Defects are common with any home, no matter how new, no matter how pricey. The key is in being able to recognize serious defects that may cost you money down the road. You want defects to catch you by surprise.
While home sellers are required to disclose defects, the truth is that sellers who are in a crunch to sell their home may not be so forthcoming. Realtors® are obligated to disclose these defects as well, but not all realtors are as skilled at identifying potential pitfalls.
A professional home inspection should be performed on any home before you finalize the purchase. Any potential homebuyer should have a list of potential signs to look for that the home has some hidden problems. Here are a few that may be helpful to look for while inspecting your next home purchase.
Odors
If a home smells too deodorized, you may have a reason to worry. The seller may be trying to cover underlying odors that have permeated the home such as smoke, mold or pet smells like urine.
Water Pressure
Low water pressure is not only inconvenient, but may also be a sign of more serious plumbing issues. It can be a sign that pipes have corroded and will need to be replaced. A few simple tests are to run water in the faucets and monitor water flow, flush the toilet while the water is running to see if the faucet slows and turn on a faucet located the furthest from the water heater to see if there is a delay before the faucet receives hot water.
Electrical Outlets
Do the homeowners use a large amount of extension cords or are electrical outlets overloaded with appliances, lamps and electronics? If so, you may be facing overloaded electrical outlets in the future. The home may need more electrical outlets or updated electrical panels to accommodate the electrical needs of most homeowners today.
Stucco Siding
Synthetic stucco siding is not installed correctly can trap moisture. This moisture causes mold and decay. This problem is especially evident in humid climates. The siding may have to replaced if the problem is bad enough. You may want to have a special inspection done on just the siding to determine if there are any underlying issues.
Doors
Do doors close properly? Do they stick? Are they hard to close or open? While one door with this issue may indicate the door was not installed properly, several doors in this condition could indicate a structural problem such as a settled foundation.
Ceilings
Are there stains on the ceiling? Stains indicate that water is leaking somewhere. It could be from a roof or from a bathroom if the stain is below a bathroom. These problems can be simple or cost more than a thousand dollars to repair.
Exterior Elements that Slope
Do exterior elements such as the patio, driveway or porch slope towards the home? This indicates that water is flowing into the basement. Water in a basement guarantees a host of problems including mold, decay and insect infestation. Solving this issue can be as simple as re-grading the soil around the home or adding gutter extenders, but it may also cost thousands of dollars to build drains around the home.
Before you fall in love with a home be realistic about identifying potential problems. Work with your Realtor® to help you determine any issues and find resources that can perform inspections addressing any of these issues. While most home inspectors are specially trained and will most often recognize any troubling issues, even they can miss hidden problems at times.
Courtney Donato-Griffiths can list your home or show you the perfect house in Potomac, Gaithersburg, Rockville, Kensington, Bethesda, or other Montgomery County locations and is ready to discuss all the scenarios of the new home buyer's credit and current interest rates with you. Whether you are buying a Montgomery County home or selling one, Courtney is your local Montgomery County specialist.
