Warning Signs That A Property May Have Future Problems
Published by Chris Townsend
You really need to cover your bases when you’re considering buying a new home, which is part of the reason getting a good home inspector should be high on your list of priorities. But before you consider paying a professional to inspect a property you’re interested in buying, you can tell by some warning signs that a property may have problems down the line. Even during an open house, you can quickly take a look for the following things as signs you may want to keep looking.
A Wavy or Uneven Roof
Repairing or replacing a damaged roof can get expensive quick, and there’s a few obvious red flags that signal you’ll need to get some work done. A wavy or uneven roof should immediately raise concerns. Unevenness is often a sign that there is a more significant structural problem hiding under the roof—one that could be very costly. Along the same lines, a wavy roof may be disguising a similar problem and is often an indication that there is another set of older shingles hiding under the ones that are not on the same grade.
Foundation Cracks
All foundations will develop some sort of cracking over time, but if you notice a significant number of cracks, or cracks that are very large, it could be a problem. Smaller cracks are not as much of a concern, but if there are cracks that are a half inch or larger, that’s not a good sign. The same holds for any cracks that appear to have been spruced up or patched recently as that’s probably done to hide existing damage. Again, a good inspector or foundation professional can help you spot these things more clearly if you’re unsure yourself.
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Stains or Sags in the Ceiling
The ceiling of the house is another thing you should keep an eye on for signs of trouble. Look for any stains or sags, which may indicate a problem. A stain can indicate a leaky pipe or plumbing issue somewhere which has the potential to be a serious problem, especially if there is another floor above the ceiling in question. A sagging portion of the ceiling can also indicate a leak, but it can also result from structural or insect problems, both of which can be highly problematic.
Trees Next to the House
Trees are part of a nicely landscaped yard but beware of large trees that are very near to the home. Tree roots can wreak havoc on the underground sewage lines of a house and the larger the tree, the larger the root system. (Important to note that specific types of trees have particularly invasive root systems so that should be considered as well.) Trees should be at least 15 to 20 feet from the house and ideally, away from the sewer line, which you can locate by finding the cleanout pipe on the foundation, or by contacting the city to see if there is a utility map available.
Yard Sloping Toward Foundation
The foundation of any home is susceptible to problems from water and leaks, which is why the yard should be at least slightly sloped away from the foundation. If the opposite is the case, the house is at risk of water damage to the foundation and walls. If there is a basement on the home, it should be checked for mold or a mildewy smell if you think that the yard might no be appropriately sloped.