When you decide to buy a new house, you prepare yourself to make one of the biggest investments of your life. Hence, carrying out a home inspection is an absolute must to ensure that you are spending your money well. If not, you might end up with a ton of costly renovations on your hand soon after putting down a lump sum amount on your down payment.
You should know about what fixes are mandatory after a home inspection so that you can ask the seller to fix them before the transfer of ownership. In that case, if the repairs are very extensive and the seller refuses to comply, you can always walk away and look for better options.
Here are some repairs you should watch out for.
Table Of Contents
1. Water Damage
Never underestimate the damp patches you come across on your home inspections. While the patch might seem like a small one, you should investigate further and check the drywall that is out of sight. Water damage can eat away into the woodwork or even the foundation of the house and render the property structurally weak.
Dark and damp patches are ideal for mold and fungal growth, and you do not want a pest infestation on your hands after moving into your new home.
2. Electrical Hazards
You should thoroughly check the electrical lines in and around the house and bring an electrician for the inspection if necessary. Some unethical sellers will often only address the problem with temporary repairs to tide throughout the home inspection.
However, if left untreated, it could lead to fire hazards later. You should check the lines, the appliances that come with the home, and that all electricity dues have been cleared before taking ownership.
3. Drainage Issues
Clogged drains could lead to flooded basements and overflowing bathrooms, which is never easy to deal with. While carrying out your home inspections, make sure to check every faucet and run every flush. Wait for some time and check for any unnatural gurgling sounds.
That would indicate a clog somewhere in the drain. You should also wait to check if there is any reverse drainage instead of just turning off the tap right after checking the water connection.
4. Building Code Violations
This is one of the biggest issues that many homebuyers face and should be a part of your home inspection process. Check if the property meets all the building codes of the state. You can also have a lawyer check the records instead of simply relying on what the real estate agent might have informed you.
You should also enquire whether there has been any incident of toxic hazard in the vicinity or on the property. This will keep you out of many unwanted troubles after making the purchase.
Knowing about what fixes are mandatory after a home inspection can make a more informed decision while buying a house. You will be able to move in without any worries, secure in the knowledge that you have bought the best possible home for your family.
