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Buying a new dream home is always exciting. The idea of having your own place that you can fix up to your liking is a great feeling! Unfortunately, real life is a bit different than the magic we have inside our heads. Likewise, there are often things that you may not know about a house until after purchase due to sellers not disclosing anything and agents failing to do their job by properly inspecting the property.
Before spending your hard-earned money on a new home, it is important to ensure that the exterior’s beauty matches what lies beneath the surface (there’s even more at stake than your emotions) with a home inspection st Augustine fl. Read about six common structural issues to watch out for before signing the dotted line.
Cracks in the Foundation
Cracks can develop due to shifting soil or poor construction practices, among other things. If these cracks become large enough, they can cause serious damage to your house’s structure and even lead to bigger problems like water infiltration and mold growth.
Here are some signs of foundational cracks:
- Horizontal or jagged cracks in the foundation
- Cracks that are wider at the bottom than they are at the top
- Doors or windows that are sticking or no longer close properly
- Cracks in walls, floors, or ceilings.
Be sure to have a professional from home inspection in st Augustine fl inspect any cracks you find and determine if they cause concern.
Leaky Roof
A leaky roof is not only a nuisance, but it can also lead to serious water damage inside your home. Water stains on the ceiling or walls are usually the first sign of a problem. If you notice any of these, it is important to have a roofing contractor come out and take a look as soon as possible.
Poor Drainage
If your prospective property does not have proper drainage, water can pool around your foundation, leading to cracks and other problems. You may be able to see evidence of this if you notice puddles forming in your yard after it rains. This is particularly problematic in areas with high rainfall or where snow melts quickly in the spring. You may need to install drains or re-grade your property to fix this issue. Reach out to the seller to see if they are willing to take care of these repairs before you purchase the home.
Termite Damage
Termites are tiny wood-eating insects that can seriously damage a house if left unchecked. They are most active in the spring and summer months, so this is when you should be on the lookout for signs of an infestation.
These include:
- Mud tubes on the exterior of your house
- Hollow-sounding wood, when tapped with a hard object
- Cracks or holes in wood beams
- Swarms of winged insects near your home.
Make sure to contact the seller and have them take care of the problem before you finalize the purchase. If they refuse to do so, consider walking away from the deal.
Poor Insulation
If a house does not have proper insulation, it can be difficult (and expensive) to keep it warm in the winter and cool in the summer. This is especially true if the home is older. Attics and crawl spaces are two places where you should check for insulation. You may need to add more yourself if you find none or not enough. You should factor this additional cost into your budget when purchasing the home.
Old Wiring
Older homes often have outdated electrical systems that can be a fire hazard. If you are interested in an older property, it is important to have a professional electrician come out and inspect the wiring before deciding on anything.
Final Word
Purchasing a home is a huge investment, so you want to be sure that you are getting your money’s worth. Watch out for these common issues to avoid any unpleasant surprises down the road.