Home Issues You Need to Check for Before Closing
After closing, all issues associated with a property fall onto you and you will have to pay for them out of pocket. This is why it is a good idea to spend the extra time and money to hire an inspector and ask plenty of questions before closing on a deal to make sure the seller has their ducks in a row in terms of property upkeep, a clean title (seller is sole owner with no lien or levy), etc. Ask for documentation. Also, anything turned up in an inspection will save you in the long run.
Poor Insulation
Every home should have high quality insulation in both the attic and the walls. This is what protects you from extreme heat or cold. It will keep your home the temperature you need it to be at all times. Good quality insulation also makes your home more efficient and you will save money on your energy bill.
Roof Problems
Roof repairs are not cheap, and any issues in this area that are left unchecked before closing will fall on you. Not to mention, these issues can lead to water damage. Make sure to ask the seller the last time the roof was replaced, although roofs typically don’t get replaced until their life expectancy is almost up. This is why you should consider the cost of roof repairs when you are budgeting for purchasing a home.
Improper Caulking
Caulk is a waterproof sealant that can be found around windows, doors, and its purpose is to prevent water and air from leaking into the home. This is not an expensive matter to fix; however, it should be looked out for, nonetheless.
Weather Damage
Over time, weather can really take its toll on a home. Foundation damage from flooding, and roof damage from heavy hail, are just a couple of examples. A proper inspector will be able to assess major weather damage with a trained eye and specialized tools.
Electrical Issues
If you are purchasing a home that is older, it is very likely that the wiring is faulty and out of date. For your safety, make sure that all wiring is up to code and can handle the job of powering all electronics and appliances within the home. Faulty wiring can ruin your electronics and it poses a major danger to your health.
Pests
Purchasing a home with an infestation of some sort is not ideal. Left unchecked for too long, these can be extremely difficult to get rid of. Not to mention, they usually happen again if the proper precautions are not taken. Ensure that no pests have been an issue in the past by looking around the property for signs.
Ventilation
Improper ventilation can cause mold to grow in areas where there is not enough airflow such as in the bathroom for example. Ensure that the air flows properly throughout the home in order to avoid having to pay for damages that come as a result.
Plumbing
Older homes are very likely to have plumbing issues. Make sure to hire an inspector in order to establish the condition of the pipes so that you know if they are in good shape or if this is something that needs to be addressed. This is a very uncomfortable issue to have after closing is already done.
Wood
It is possible that you might locate rotten wood in a home, this is due to trapped moisture or humidity. Inspect the base of the property, the roof, and the windowsills to make sure there are no areas where moisture is leaking in. If there is any outdoor wood structure on a property such as a deck for example, make sure to verify that it was in fact taken care of properly.
HVAC System
If you have to pay for repairs on your heating/cooling system out of pocket, this will be very costly for you. Make sure everything is in working order before closing on a home and that the boiler or furnace has been well cared for over the years. Purchasing a home with issues in this area will not be a good deal for you. Ensure that the boiler is well maintained and inquire about its last service date.
Gutter Drainage
This is a very important thing to look out for. Clogged gutters are a major indicator that the previous owner did not do their due diligence in keeping up the property. You should also ensure that any drains are leading fluids away from your home to prevent flooding. This list is by no means exhaustive, be thorough before closing on a new home in order to ensure you will receive the highest ROI (return on investment) possible.