According to industry statistics, Americans sold 5.34 million homes last year. If you’re in the market for a new home, it can be tempting to rush through the purchase to avoid rival buyers beating you to the punch. Do this at your peril, though.
The real risk when rushing through a sale is overlooking significant home problems that could bite you later. No one wants to buy a lemon, especially when you’re buying a new home.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at the most common home problems you need to avoid when buying a home and what to look for during an inspection. Read on and find out more!
1. Electrical Problems
Electrical problems in the home are common but they’re not what you want when you’re moving into a shiny new (to you) home. Most importantly, look for dangerous problems like exposed wires or any smells of burning when using electrical fixtures and fittings.
Switch on lights around the home when you’re inspecting it. Does the circuit breaker trip? This could be a sign of an old circuit breaker or a more significant problem that will require an electrician.
Another, less dangerous but irritating problem is flickering lights. If the lights flicker it could be a sign of a bad connection which you’ll need an electrician to fix.
2. Exterior Damage
The home’s exterior is there to not only look good but to protect your home from the elements. Take a look at the roof first: is it in good condition or are the shingles/slates warped or missing? Are there any signs of damp in the attic that could be caused by leaks?
Are the exterior walls in good condition or are there cracks in the home’s structure? These are significant and dangerous home problems that could cause serious damage to your home if you don’t fix them.
Take a look at the sidings too. If they’re damaged, it could detract from your home’s insulation. If you need sidings repaired, you’ll need to call a company like The Trough Man
3. Water Damage and a Lack Of Drainage
Water damage can cause serious home problems if left unrepaired. Are there any damp spots in your home or leaking pipes that could cause mold or mildew?
You should check that your home has intact drainage systems. Are the gutters in good condition or are they clogged or broken? Walk down into the basement and see whether the walls are damp, too.
4. Foundation Flaws
A bad foundation is a huge red flag when buying a home. This can show up in a huge number of different, smaller problems. Most commonly, a bad foundation will lead to sloping walls and doors and windows that don’t shut.
If you can see any of these problems, you should get a survey on the house before you buy it.
There Are a Lot Of Potential Home Problems
There are many potential home problems that you can run into when buying a home. Keep your eye out for these problems and if you’re in any doubt, call in the professionals!
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