Hello World! Welcome Friends! Today we welcome Alex Sabin to the blog. When you are getting ready to move into a new home, whether you are purchasing your own place or renting, it’s easy to get big eyes and ideas as you look at each empty place, imagining how you could start a life there. However, it’s important to remember that you should approach each home with a large degree of scrutiny (failing to do so is a big rookie homebuying mistake). Aside from obvious considerations, such as price, location, and leasing agreements, you should try to be skeptical about the quality of the home itself, at least until you are sure that it doesn’t have problems that you fear it might have. Here are some red flags that you should look out for before you move into a new home…
Water Damage
Water damage is something that should be immediately addressed. If there are signs of water damage in the walls or floorboards, that means there is a high possibility of mold growth, bacterial growth, and potential structural damage. Long story short, if you are buying a home with water damage, you’re going to have a lot of work to fix it up. As such, home sellers will do their best to hide that fact. One common method of this is to use paint over water damaged walls, which can actually increase the chances of mold. An experienced home inspector will be able to determine if any rooms have experienced water damage.
A Rotting Roof
If a roof is old, damaged, or was poorly installed, then it can cause an increasingly problematic series of problems. Since replacing a roof requires expensive materials and a considerable amount of labor, it’s important to get an update on the quality of the roof before you buy it. Ask when the roofing was last replaced. Keep an eye out for missing or damaged shingles. And be sure to check with your home inspector to see if there are any signs of rot in the roof. A poor roof will not properly insulate your home and may have leaks that can cause water damage (and we’ve already addressed what a problem that is).
Pest Problems
One red flag that people don’t think about when looking for a new home is pests. This is because pests tend to do a good job of staying out of sight and out of mind. Generally, when walking through a home, you’re more likely to see the signs of a pest than an actual pest. The problem is that many people don’t know what those signs are, but your home inspector should be sure to ask them about it. Since this is especially a common problem in apartment complexes, it is also a good idea to ask about previous pet problems before you sign a lease or move in.
Faulty Wiring
Bad wiring and electrical issues don’t just lead to major inconveniences, but they can actually be a fire hazard (as well as an electrocution hazard). This is especially a problem for older homes. Fixing a wiring system throughout a home can cause thousands and thousands of dollars, so make sure that a thorough inspection is done of the home’s wiring. To do an initial check yourself, make sure that each fuse in the fuse box is working, and make sure you know what each fuse goes to. Any exposed wiring is a huge red flag that should warrant questioning. A licensed electrician may need to do a more thorough inspection for you.
Plumbing Issues
Another issue that frequently comes up in older homes is plumbing problems. Old and leaky pipes, septic tanks, and faucets have the potential to be incredibly costly, over time. While the best way to feel confident about the plumbing is to have a professional plumber conduct a thorough examination of the sewer line and the pipes throughout the home, you can start inspecting by checking each faucet and flushing each toilet. Running all of the water at once, as well, to see how the water pressure works when that’s happening. Likewise, keep a look out for any wet spots that might be caused by problematic plumbing.
Click the links below for any posts you may have missed!
Amazing Recipe for Soft Seedy Sandwich Bread
Is your Garden Suitable for a Pool
The Benefits of a Tree Surgeon
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Toodles,
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