The American dream may have evolved through the years, but some parts of it stay the same: the goal to settle down in a home you can call your own. Shopping around for new houses is truly an exciting milestone worth celebrating, but it can be easy to get swept away by the thrill of becoming a first-time homeowner and end up overlooking critical details in your home evaluation.
When you rush the process and don’t have a reliable home inspector to guide you through it, there’s a risk of purchasing a home that looks good at first glance, but it may be concealing problems that can drive up your budget with all the repair costs. So when you’re in the middle of a home inspection, be sure to be on the lookout for the following so you can make sure that you’re not missing out on important issues—be it related to electrical, plumbing, mechanical, or structural factors.
Breaking Down Common Home Inspection Problems
1. Old Roofing Problems
Different roofing types are built to withstand harsh weather conditions, but even something as hardy as a roof has a lifespan between 15 to 20 years. Regularly maintaining the roof can help extend its structural integrity, but when you’re buying a residential property, it’s best to avoid those that come with rundown roofing as they can burn deep holes in your pockets. Typically, replacing a severely damaged roof can cost a whopping $10,000.
2. Drainage Problems
A property that has plumbing and drainage problems poses a big threat to your safety. After all, a faulty drainage system can lead to water damage, which can wreak havoc on your home in destructive ways—from poor surface grading, foundation issues, flooding, and mold growth.
3. Foundation Problems
Several factors can negatively impact a property’s foundation, but whatever the reason, it’s wiser to avoid homes with a faulty foundation as repairing something as critical can go beyond $10,000. Some issues that can compromise your foundation include cracks on the wall above doorways, sloping floors, and lopsided doors or windows.
4. Pest Infestation Problems
Creepy-crawlies hiding in the dark nooks and crannies of your potential home seem like a minor problem, but different kinds of pests can leave you an expensive mess. Aside from eating away at your wooden structures, pesky critters can also be carriers of diseases. With that in mind, your home inspector should be able to spot signs of pests as they can put you and your family’s health at risk.
The Bottom Line: The Importance of a Thorough Home Inspection
Taking the time to do a home inspection seems like a hassle for the seller and buyer, but it’s a critical process that can reveal areas in the property that need improvement. Some underlying problems may be so severe that they can turn off buyers like you, especially if it means moving into what feels like a money pit.
If you want to move into your new home with greater peace of mind, then a thorough home inspection is a stage in the home buying process you should never skimp out!
How Can We Help You?
It’s important to conduct property inspections from licensed professionals you can trust! Ally Property Inspections have years of experience and extensive training in inspection services, so get in touch with us to see how our excellent property inspectors can provide high-quality house inspections in Birmingham, AL. Schedule an appointment with us today at (205) 607-0031, and let us help you move forward in your home buying journey with greater peace of mind.