Buying a home is more than just a big purchase. It’s a major life event that can quickly turn into a nightmare, if you’re unprepared for the possible repairs that the home may need. Even if you don’t mind buying a home in need of some TLC, you may want to ensure there are no major repairs that could end up eating your savings. Here’s a look at some of the most common and most costly repairs that could affect your decision in buying your first home.
The Roof
This is one of the most important features of a house. If the roof is in poor condition, it could ultimately lead to damage on the inside of the home, especially if you live in an area prone to frequent rain storms. A poorly maintained should be factored into the price of the home, especially since the seller is not likely to replace the roof, before putting the property on the market.
Wood Rot
Wood rots over time and there’s really no stopping it. If you’re looking at older homes, be especially wary of this and look for it around door and window frames. It can also be identified at the base of the home or along the edges of the roof. In the 80s and 90s, finger-jointed woodwork was especially common with window and door frames. This is a poorer quality of work and, unless the wood has been regularly painted, wood rot will be much more common in these areas.
Plumbing Issues
There can be any number of problems with the plumbing, some of which may be serious enough to affect your buying decision. Companies like Clearwater Plumbing warn us that problems with an older home’s plumbing can become costly to repair, so the pipes and flow of water should be examined, during the walk-through. Also take a look at the surrounding yard with your home inspector to determine if tree growth may be interfering with the pipes.
Electrical Wiring
Again, this will be a greater problem in older homes than with newly constructed dwellings. Knob and tube wiring will be a strong indication that the wiring may not be up to code and could potentially pose a fire risk. Look for breakers in the bathrooms and kitchen and make sure there is a sufficient number of grounded outlets throughout the house. Many older homes were built before the introduction of smartphones, laptops, tablets, and other smart devices, so they may not be equipped to handle that much electrical current.
Gutters and Drainage
If the problem is just with the gutters, it may be a matter of clearing them out or replacing them, which would still be the cheapest repair on this list. However, if there’s a more serious drainage problem, it may indicate the need for a greater and more costly repair. Water damage around the house, either inside or out, can be a sign that there’s a problem with rainwater drainage. If not dealt with, a water drainage problem can damage everything from the roof to the foundation.
Here are just a few of the most common repair nightmares new home owners can face. The best way to avoid these problems is to enlist the help of a home inspector and lend weight to his insights. He can help you determine what repairs are in need of immediate attention, what will need to be fixed in coming years, and what problems loom ahead, but aren’t emergencies. Buying a home should be an educated decision, based on professional advice.
