If you tour enough properties, you will see homes in all sorts of conditions. You will inevitably come across some homes that need repairs. The question is whether these homes are worth buying.

For many, a home that is a fixer-upper is an enticing idea. Some see it as a way to save money. They might even know how to do much of the work, so they think they can get their dream home for a fraction of the cost. Others might see it as an investment. Buy the house, do some repairs, and then sell it for a profit. 

Regardless of your plans, a home inspection will be an important part of this process. Beyond being willing to accept a home that needs a little work, there are issues that should be seen as red flags. With these issues, you might be committing to extensive work, or there could be a significant risk of more damage.

What are some of the issues a homebuyer should avoid? Read on to find out!

Roof Damage

It can be easy to look past the roof when touring a home. If everything else looks good, you might miss the issues right above your head. However, if you are looking at a roof replacement, it could add thousands of dollars to your costs. Not only that, you might need to wait for the project to be completed before you can move in. Ask the current owner about the age of the roof. You should also look to see the condition of the tiles. Inspect the home to look for signs of leaks as well.

Foundation Trouble

Foundation problems are another red flag. What makes it even worse is that foundation issues can be difficult to spot. The big issue with foundation problems is that they can affect the entire structure. They also tend to get worse with time. Some foundation issues can even make a house unsafe for occupants. The repairs for a faulty foundation can cost many thousands of dollars. Depending on the issues, it may even require a significant reworking of the entire property. 

Polybutylene Pipes

Polybutylene is a material that was common in plumbing systems from the late 1970s to the early 1990s. After being installed in millions of homes, it was discovered that the pipes were at a high risk of rupturing. If you buy a home with polybutylene pipes, you might need to plan for an expensive plumbing project to run all new lines. If not, your home will always be at risk for expensive water damage. The risk is so high that insurance companies might not even cover it if you leave the pipes in your home. For example, if you need polybutylene pipes insurance in Florida, you might need to add a rider to the policy.

Outdated Electrical Systems

It is not uncommon to find homes with old wiring. The question is what type of wiring and the extent of the repairs. If the electrical systems are many decades old, they could be a fire hazard. For a home with old knob and tube systems, you will probably need to have the home rewired. It could even be an issue if you are looking at a home that was run in aluminum instead of copper. A project that would require a new service panel and complete rewiring would be expensive and time-consuming. You probably won’t be able to stay in the house while the work is being done.

Termite Damage

Signs of termite damage can be another red flag. In some cases, you can repair termite damage, but in others, the damage might be too extensive. Superficial damage tends to be the cheapest and easiest to repair. However, if you are looking at damage to the floor joists or support structures of the home, the costs will probably be too great. Homebuyers need to seek a full assessment of the damage if they see signs of termite infestation.

Mold Infestation

Many homebuyers underestimate this problem. They think they can just clean it up and the problem will be solved. It is only after the mold returns that they realize how persistent a mold infestation can be. What makes it worse is that there are so many additional problems that can come along with mold infestations. It can lead to unpleasant odors in the home. Some types of mold can even be harmful to the health of occupants. Mold removal can be expensive, and it might even require additional repairs since you might have materials that are infected with mold.

Buying a home that needs a little work can be a way to find a good deal. With that said, some problems are just too significant to overlook. The repairs will be too expensive to make the savings worthwhile, or the damage could indicate problems that might be persistent.