1. Water Intrusion
Water damage
can be very tricky to deal with. Roofs are often the first spot for water to
leak and travel downwards. Inspectors usually start in the attic when looking
for water damage. Some of the signs of water damage include:
·
Cracks
and holes. - Cracks or holes on the exterior walls are areas water can enter
your home
·
Warped
floors and damp carpets
·
Stained
walls and ceilings - Even if the stain results from an old leak that has been
repaired, inspectors will still check for mold buildup.
·
Peeling
paint and wallpaper - This issue may be an indicator of a leak behind the walls
·
Musty
odors - This can be an indication of mold buildup, often caused by leaks.
2. Faulty
Wiring
·
If
you see open junction boxes, mismatched amperage, or extension cords running everywhere
when you view a home, these are bad signs.
·
Homes
built between 1900 and 1950 often have outdated and inadequate fuse boxes.
Unfortunately, that means the entire wiring needs to be replaced as it is not
enough to keep up with today’s needs.
3. Foundation
Flaws
·
Foundation
problems arise in the form of sloping floors, doors and windows that stick, or
even doors that swing in one direction when left ajar. Foundation cracks can be
caused by a variety of serious issues.
4. General
Problems
·
Poor
home maintenance? How's the furnace?
· Is
repainting, or new flooring needed, or grout in bathroom is decaying?
5. Faulty
Plumbing
· Turn on every faucet, and check if drains are
working properly.
· Flush
every toilet. Are they loose?
·
At
each area look for inadequate water pressure, slow drains and signs of leaks.
Open the cabinet under the sinks and check for leaks. If there is a kitchen or
bathroom on the second floor, check the ceiling below them for signs of water
damage.
All of these
problems can be costly to fix. It is
really important to do a thorough inspection!
For a list of trusted inspectors, give Carrie Summers with Colorado
Ranch & Home Realty a call, 970-759-2540.
