Buying a home is never a simple process. In fact, it can be downright frustrating. There’s a lot that can go wrong, and much of it is very technical. However, the complications can be increased by several-fold if you buy an older home. Older homes have issues that newly constructed ones do not. You need to be sure to have the home thoroughly inspected well before the closing if you want to avoid a nightmare scenario. With that in mind, below are five different inspections you must have completed before the closing.
The Roof
One thing that can certainly go bad on an older home is the roof. Roof damage can be extensive. Performing repairs can be extremely expensive. If the damage is bad enough, the home may even be a total loss. Make sure roof inspections are thorough and include inspections of things like the gutters, flashing, caps and shingles.
Pest Damage
Inspections should also be performed to search for damage done by pest infestations. Insects and rodents can do considerable damage to the structure of a house. According to PermaTreat Pest & Termite Control, bugs that can destroy wood in a house include termites, old house borers, powder post beetles, carpenter bees and carpenter ants.
The Foundation
Another part of an older home you should be concerned about is the foundation. According to statistics, the maximum cost you could be charged to repair a home’s foundation is over $10,000. Settlement and cracking of the foundation can also cause significant damage to the rest of the home’s structure.
Electrical System
Older homes have older electrical systems. An electrical system, like everything else in a home, ages and deteriorates over time. Old and damaged wiring can become safety hazards that could lead to fires or electrocutions. Have a professional electrician perform a thorough inspection. Make sure the seller pays for repairs and replacements before you commit to buy.
Plumbing
Plumbing too can age significantly. Old pluming can have serious problems. You may not be able to get hot water when you want it. You may have inadequate water pressure. You may even need to pay for costly plumbing repairs on a routine basis. Make sure the home’s plumbing is properly inspected.
Overall, obtaining inspections for a home before you buy is extremely important. This is even more so the case when you are considering buying an older home. Older homes can have a lot or problems. You need those inspections to ensure that you are not buying a lemon.
