Improper Surface Grading and Drainage  By far the most frequent problem, responsible for the most common aggravations, including water penetration into the basement or crawlspace.

Improper Electrical Wiring  A significant defect, including insufficient electrical service, inadequate overload protection and amateur (often dangerous) wiring connections.

Roof Damage  Ranked third, leaking roofs are a frequent problem, caused by old or damaged shingles or improper flashing and drainage.

Heating Systems  Defect items include broken or malfunctioning controls, blocked chimneys and unsafe exhaust disposal.

Poor Overall Maintenance  A common problem with majority of homeowners, including  cracked, peeling or dirty painted surfaces, crumbling masonry, makeshift wiring or plumbing and broken fixtures and appliances.

Structurally Related Problems  Results of problems in one or more other categories, damages sustained by such structural components as foundation walls, floor joists, rafters and window and door headers.

Plumbing  Though not ranked as a number one problem, plumbing defects still rank high. This includes the existence of old or incompatible piping materials, as well as faulty fixtures and waste lines.

Exteriors   Flaws in this category, such as windows, doors and wall surfaces, rarely have structural significance; but may pose discomfort to the occupants due to water and air penetration. The most common culprits are inadequate caulking and/or weather-stripping.

Poor Ventilation  Resulting in excessive interior moisture, leading to rotting and failure of both the structural and non-structural elements.

Miscellaneous  This category includes interior components (often cosmetic in nature) which were so infrequent that they did not rank individually in the survey.