Before you say ‘home sweet home’, make sure you’re not walking into a homeowner’s nightmare. Every creak, crack, and leak tells a story – one that could save you from a costly mistake.

Being a homeowner is exciting, but there are certain responsibilities that come with it. One of those being the responsibility of maintaining your home to its finest so that your investment lasts for years.

It’s important to be aware of red flags that can be found during home inspections. They can help you care for your property and deal with major issues.

At some point, you might think these are small issues. But, never underestimate those as they can later turn into significant problems, affecting your home’s condition and worth.

So, read on to understand the major red flags found during the home inspection.

Foundation and Drainage

Usually, homeowners think that their home’s foundation is intact. But that’s not always the case. You might not know, but a potential problem might be lurking in your foundation.

And we’re talking hundreds of dollars for dealing with major foundational issues. So it’s better to act before the issue surprises you and prevent you from getting such unwanted surprises.

A foundation envelopes your home and shields the interior. Whether your home has a loosely fixed foundation or cumulative drainage system, eventually, it will lead to a crack in the structure. Well, the issues list is extensive. It doesn’t just end at the structural cracks. A problematic foundation can also lead to structural instability and uneven floors.

All of these are significant issues that require extensive remediation. Of course, you can’t always afford that, and neither do you want to, right?

Likewise, drainage issues also raise the red flag that you can see from a distance. These can result in water intrusion, moisture damage, and mold growth. Not only does this compromise your home’s structural integrity, but it also poses significant health risks.   

Mold

Another red flag that inspectors can glare at from afar.

When there’s mold in your house, there’s also a musty odor. Not to forget the black patches and discoloration on the wall.

These are obvious signs of a mold problem in your house. But most of the homeowners, instead of attending to this issue, choose to neglect it. Until it becomes a reason for them to take Aspirin every day.

During the home inspection, inspectors identify mold growth – indicating excessive moisture levels within the property.

There could be various reasons for mold growth, ranging from leaks to water intrusion. And if you think that mold is just about musty odors and discoloration, you’re mistaken. It’s more than that. It poses health risks that are especially triggering for the ones with respiratory conditions or issues.

Furthermore, mold can compromise your home’s structural integrity by deteriorating building materials like drywall and wood. No wonder it’s a red flag.

Electrical System Problems

In the U.S., electrical fires are a major threat. Approximately 24,000 electrical fires occur every year in the country.

Considering these facts, electrical system problems are the biggest red flags in home inspections. They not only lead to electrical fires but also increase the risk of shock.

Plus, improperly installed or malfunctioning electrical components are the reason for power outages. Eventually, this affects your home’s comfort and functionality.

Inspectors pay close attention to the signs of electrical issues when conducting inspections. Examples of such signs are:

•       Flickering lights
•       Warm outlets
•       Tripping circuit breakers

Don’t try to paint this red flag white by ignoring these issues. Address them promptly to ensure your property’s safety and functionality.

Old Plumbing

Maine is a place with a rich history of residential homes. Some of those dating back over 200 years. But, with this history comes a warning, too.

If you’re residing in one of such old homes, there is a high chance that the house’s major systems are old. One of the main examples is the plumbing system.

An old plumbing system involves faulty pipes that send warnings from under the floor and behind the walls. The solution isn’t simple. You can’t just “fix” the issue, as it will cost an arm and a leg.

However, sometimes, the issue persists as a blocked pipe, which seems minor at first. But it might extend to a major one another time.

The inspection process involves the inspector looking for clogs and other signs. If they find a problem within the pipe, sink, or drain, that’s not something to worry about. These issues are easier to fix. However, they might indicate a bigger problem on the go.

Pests

Maine is one of the pests’ favorite places during the summer months. However, this doesn’t mean the other months are safe. Unwanted intruders like ants, mosquitoes, ticks, wasps, etc., can still barge into your home in other seasons.

When it comes to home inspections, identifying pests is one of the major goals for home inspectors.

Even though the issue is most common in Maine, its severity varies from property to property. One home might have a few bugs, while the other has an infestation.

You can move along with DIY fixtures when there are just a few bugs. But, if your home is experiencing an infestation, it’s better to call professionals to handle the issue. We emphasize this because a pest infestation can also result in structural damage. And surely, this isn’t good news for any homeowner.

Old Roofing

Oh! How can we miss this one of the reddest red flags in home inspections?

We discussed the historical side of Maine’s residential properties. Now, there’s another concern with these properties – old roofing. And there are various reasons this should add to your concerns.

You should take this red flag VERY seriously, especially under these three conditions:

•       If the roof is not replaced in more than 20 years
•       If the roof looks degraded
•       If you don’t have any record of how or when the roof was replaced

Surely, replacing a roof is expensive. But what’s worth more than the dollars is the safety of your household.

So, once the home inspector identifies issues with your roof, it’s time to pay close attention to it. This might translate to damage to your home’s interior.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there might be a long list of red flags in home inspections. But remember, it’s never too late to turn these red flags green.

Owning a property is easy. What’s difficult is taking care of it. With home inspections in place, this task becomes relatively easy. Or shall we call it responsibility?

From foundational to roofing issues, inspectors play an important role in identifying issues within your property. So, it’s better to prioritize their recommendations and address each of these issues as effectively as possible.

If you’re looking for a reputable home inspection company, you can always reach out to Main Choice Inspections. We are the ideal choice for every Maine homeowner. Schedule an inspection with us, and make your homeownership journey hassle-free.

You’ve found a home that fits your expectations of a “perfect” home. Well, congratulations on that!

But we’d ask you not to rush toward closing the deal. It’s better to first know that your house is structurally sound and all its major systems are functioning properly. Once you have closed the deal, you can’t take a step back, so it’s better not to rush already.

