Water Problems Again

I always advise any home purchaser to get a professional home inspection. So why not get in the habit of looking for those tell- tale red flags for yourself anytime you are looking at property for sale.

But, home inspections can be expensive! Many times, you can tell if a home has been well taken care of as soon as you pull up in the driveway. Exterior: Take a look at the roof. Here is a quick overview of a few things you might want to keep in mind when viewing a home. Does it have any discoloration? What about the shingles?

This can mean poor attic ventilation or mold. Are they laying flat or are they curled? Has it been well maintained? How about the landscaping? This might indicate whether the current owner has pride in ownership. If not, water has likely been running under the house or into the crawl space every time it rains.

Do you see splash blocks under the downspouts? Water is one of the worst enemies a house can have. Do you see any rust spots? Check the gutters. This could indicate water leaks and/ or damage. Look for the cause.

Do you notice any cracks or lifting in the concrete driveway? It might be tree roots coming up or a possible water line leak. Take a look at the brick, especially on the corners. Either one should have a closer look. Do you see cracks in the brick or mortar joints? What about any discoloration around the foundation? Think foundation problems!

Water problems again. This is a termite picnic waiting to happen( if it hasn' t already) . Check for any wood that is making contact with dirt. Are you aware that a termite inspection may not cover landscape timbers? Do you see any firewood up against the house? They can be full of termites, not not be shown on the report.

Again, termites! Interior: Do you smell a musty odor when you walk into the house? Dirt, wood and water are termite favorites. This could indicate moisture problems or mold. Check out the windows. Don' t let mini blinds stand in your way. Do you see any moisture in the glass.

What about cracks in the walls, especially around door or window frames? This indicates a broken seal and that window will have to be replaced. This could indicate foundation or settling problems. Again, water problems! Always look for any discoloration on walls, ceilings and vinyl floors. Check around sinks, toilets and dishwashers. Be sure to open and close the garage door several times.

That soft mushy feeling under your feet means putting in a new floor. And also check for a detector that would protect a child from danger. You don' t have to be an electrician to tell whether the box looks neat and organized. or if there are wires everywhere. Take a look at the circuit breaker box. If the home has a basement, look carefully for any signs of water stains on the concrete block. Be aware of possible attempts to cover problems with new paint, etc. This water problem is very hard to correct.

This doesn' t happen often, but if in doubt, check it out further. Never be afraid to ask questions. These are just a few red flags to watch out for. And always be prepared to walk away if you don' t get the right answers! When you feel comfortable enough to make an offer, don' t forget to include a professional home inspection in the contract.