3 Telltale Signs of a Property With Problems
The joy of signing the sales deed of a home cannot be replicated too easily. It is a priceless moment and unless you are a big investor who signs one each day, the moment comes with its fair share of goosebumps.
Buying a home, after all, is a big investment–both in terms of price and emotion–and that’s why you must get the property thoroughly inspected before signing on the dotted line. Do anything less than that, and you’re likely to be signing for a property with problems.
What looks good from the outside may not be the case inside
A property can look great on the outside (at least it can be made to) and yet it may have various possible defects once you take a closer look on the inside. Such defects may be cosmetic or worse, structural in nature. A property inspection solves the puzzle for you. It can help you save thousands of dollars in repairs in the future. It will also spare you the pain of seeing your beloved property turn into a disaster right in front of your eyes.
Go DIY or hire a pro
You can inspect the property yourself and you can also hire a professional for the purpose. If you are conducting it yourself, you may miss the finer aspects which only reveal themselves to a professional. However, if you have made up your mind, try taking along a few friends and relatives so that there are at least four pairs of eyes scouring every inch of the property. This way, the chances of missing something important will be reduced.
Factors to look deep into
It is important to invest your attention on water damage, foundation issues, plumbing problems, electrical wiring issues and pest damage.
Water damage
With regards to water damage, start with inspecting the walls and ceilings for watermarks or stains. These can be signs of mould or mildew which definitely need attention. Gutters and down pipes also need to be checked and you should prefigure any leaks or rust. In addition, make sure you counter any wet ceiling insulation or roof leakage before signing the papers. If it can be done effectively, that would be brilliant, but if not, that could mean this may not be the home for you.
Foundation issues
The weight of the entire property falls on the land it is built on. If the underlying land shrinks, it shifts the dynamics of the property, too. Soil expands when it is wet and contracts when it is ,dry and this causes a shift of the foundation structure. Inefficient water drainage can result in increased levels of moisture around the soil area. This can cause wetness of soil and subsequent expansion.
Trees planted close to the foundation area can suck moisture rendering the soil dry, thus causing it to contract. Both these can have a telling effect on the foundation area. Such effects may be limited to cracked chimneys or brickwork, sloping floor, and displaced walls, but they could go beyond all that and cause irreparable damage to the property.
Plumbing problems
If you’re looking for plumbing issues, you should invest your focus in hot water service, drainage and the position of trees around the property. Probe deep into the hot water services; look for purchase invoices and conduct water temperature readings for each room where hot water service is available. Ensure there are no clogged drains. About the placement of trees, it is important to determine if there is any root damage along the sewer line or the easement (if there is one).
