Get Inspections - Structural Red Flags

We have to understand that no home is perfect and even a brand new home may have significant defects that affect habitability. As I realtor, I always recommend having inspections done by a qualified and reputable home inspector. Not every defect is apparent, but it raises your chances of knowing exactly what you are buying.

The property disclosure is an important tool in knowing whether the current homeowner has identified and cured problems - but - it is not always accurate, particularly when a home was only lived in for a short time or in the case of a rental, an estate, etc.

The following structural defects may be apparent even to a lay person. When an offer is made on a house with these defects, it is recommended that the repairs be factored into the price, either by requesting known repairs to be fixed up front or offering low to compensate for known defects.

Here are some things to look for:
1. Foundation cracks - it is important to find out why the shift occurred and what needs to be done to correct it.
2. Load-bearing walls removed - look for sagging ceilings or cracked walls - a history of a home's renovation would help understand the cause of these problems.
3. Water stains - While these may indicate a current leak, it is also possible that the homeowner has repaired the source of the leak but neglected to paint or correct the stain. An inspector can determine whether there is a current water problem in the area.
4. Termites and carpenter ants can cause severe structural damage. Look for mud tubes and sawdust - and NEVER pass up a professional termite inspection! $50-60 in inspection costs may save you thousands of dollars in repairs.
5. Windows that do not open or do not stay open or closed make a house uncomfortable, expensive to heat and cool, and may be expensive to fix. Some of the windows in historic homes with the sashes can be easily repaired. Aluminum windows are a greater issue and cost almost as much to repair as they are to replace. Also, watch for newer windows that were poorly installed.
6. Faulty or insufficient wiring - An inspector will look for old or frayed wiring that is dangerous or unable to carry the load of modern appliances and computers. He will look for grounding both inside and at the entry to the house. Watch for outside wires that run through trees or that may be laying in the yard. Contact utility company when there is a question of who is responsible for the outside wiring.
7. Older chimneys are often a problem if they have not been updated. Crowns and chimney liners deteriorate with age.
8. Wood rot & Mold - Untreated wood is vulnerable to moisture and fungal growth. Crumbly wood, soft wood and badly splintered wood may need to be replaced. Look for mold in basements that may indicate too much moisture.

When habitability issues are found by an inspector, we are usually able to negotiate repairs to be made by the seller. As long as the contract was made contingent on inspections, the potential purchaser may choose not to buy the house if the seller will not repair these issues.