You’ve found the home you love, made an offer, and it’s been accepted! Now it’s time to inspect! But what are you looking for? Here are 7 red flags to look for during your inspection.
It would be unfortunate to miss something very important and move in, only to have expensive repairs or problems arise in the future.
01. Structural Deficiencies – This one may see like it’s obvious; however, it’s always better to double check. Always be on the lookout for uneven flooring, cracks in the walls, foundation issues, unaligned front porches, gaps in brickwork, and doors and windows that do not shut properly.
02. Electrical Issues – This can not only be an expensive fix, but hazardous to you as a homeowner(nobody wants a house fire). Be aware of older homes especially, they can have outdated wiring methods. Look out for outlets with discoloration or only two prongs, exposed wiring, multiple electrical panels, or panels with very low amperage.
03. Water Damage – This one is incredibly important, and often very expensive if missed. Any indication of dampness, mold or rot is a bad sign, especially in the crawl space (because this is a high indication that the foundation has been affected). Although the crawl space is not the most desirable of areas to look at, you will definitely need to check it.
04. Plumbing and Pipework – As mentioned previously, water damage can turn drastic, so you should check your homes plumbing. One sign of possible issues is if toilets and faucets aren’t working properly. Moldy smell or low water pressure (or extremely high water pressure) are also indications of piping issues. Be aware, because it is quite a hassle to rip up the flooring to reach the plumbing for repairs.
Although you may be tempted to look primarily at the home, the land matters too!
05. Wood Destroying Insects – Carpenter ants or even worse, termites, can destroy a home depending on how long the situation has persisted. They will eat away essential support structures, so be sure to look for any signs of wood being destroyed or rennets of an insect colony. This is often a deal breaker for lenders.
06. Landscape Grading – Although you may be tempted to look primarily at the home, the land matters too! Any sloping towards the home can cause big issues in the foundation or basement. So unless you’d like your yard to become a pool when it rains, make sure the land slopes away from your house.
07. Roof Issues – This may be forgotten easily because you have to climb a ladder to get a good look, but don’t leave this out during inspection. Roofing issues can create future issues like water damage, heat loss, and pests. Pay attention to the condition of the shingles and gutters. Look for sagging, water stains, and leaks.
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