WATCH OUT! To Save Thousands When Buying a Home


We’ve all been there; we’re trying to find the next home for our family. We look for location and style of home, but it is also important to be aware of potential repairs you may face after purchasing. Ultimately hiring a licensed inspector will give you peace of mind when purchasing a home. But as a future homeowner, keep these possible repairs in mind to potentially save you thousands when buying a home.

1. Cracks in drywall seams

Cracking on drywall seams on a 3–4-year-old home is quite common. It could just be a sign that the home has dried out since building, or the home has settled slightly. But watch out if there is cracking in multiple rooms! Partner that with floors that seem to be uneven, and you might be witnessing a home that has significantly shifted and may require repair. Once again check with a licensed inspector to be sure!

2. Evidence of water seepage in the basement

The dread of every homeowner is walking into the basement only to find it looks more like a swimming pool! Water seepage in a basement can be caused by many things. Often it is either a crack in the foundation or lack of underground drainage. Both are repairs that could potentially cost thousands never mind the headache every spring! Look for stained or warped baseboards, a white chalky substance on the base of the walls or rust stains on the carpet or concrete.

3. Leaks in the Plumbing

 No one wants to come home to water pouring out of a pipe or find a pipe that has been leaking in the walls for years. Unwanted moisture in a home has the potential to cause damaging mold and mildew issues. When examining a home, look for water stains in the ceiling and check under each sink to ensure you don’t see any dripping water.

4. Yard grading

 Did you know that a home’s landscaping settles over time? Especially within the first 2 years of a new build. If you notice a homes landscaping slopes toward the house, know that you will want to change this within the first year of owning the house. Having a yard that is sloping toward the house may leave you at risk of overland flooding.

5. Age of shingles

 If your agent can find out, it would be great to know what the age of the roof is. If you can’t find the answer, try to take a close look at the roof. Does it look like much of the grit is missing or are the shingles curling at the edges?

6. Quality of windows

Replacing windows is a huge expense. A couple of things to look at: Are the windows PVC or wood? Are they double or triple pane windows? A little tip: shine your phone’s flashlight at the window, if you see 2 reflections of the light it is double pane if you see 3 it is triple pane.Is the center of the window foggy? If so, this can be a sign that the seal is broken.

7. Furnace, A/C or Hot water tank

 Information on the furnace, A/C or hot water tank of a home is often difficult to find. Examine these systems. Is there an installation date on the side of the furnace? Does it say high efficiency on the A/C or Furnace? Is it a gas furnace, wood or electric?

 

Having a guide to walk you through the step by step process, who can connect you to inspectors, contractors, lenders and lawyers, will have you enjoying the process and give you peace of mind on possession day.

 


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