Watch out for these common home problems
Watch out for these common home problems
When buying a property, all the existing issues in a house become your responsibility, which is why it’s important to keep an eye out for them first.
As sellers, it’s good to be prepared as well for any issues that you might not have considered so that you can identify and address them.
The rickety roof
Roofing repairs can be surprisingly costly, and should definitely be factored into what you’re prepared to pay for a home if you know that repairs will need to be made in the near future. The roof is the crowning glory of any home, and one that’s damaged or leaking can cause even bigger problems within the house a bit further down the track.
Old home appliances
Check whether the appliances (assuming they’re coming with the house) are working. Buying a new washing machine and dishwasher may not seem a lot in the grand scheme of things, but that’s money you’ll soon have to pay upfront, which you may not have considered within your budget.
Collapsing handrails
Handrails seem like a relatively minor problem too, but they can spell trouble when they fail! Test the handrails, especially on elevated decks, to make sure that they’re safe. You don’t want anyone getting hurt!
Problem plumbing
When it comes to plumbing, the phrase “out of sight, out of mind” seems to hold true. Many people don’t consider whether the plumbing will be a problem, but as I mentioned in an earlier newsletter, if your home has Dux Quest pipes then replacing them may cost you thousands of dollars. So make sure to check before you buy!
Where’s the insulation?
Proper insulation is a must-have, but a lot of older homes have inadequate insulation. Summer is often a popular time to buy, and if you only inspect the house then, you might not realise the house is bad at retaining heat. Then suddenly, come winter, your power bill shoots through the roof!
Bad ventilation
Houses without proper airflow often develop real mould problems – I think we’ve all seen some wooden villas with these problems! If you’re noticing a lot of mould, then check that there is good airflow through the house, especially in regards to the laundry and bathroom. Bathrooms often get very mouldy because of all the moisture, and it’s not a healthy environment to be living in.
Nothing replaces a proper total home inspection report, but these are some of the signs that are worth knowing about if you’re buying or selling a house. If you have any questions, then you can always get in contact with me.
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