There are a few really important things to check when inspection a home to buy because they can end up costing you a lot of money down the road. These are the Top 3:
1) Signs of Water #1 Enemy to a Home!
Check the utility room for signs of white efflorescence on foundation walls or floors. Does the sump pump operating frequently? This is a sign of a higher water table and the sump pump has to work hard to make sure it directs excess water away from the home.
Faulty sealing around windows and doorways can be an entry point for water and can cause the wood to rot. Attics can also show signs of water infiltration if the roof is nearing the end of its lifespan. You won’t necessarily see this, but a licensed inspector will pick it up during a home inspection.
2) Structural Issues
Small cracks are inevitable over time and easy to fix, but larger ones can be problematic and affect the structure of the home. Indicating signs are difficulty opening and closing doors.
Make sure to walk around the home and inspect the condition of the foundation. Look out for large diagonal cracks, or ones that are big enough to put your finger through.
3) Factors that might make the home difficult or impossible to insure
Kitec and Poly-B plumbing, aluminum wiring, etc. These are considered problems in the eyes of insurance companies, because these plumbing and electric installations are known to fail.
Also be sure to check if the home is located in a flood zone. There’s a government website where it will indicate if the home falls in that zoning or not. I’d be happy to provide that link to whoever is interested!
Of course, no home is perfect, but certain factors can be problematic and end up costing you a lot of money down the road. Therefore, prudence is key! And if the home does have these issues, don’t stress, just assess!
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