7 Signs to Look For Before a Home Inspection
Imagine this scenario: you finally find a house that you can see yourself living in. Your offer has been accepted contingent on a home inspection.
But inspection day comes and it seems like your inspector has nothing but bad news for you. If you run into this situation, you are going to wish you could have known some of the issues that were found prior to getting your hopes up for the house.
Instead of waiting for your inspector to find them, you can take some action on your own. These are 7 simple things you can check on before you get to the point of a home inspection.
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Cracks in the Caulking
When you are in the bathrooms and kitchen look closely at the caulking. If you see a lot of cracks, it might just mean that the caulking is older, but it can also be a sign that water may be getting underneath. If moisture is getting through the caulking you may run into a mold issue.
Another sign to look for is being able to see black spots that are showing through the caulk. This can be a small issue that is easy to fix, or if it has been left untreated for a long time it can be a time consuming issue to fix.
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Recessed Lighting
It may be out of the norm to get into the attic during an open house or showing, but ask the realtor if it is possible. It will help you not only to see how much room you have in the attic and if there is enough insulation, but you can check any of the recessed lighting.
If insulation is covering the canned lighting it can be a major fire hazard. If you do find that, there is a chance the cans will need to be replaced, or at the very least the insulation will need to be moved around.
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Foil on the Insulation
If you make it into the attic take a look at the insulation to make sure that it was placed with the foil side down, facing towards the house not the roof. The foil is the barrier to keep the moisture from reaching the insulation. If the insulation was installed the wrong way there is a chance it will all need to be replaced.
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Crooked Walls and Uneven Floors
Sometimes older houses just settle in a way that leaves the floors slightly uneven or the walls slouching in a little. There are times when this is not a problem, but there are other times when this is an indication of a major problem with the foundation.
If you find this, you will want to tread carefully and make sure to let your inspector know what you are concerned about. During their investigation they can determine if this is a minor annoyance or a major problem.
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Basement Columns with Rust
If the house has a basement take a look at the metal support beams that are holding up the house. If you notice rust on the columns it could mean there is a problem with moisture in the basement.
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Slow Drains
While you walk through the house try running water in all of the sinks and tubs. You want to make sure that the water is draining properly and does not seem to be obstructed in any way.
Problems with the plumbing can range from small clogs that are easy to correct, to large issues that could cause additional damage and a major headache down the line. If you notice slow drainage it is important to find out what the reason is.
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Number of Vent Pipes
When you are outside taking a look at the backyard take a moment to check the roof for vent pipes. Usually a house will have a vent pipe for the kitchen and for each additional bathroom. If you don’t see as many, look into it. Sometimes depending on the location the rooms could have pipes that are connecting as one before they reach the roofline of the house.
Looking for these tips can help you make a wise decision when it comes to purchasing a home, but remember an official home inspection is still critical. A professional inspector will be able to find issues with a house that you aren’t able to see. So, even if you are comfortable with what you find after checking these items, still call in a professional.