How often have buyers been left holding the short stick when it comes to problems with a house? Whose to blame?; you, the agent, the seller, or the attorney? Ultimately, it’s you for paying attention to the agent or worst the actual homeowner. Never, never buy a home without having a professional inspect it first. It’s perhaps the best $500 you’ll ever spend even if you don’t buy the home. Here are a few items I would look for if I was buying a home for myself.
- Long horizontal cracks in the foundation. Cracks are normal, but horizontal/vertical cracks may be a form of movement by the house. They’re caused be settling or movement of the house. It’s bound to happen… homes are heavy.
- White wrapping around the pipes in the basement. Look for the wrapping that looks like an old cast used when you break bone on your arm or leg. This is typically asbestos. Asbestos was used during the 60′s as a fire retardent. This thing won’t catch on fire no matter what, but it can be harzadous to your health. When in doubt, have it tested. Most home inspectors can determine what it is without having to touch it.
- Oil smell near the boiler. The boiler or tank may not be leaking, but oil is not being preperly contained somewhere. Check out the source.
- Water stains on the ceiling and floors. Usually an indication of exposure to water for prolonged periods of time . There is or was a leak at one point.
- Musty smell in the basement. There’s moisture. It maybe just dampness or a reoccurring water issue. Either way have it checked out.
- Residue along the walls in the basement. Perhaps a white line a couple of inches from the ground. Usually signifies water once was present. It may be ongoing, it may not. Have it checked out anyway.
- Look at the roof and then look at the neighbors. How thick is it is the edge of the roof? Is it thinner or thicker than the neighbors’? Are shingles missing or out of place. These are both signs that the roof is old and may need replacement in the near future. Not tomorrow, but in the future.
- 8 inch floor tiles that look like lenolium tiles. Most of these tiles are made of asbestos. These types of tiles are no longer in circulation and can be disposed non-professionally because they are not friable.
- Drop ceilings throughtout the rooms. Sometimes these are used to cover pipes which is fine, but sometimes they are used as a quick fix to cover up bigger problems. For example, old leaks from upstairs bathrooms or lead paint. Make sure you look under the drop ceiling.
- Electrical fuse boxes vs circuit breaker panels in older homes. The circuit breakers are the glass nobs your grandparents used to have that you had to screw into the panel when they blew out. They are indicative of 60Amps power and inferior wiring throughout the house. The standard these days is 100Amps. 200Amps if you plan to run central air, jacuzzi’s, industrial type appliances, and a slew of other electronic devices. Newer homes are setup with 200Amps as safeguard for growth.
- Siding comes in all shapes and sizes and preference varies by individual. Vinyl siding is great for its durability and easy maintenance, however it’s used because it can be installed right over older materials such as asbestos tiles, wood shingles, and aluminum. Just make sure it’s not falling apart.
- And if see any indication that the home once was heated by oil, but now it uses gas or the oil tank is cleary new, make sure the seller has the documentation that the tank was properly removed or filled in. Just because there’s a new tank does not mean that the old one is still not underground full of oil. Have checked, please.
There’s a million other things to look for, but for the most part this checklist will save you thousands in headaches in the long run. Nothing in my opinion is a deal breaker, they are only negotiating opportunies. Also, review our other lists when purchasing a foreclosed home. Things are not what they appear.
Note to Homeowners: sometimes it’s a good idea if you perform the inspection prior to listing the house for sale so there are no surprises.
PS…I’m not a licensed inspector. You should hire your own licensed inspector to perform a detail inspection.
