Buying a home is a big financial commitment, and one you’re emotionally invested in, too; so you need to make sure you’ve made the right decision before going through with the purchase.
Unfortunately, someone selling a home might unintentionally (or intentionally) put a home on the market that is caked in flaws and damages. An individual or family buying such a house would then be stuck with these issues—and it could be a huge hit on more than just their financial health.
So, we’ve established that you have to keep an eye out for both when you’re attending a house viewing and when you’re getting ready to close on a sale. Here are some of the hidden damages to check for when buying a home:
Mold And Mildew
Mold is bad for long-term value and function, as well potentially causing severe health problems for residents. To check for mold in a house, visually examine all walls and surfaces, especially those that may have been exposed to moisture.
You can test suspicious marks by pouring a few drops of bleach over the concerning area. If the substance lightens, then you probably will have mildew on your hands. If not, and it stays the same, then it’s probably just dirt.
Electrical Flaws
Electrical faults are more common than you might think in homes, so you’ll want to make sure there are no existing electrical problems. It’s smart to get a professional opinion if you see anything concerning, and this will generally be covered in a final inspection as well.
Plumbing Systems
Another essential aspect of any home is the plumbing system. You can do basic checks around the house without having to call a plumber, of course, by checking that the toilets flush and water turns on and heats up without trouble.
A water heater is an essential part of your home, and before buying your home, you should know what condition the water heater is in. Compared to other damages like foundational flaws it might not seem like as big of an issue, but if your water heater breaks, it could cause flooding and leave permanent damage. If you have concerns about your new (or potential) home’s water heater, a water heater company in Saugus can help you diagnose issues and make repairs or install a new unit.
Foundational Cracks
Structural damage to a home’s foundation can be devastating. Inadequate water draining systems, poor construction, and other factors can cause foundation failure. Cracks wider than one-third of an inch and bulges are indications that the foundation may be seriously damaged.
Pests
There isn’t likely a home on the planet that hasn’t had a bug or two indoors. But a pest problem can turn serious when it threatens the safety of the structure or residents.
Be sure to check every single corner and facet of the home you’re potentially purchasing. You might even need to check deeper into the darker areas for things like woodworm. Pest control companies are, of course, a good resource when trying to determine if there is a pest problem.
Exterior Issues
Cracks and other issues regarding the brick or rock, the guttering, and the roof might end up being a cause for concern in both the short term and the long term. Cavities in the exterior of the house could lead to more foundational issues down the line, as well as heating problems in terms of the wind seeping indoors. Make sure you carefully examine the home’s exterior features.
These are some of the most common (and commonly missed) damages that significantly affect a home’s value and safety. Be sure to watch for them when considering buying!