What Are Some Major Home Inspection Problems?

Most of us would pray that a home would only have just a few minor issues that would be an easy fix, let alone a cheap fix. However, there are some situations where the issues are far worse than expected that you need another professional to take a look at it. That’s right another professional to take a look at it.

Here are some major red flags to watch out for during a home inspection.

1. Water Problems and Poor Grading

If water is getting inside the home, that’s a big concern. Signs include:

• Water in the basement
   
• Wet walls or condensation
   
• Mold in the air
   

These problems usually mean that water isn’t draining away from the home like it should. This is often caused by poor grading, which means the land around the house doesn’t slope away from the building.

Fixing water and grading issues can be very expensive. You may need to waterproof the basement or change the way the yard slopes.

2. Structural Damage

Your home needs a strong structure to stay safe. Structural damage means that part of the home may be shifting, cracking, or sinking.

Watch for:

• Cracks in walls
   
• Windows and doors that don’t open or close right
   
• Bricks on the outside that look like they’ve moved
   

Fixing structural problems is not easy. It can cost tens of thousands—or even hundreds of thousands—of dollars. This is one of the most serious problems a home can have.

3. Roof Problems

Roofs protect your home from rain, snow, and wind. But if a roof is damaged or too old, it may need to be replaced.

Signs of roof trouble include:

• Shingles that are cracked, curled, or missing
   
• Water stains on the ceiling
   
• Rotten wood in the attic or roof structure
   

A new roof can cost a lot of money, so it’s important to know the roof’s condition before you buy the home.

4. Bad Windows

Windows let in light and air, but broken or poorly fitting windows can be a problem.

Warning signs:

• Windows that won’t open or shut
   
• Gaps between the window and the frame
   
• Fog or condensation between the glass panes
   

Replacing windows in a whole house can cost several thousand dollars—sometimes between $5,000 and $8,000 or more.

5. Pest Problems

A home inspection can reveal signs of pests, like termites, ants, or rodents. Some pests cause serious damage to the home, especially if they chew through wood or wiring.

If the inspector sees signs of bugs or animals, they may recommend getting a pest expert to take a closer look.

Pests might be small, but they can cause big damage if not treated quickly.

Condo or Co-op Tip

If you are buying a condo or co-op, make sure the building is relatively new. Chances are, if the building is quite old, expect some issues. Even though yes, the costs are covered by the building’s board, but most likely this cost will get passed to you, the residents.

Final Thought

Before home inspections, always expect the worst. And by this I mean expect you are going to pay a large amount of money if you are really interested in the property if you are a buyer, or you can just walk away; it’s that simple. But if you are a seller, expect that buyers will likely offer lower than expected price points because they can use this as leverage to go lower.