to expire at the end of this month, the Senate and House of Representatives recently voted to extend and expand the tax credit to include existing homeowners looking to buy another property. In short, buyers who have owned their current homes at least five years would be eligible for tax credits of up to $6,500 while first-time buyers (or anyone who hasn't owned a home in the last three years) would still receive up to $8,000 if they sign a purchase agreement by April 30, 2010, and close by June 30th. And what will the new homebuyers need to ensure their dream home is just that? A home inspection done by a reliable home inspector.

According to the local HomeTeam Inspection Service owner, the leading residential home inspection service franchise in North America,
“Though inspections are performed in over 90 percent of residential real estate transactions, the quality of each provider’s services can vary and a seemingly small problem can escalate into a larger, costlier issue in no time if not properly addressed."

"Approximately 30 states and provinces require home inspectors to be licensed but all HomeTeam inspectors have been professionally trained and certified to meet and exceed these regulations since our company’s inception in 1991. HomeTeam can offer higher-quality services in quite literally half the time it takes for a similar company to complete the same task, which comes in especially handy with foreclosures that often need to be inspected on very short notice,” said Jim Hunter, president and CEO of HomeTeam Inspection Service.

Below are 10 common defects that need attention to preserve the integrity of the systems that make up many homes:

1. Poor Drainage. Improper grading around the home can lead to water intrusion in basements and crawl spaces which can compromise foundations and create conditions conducive to mold growth.

2. Failing or Aging Heating and Cooling Systems. Older heating and cooling systems require maintenance and may be energy inefficient. There is also the risk that they can emit dangerous carbon monoxide fumes that are harmful to the family.

3. Environmental Hazards. Older homes may contain lead-based paint, high levels of carbon monoxide, radon, toxic molds or even asbestos. Proper testing or monitoring should be performed to ensure the safety of the occupants.

4. Inadequate Ventilation. Without proper ventilation, moisture does not evaporate and inevitably will cause problems in the future. Proper attic ventilation will increase the life of the roof covering because it allows the intense heat to escape from the attic area and promotes evaporation of moisture that may cause damage to interior walls and structural elements.

5. Improper Maintenance of Appliances. Simple actions like cleaning out the lint trap in the clothes dryer and cleaning filters in the HVAC unit and range hoods can extend the life of the equipment.

6. Plumbing Problems. The pipes under your sink can be made of incompatible materials that lead to dripping faucets, leaking fixtures and slow drains. One inexpensive repair can often times eliminate a costlier repair in the future.

7. Roof Problems. The roof of your home may contain old or damaged shingles or improper flashing. Maintaining a roof covering system is one of most significant things you can do to prevent long-term damage to your home.

8. Controlling Water. Water intrusion can be one of the most destructive elements to a home. Well-maintained gutters and downspouts along with proper grading around the foundation to direct water away from the home will go a long way to preserve a healthy home.

9. Electrical Safety Issues. A home with an out-of-date or insufficient electrical system can lead to fires and electric shock or nuisance breaker tripping. Examples of other electrical safety hazards are ungrounded outlets, lack of Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI), aluminum wiring and faulty wiring conditions in electrical panels or elsewhere in a building. These are potentially hazardous defects and should not be taken lightly.

10. Rotted Wood. Wood placed around frequently wet areas can begin to rot. Wood around bathtubs, showers and toilets are especially vulnerable to moisture and should be protected with paint or other coatings. The exterior of the home, including the outside trim of the house, decks and roof eaves, should also be checked regularly for signs of rotting.

For buyers looking to beat the deadline, the local HomeTeam Inspection Service owner says a home inspection is vital but a sub par report should not be tolerated. “If the inspection reveals any issues, buyers can either request that the seller make repairs before the closing or they can walk away from the deal completely in favor of a better-maintained property. A home is one of the biggest investments a person will ever make and a quality home inspection is essential to help protect everyone’s interests.”