With a home inspection, you get your only and the best opportunity to evaluate your future home from in and out. The inspection helps in documenting the issues that are major and minor. This gives you a clear picture of what the seller is serving you. And, it’s fair to know the property’s “exact” condition as this will be the only investment you’ll be making in your entire life.

But as a homebuyer, you also need to know what goes on in a home inspection and what could be the potential deal breakers and makers during the process.

And we’re here to make it easier for you.

In this blog, we’ll discuss the five potential factors that will make your deal, as if you should rush to buy the house if they’re in perfect condition. But if not, you better rush for the hills instead.

Foundation

The foundation of the house works as its spine. It supports the entire house’s structure, drywall, frame and literally everything.

It won’t be unfair to say that the foundation condition defines your experience within your house.

Often, foundation issues are considered deal-breakers, considering the major repairs associated with high costs.

No buyer wants to buy a property that will still require modifications after an investment worth an arm and a leg.

What do home inspectors look for?

During the inspection process, inspectors usually look out for the issues like:

• Settlement problems
• Cracks
• Sloping

If your house has a crawl space, inspectors will inspect it for signs of mold, moisture, and warping that might affect the wood’s integrity.

Furthermore, if the foundation has already undergone repairs, the inspector will also check the workmanship quality on that.

The biggest concern for every home inspector is water penetration because it can lead to foundation settlement, resulting in the face of termite activity, gray mold, decay, etc.

Average cost to repair

The cost of foundational repairs varies based on how severe the problem is. But, if we average the cost, it is around $4,500, but it can go up to $15,000.

Roof

This is another factor that basically “shields” you within your property. And, the roof issues have the potential to either make or breath the deal.

We bet you might already have asked about the roof’s age from the home seller. And well, it’s justified considering the role the roof plays in protecting the house from wind, outdoor temperature, and snow.

What do home inspector look for

This depends on your home inspector and weather conditions.

Many inspectors choose to visually inspect the roof and they climb up the roof. While others choose to evaluate it from a ladder. And in bad weather conditions, inspectors might use binoculars to inspect the roof and they do this from the ground.

Now, things home inspectors look for are the following:

• Leaks
• Damaged or missing shingles or tiles
• Moss growth
• Flashing
• Gutters
• Vents
• Proper attic ventilation
• Skylights

Average cost to repair

Minor roof repairs can cost between $150 and $1,500. But, there are chances that your roof might need a replacement; on average, it can cost between $6,000 and $12,000.

Plumbing

A leak is The most irritating issue in your future home.

Once left untreated, water issues within your house can have a domino effect, leading to more serious issues in your home.

And trust us, a pervasive water problem can “drain” your savings account in no time. Not only this, it can also affect the floor, subfloor, walls, and foundation. Basically, everything….

Considering the headache these problems are, they tend to be a major deal breaker.

What inspectors look for

During the inspection, the inspector will cover anything the water flow might affect – toilets, sinks, faucets, bathtubs, showers, piping, and fixtures.

Their main focus will be checking for leaks, cracked pipes, and corroding. Plus, they’ll look out for any evidence of DIY work and repairs.

They’ll cover flooring, ceilings, walls, and signs of moisture.

Average cost to repair

Plumbing issues and water damage are the most expensive and extensive repairs. If there’s water damage, then you’re looking at the costs to repair and restore, such as, mold remediation, dry out, replacement, building materials, and labor.

And, on average, it can be from $1,000 to $5,000, or maybe more. All it depends on how much damage is there.

Electrical systems

You shall buy a house that is safe for you and your family. And this is exactly what a home inspector prioritizes.

Whereas electrical issues can pose serious risks, especially if they’re ignored. They can even lead to house fires, making them dangerous and potentially life-threatening result of overlooking electrical issues.

What inspectors look for

During the inspection, the inspector evaluates the electrical panel to ensure everything is up to the code with proper grounding and wiring.

They will also look for proper amperage ratings and corroded wires. Furthermore, they’ll ensure that the receptacles and switches operate properly and the GFCI outlets are installed in most rooms. This is another level of prevention from injury and electrocution.

Average cost to repair

If you buy a home with minor electrical issues, the repair cost is typically $150 to $500.

However, the expenses can be higher for more significant problems, such as replacing a panel or rewiring the entire house, ranging from $1,200 to $2,200.

HVAC system

You want peaceful summers and warm and cozy winters in your “perfect” home, right?

You then need to know whether your home’s systems can cool, heat, and ventilate the interior efficiently and reliably.

It’s important to note that not every home inspection covers every minute detail. So, if you suspect an issue and need a close examination, then hiring an HVAC expert is better for a thorough evaluation.

Things home inspectors look for

Typically, one of the initial tasks an inspector performs during the inspection is activating the heater and air conditioner to ensure their proper functioning.

The inspector usually allows the system to run continuously throughout the inspection to assess the thermostat.

Average cost to repair

The cost of an HVAC issue varies based on the system, the problem, and whether it’s a simple repair or replacement.

Furnace repairs may vary from $130 to $1,200, and replacing a furnace can incur up to $6,000 or more.

On the other hand, air conditioner repairs typically range from $200 to $500, with a complete replacement costing between $3,250 and $12,500.

Conclusion

In conclusion, getting a home inspection is a great deal to know whether the transaction is worth it.

But once the report highlights the above mentioned things home inspectors look for, know it’s time for you to walk away. But if not, then it’s better to hop on the deal. It’s fair to say that they’re the major deal makers and deal breakers.

Furthermore, if you want to schedule a thorough and professional inspection, choosing an inspection company like Main Choice Inspections is better. The professionals on our team ensure that your potential home’s condition is best met and you’re making a wise investment.