When you’re looking for a new home, it’s natural to look at the aesthetics of the homes that you see. You want your new home to be stylish and pleasing to the eye. However, you should also look at the home with a critical eye to check for issues that may cost you money later. If you see certain red flags, you should invest in a professional home inspection.
Red Flags in the Basement
The basement of a home is its foundation, and certain red flags that you see can indicate a structural problem or other issues.
- Cracked Walls: Some cracks are a normal result of the home settling, but larger cracks or a large number of cracks can indicate a problem. If you can fit a nickel into the crack, the home may need added structural support.
- Water Stains on the Walls: Water intrusion can threaten the stability of your home and damage your belongings. Water stains may indicate more serious water intrusion when it rains.
- An Older Electrical Panel: You should always have your electrical panel inspected, particularly if it looks older. The inspector can tell you if there are issues such as overloaded circuits, aluminum wiring, or burnt wiring.
- Water Around the Water Heater: This indicates that the water tank has a leak and may need to be replaced.
- Signs of Mold: Mold issues need to be evaluated and mitigated.
- An Older HVAC System: HVAC systems have a limited life span, so you need to know if replacement is going to be right around the corner. Also look at the tape around ductwork. Older homes may have asbestos tape.
- Termite Damage: Look for hollowed areas or mud tubes on the wood beams in the basement. These may be from termites, which can do a lot of damage when not treated.
Red Flags in the Main House
In the main home, there are a host of red flags to be aware of, including:
- Other Indicators of Structural Issues: Sagging floors or ceilings, bowing walls, cracks in walls or ceilings, and misaligned windows or doors can indicate various structural issues.
- Water Stains: Water stains on the upstairs ceiling can be from a roof leak, while water stains downstairs indicate a plumbing leak from upstairs bathrooms.
- Water Indicators Under Sinks: If you open a cabinet under a sink and see water or bowing in the floor, there is a pipe leak.
- Galvanized pipes: These are indicators of an older plumbing system.
- Burn Marks Around Outlets: This indicates a dangerous electrical issue.
- Low Water Pressure: This indicates a plumbing problem somewhere in the plumbing system. An inspector can investigate it further.
- Slow Drains: This can be a sign of a backup in the sewage system.
Red Flags on the Exterior of the Home
Don’t forget to pay attention to the exterior of the home as well. Look for these signs:
- Aging Roof Signs: Look for curled or missing shingles and spots that appear to be sagging which are signs that the roof may need repair or replacement.
- Cracked Bricks or Blocks: Exterior bricks or cement blocks around the foundation that are cracked indicate a structural issue.
- Water of Signs of Water Around Foundation: If water pools around the foundation, it can intrude into the foundation and your basement.
- Wet Areas in the Yard: This can indicate a sewer line issue.
- Large Trees Near the Home: If trees are too close to the home, the roots can damage the foundation of the house. Branches can also damage the roof.
Choosing a Home Inspector
In reality, you should always have a home inspection before the final purchase of a home. They can find issues that can cost you money if you don’t address them with the seller. Here are some tips for choosing a home inspector:
- Ask family and friends for referrals. If they had a good experience with the inspector, it can give you some assurance that they are qualified and trustworthy.
- Check local business referral services. Those will give you reviews and sometimes price ranges.
- Check their certifications. You should look for an inspector who is certified by the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI).
- Ask about their background and experience. It’s good to find an inspector that has a background in construction or engineering, and that has been an inspector for a good amount of time.
- Ask about bonding and insurance.
- Check reviews on Google and the Better Business Bureau. Read the reviews, don’t just check the ratings.
In Closing
When you’re touring houses and you find one that you like, look at the home carefully inside and out to spot red flags. However, it’s generally a good idea to have a home inspection, red flags or not. If you need help finding a home inspector, JobSnap can connect you with local pros in just a few clicks. Just post your job and get matched. It’s a snap!
