Fortunately, prospective homebuyers don’t have to be professional home inspectors to be able to identify certain problems in a home.
Regardless of whether you’re the “handy” type or more of the “book” type, you’ll be able to spot certain problem areas with a little guidance. So, if you’re going through the home buying process and looking at different houses, keep an eye out for some of the following.
NOTE: To better prepare before heading to your next open house, go online to search for images of some of the issues listed below (for example, water damaged ceiling, termite damage, flooded basement, mold, cracked foundation).
1) Discolored walls and/or ceilings
Discoloration on walls and/or ceilings usually indicates water or mold damage. Neither is good for the home. If you see this, write it down.
Water damage can be caused by leaking pipes, broken pipes, improperly installed window flashing, or even a leaky roof. Each of these can be quite expensive to repair. Where there is excessive moisture, there is a chance of mold growing. This is especially concerning since mold exposure is linked to certain health problems. Mold can also cause structural damage to any property it inhabits.
2) Damage to wood
If there are hardwood floors in the house, be sure to look for any signs of damage. More specifically, look for lines that resemble trails of some kind. This may be indicative of damage from termites or other wood-destroying insects.
Also, if you can see wood beams in the basement, be sure to look closely for any deterioration. Damaged wooden beams can also be attributed to a wood destroying insect.
3) Damp in Basement
If the home you’re looking at has a basement, look for signs of excessive moisture while you’re in there. Such moisture can mean basement flooding or water leaks during storms. It can also lead to the growth of mold, which thrives in dark, damp environments.
4) Drafty Windows
While you’re in the house, run your hands through a few of the windows to feel for air. On a hot summer day this will be more difficult, not impossible to do, but try it anyway.
Windows can become a much bigger headache than most people realize. Window repair can be quite expensive, depending on the type and quality you are looking for. This does not necessarily mean that you will have to repair the windows; there are some cheap remedies that work well. But having this knowledge before you make your purchase allows you to take it into account when deciding whether or not to make an offer.
5) Cracked Base
At some point before you leave the house, be sure to look around the exterior of the property for signs of damage to the exterior structure or foundation. Sometimes there will literally be a large crack going through a section of the foundation of the house. Although this does not always indicate a serious problem with the house, it is worth knowing and investigating.
Closure
These are just a few home inspection tips to keep in mind when looking at different potential homes. The benefit is that you can identify some problems on your own and possibly remove certain houses from your list that you weren’t too sure about in the first place.
Once you’ve found a home you’re comfortable with, have a professional home inspector perform a thorough inspection. This will ensure that you have all the information you need regarding the actual condition of the home to make your final purchasing decision.
Best of luck!