Friday, March 29

Common Problems Found in Home Inspections

Two people looking at home's blueprints.

We can all agree that buying a home, whether a house or apartment is a huge investment. Thus, you need to make sure that the home you are buying has no serious problems that would eventually cost you a ton of your time, energy, and, of course, money. Many things can go wrong with houses and apartments, no matter whether they are a fixer-upper or a new-build. So, find yourself a qualified home inspector who can make sure that your home is safe. However, it doesn’t hurt to know all about those most common problems found in home inspections too. Do not worry – you do not have to read DIY books for this, no. We are here to share those common problems with you so that you can know what to pay attention to while buying a home.

Water Damage

Let us begin by sharing with you one of the most common problems found in home inspections – water damage. However, just because it is the most common it does not mean that it is the easiest to fix. Quite the contrary! Fixing water damage can be extremely complicated, and not to mention, extremely expensive. So, while you are inspecting the home yourself, try to look for signs of water damage – moisture stains on the walls, water ponding somewhere near the foundation, dampness in the basement or garage, mold, powdery residue, etc. Any of these things can be an indicator that the home you intend on buying has some kind of water damage. Some water damages can be easily fixed with the help of water removal service providers, but others (those that created structural damage or even toxic mold) will need a lot of work.

Electricity and Wiring

Another big problem you can encounter when inspecting a home you are interested in buying is a problematic electric system. Luckily bad electricity and wiring are both easy to spot. Just look for open junction boxes, extension cords spread around the home, missing wire nuts, amperage mismatches, etc. All these things are especially common in older homes, those built after 1900. So, be careful if you are looking for an old-build – they can be a fire hazard. Your real estate agent should also be the one to warn you about electricity and wiring problems in each home, so make sure to find a legitimate professional. And, speaking of legitimate professionals, do not even think about moving into a home with suspicious electricity and wiring before calling an electrician to check everything up. 

Defective Plumbing 

Defective plumbing is one of those problems that can be easily spotted by anyone. Yet, most people overlook it and end up having an unpleasant surprise as soon as they move in. The only thing you have to do to check whether there are any plumbing issues around the house is to turn on every faucet and shower and flush every toilet. If you notice any signs of leaks, faulty water pressure, slow drains, etc., be sure to call a plumber immediately. And, when we say immediately, we mean before you actually buy a home. An experienced and reliable plumber is the one that will tell you whether the home is worth buying or not. Some plumbing issues will require minor work, but others may require changing the entire plumbing system (which can be extremely expensive!).

Foundation Flaws 

If you didn’t see any plumbing or water issues while inspecting the home you are interested in buying, do not call your getmovedtoday.com movers to relocate you just yet. And, more importantly, do not sign any home-buying contract just yet. Remember – some of the biggest problems around the home are best hidden. One of those problems is the faulty foundation. Faulty foundation can be seen in slopping floors, doors and windows that swing to one side, or in doors and windows that stick all the time. Moreover, the faulty foundation can even be those cracks in the foundation. These may seem like tiny problems to you, but, any home inspector will tell you that these will be major issues later on. Even the smallest crack can turn into a big foundational problem that will require a lot of time and money to fix. 

Roof Issues 

Out of sight, out of mind. This rule usually applies to homebuyers and roofs. Most people do not even consider checking the roof when buying the house, they just assume that everything is in perfect condition. But, we all know that that is not always the case. So, if you do not want to buy a house that has a roof that needs to be repaired or completely replaced be sure to look for roof issues. For instance, check whether the roof looks worn, or whether there are any shingles that look brittle or curled. Moreover, be sure to go to the attic, and check its condition there too! See if there are any aged surfaces, any signs of leaking, etc. If you do not know how to do this yourself, take a home inspector with you. 

Problematic Gutters 

And, while you are in the attic checking the condition of the roof, be sure to look down and check the condition of the gutters too! If they look damaged, broken, clogged, (or even if they are missing), etc., that is a bad sign! Gutters that do not function properly can affect the whole house. This is because gutters are used to channel the water away from the house, so, if they are not doing that, you will find yourself having a water damage problem. Fixing this can be a huge problem, especially if you didn’t put money aside for additional repairs. Thus, we strongly advise you to be open your eyes widely and check every inch of your home, both inside and out, before buying it. Again, if this seems too overwhelming to you – just hire a home inspector to have the home checked before the closing deal takes place. 

Meta Description: If you want to know what are some of the most common problems found in home inspections, you are in the right place. Keep on reading to find out what to check before buying a home.