When purchasing a home, having an inspection completed is vital before you make the final commitment. To get as far as having made an offer, we understand that you’re probably already attached to the home and maybe have already started picturing your future with it. However, it’s important not to put the cart before the horses, so to speak, because your home inspection could reveal that the house is in less-than-optimal condition, saving you from unpleasant surprises and expensive future repairs.
Knowing what to look out for when you receive the results of the home inspection will go a long way in keeping your family and wallet safe down the line. Here’s a list of red flags that may indicate potential issues, requiring further investigation.
What Is a Home Inspection?
A home inspection is a safety and quality assessment of a property that is going to be sold. A certified and independent inspector from a professional organization examines the structural aspects of the home, its heating and cooling systems, plumbing, electrical work, water, and sewage systems to ensure they are all functioning properly. The overall condition of the property is also assessed for fire and safety issues, damages, and anything else that can affect its value.
Some types of damage that impact a home’s value can be seen quite clearly, even by an inexperienced individual. An experienced inspector, however, will know where and how to look for certain issues that are less obvious or not readily apparent. Furthermore, they will know how to evaluate the monetary value of the home that is impacted by that damage, so you can rest assured you're getting exactly what you pay for.
1. Sewer and Plumbing Issues
Signs of flooding in the basement, heaved walkways, and standing water in the yard may all be signs that the property has drainage issues. Whether the home is new or old, drainage and sewage issues can arise for a variety of reasons, but the most common is some type of obstruction to the sewage line, such as underground roots. Sewer and drainage lines can cost several thousands of dollars to repair, so beware of this red flag in a home inspection!
2. Foundation Issues
Perhaps one of the most serious red flags to watch out for is signs of foundation and structural issues. These can range from a small amount of settlement over time to serious subsidence problems, and they often reveal themselves in uneven floors, doors and windows sticking, cracked sidewalks and porches, and cracked walls. If foundation or structure issues are ever identified in a home inspection, always contact a structural engineer to learn more about its extent and what it would require to repair.
3. Electrical Issues
Outdated or faulty electrical systems pose a fire risk and can be expensive to update. Look for mentions in the survey of old-fashioned fuse boxes, a lack of sockets, or an absence of residual current devices (RCDs) for safety. If your home inspection reveals extensive electrical issues, there is a chance that the home’s entire electrical system will need to be overhauled, which will require opening up the walls (adding to the costs). There really is no easy or inexpensive way to update the electrical system, so this should be factored into the cost of the home.
4. Roof
The roof of any home is one of the most important aspects to ensure its safety and structural integrity. However, wind damage, UV damage, water damage, damaged flashing, hail damage, mold, and age (among many other factors) can completely compromise the roof’s ability to do its job. Any type of damage to the roof that is indicated in the home inspection, including simply worn roofing, should be a cause for concern.
5. Damp Areas
Dampness and moisture identified in the home inspection should be taken seriously. On one hand, moisture is an indication of other types of damage (such as foundation, sewage, or drainage damage) and thus acts as a signal to be wary of further complications. On the other hand, where dampness is found, mold and fungus will follow. Mold is not only directly harmful to human health but it can compromise the structural integrity of a home. Don’t overlook this red flag!
6. Pests
Home inspections can also uncover signs, direct or indirect, of pest infestations. Certain clues such as gnaw marks, droppings, or even the pests themselves should be something to take seriously, as pests can be harmful to the health of yourself, your family, and your pets.
7. Asbestos and Lead
Older properties may still have outdated building materials that are highly dangerous to humans. Asbestos, for example, can be a significant risk found in ceiling tiles, insulation, and pipe cement. Similarly, lead paint and pipes can be found in older homes that are especially dangerous for future children. Dangerous materials are an obvious red flag, and they should always be removed by a specialist.
8. Environmental Factors
Last but not least, be on the lookout for environmental red flags in your home inspection, such as ground instability, mercury levels, high radon levels, dead or damaged trees that could fall, and flooding risk. The community infrastructure should also be considered such as the relative stability of the local power facility and water lines.
Prepare For Your Home-Buying Journey
Beyond home inspections, there are numerous things to consider and prepare for along your home-buying journey. At Black Bear Real Estate and Property Management, we have extensive experience working with new and seasoned home buyers alike in Fort Collins, Loveland, and all across Northern Colorado. If you’re looking for your dream Colorado home and are interested in leveraging the wisdom of experts, don’t hesitate to contact our team today!