The entire process of looking for, finding and moving into a new home can be extremely exciting. However most home buyers also have their apprehensions about this process, which is quite natural. Investing in a home isn’t a decision you can take lightly. This makes it important to hire the services of a professional home inspector to identify lurking problems on the property.

While minor problems can be fixed easily, some issues can be very serious making them difficult and expensive to fix. Sometimes, these problems can also put your family’s safety and health at risk. Here are some red flags to look out for during a home inspection:

#1 Structural Issues

This particular problem tops the list when it comes to property inspection red flags. Damaged load-bearing walls or even cracks in the foundation can impact the integrity of the entire structure. If you have noticed signs such as these, they aren’t something you can take lightly. When people are selling a house that has structural problems, they may not always disclose them and it becomes important that you detect these yourself.

While a skilled home inspector will definitely include structural damage in their inspection report, there are certain signs that you can identify well before you actually hire the services of a building inspector. From of the signs of structural damage include:

• Basement flooring cracks (larger than ⅓”)
• Misaligned windows or door frames
• Uneven basement flooring
• Misaligned front steps for porches
• Walls that have been demolished

#2 Grading

It is extremely important that the outdoor spaces of the property be graded well as it helps in the proper drainage of water away from the house. If the landscaped areas slope even at a very slight angle towards the home structure, this can be a red flag. It will cause the water to flow back towards the property which can result in pooling near the foundation. When you are studying the grading some of the things to look out for include:

• The yard areas are completely flat
• Water pooling in various areas of the landscape
• Moist patches, or patches of dead grass
• Moist areas or water pooling very near the base of the home

#3 Mould

If you notice mould in specific isolated areas of the house, its likely due to lack of cleaning. However, if the mould build-up is widespread, it may be caused by excessive moisture due to poor ventilation. In this case, you may have to redo the ventilation in the bathroom spaces, kitchen, roof or attic depending on where the mould build-up is very evident. Some of the signs to look out for include:

• Large areas in the house covered with mould
• Bathrooms and kitchens that don’t have exhaust fans or have a very small windows
• Large wall or ceiling areas that have bubbling or patchy paint
• A noticeable musty odour

Other Red Flags

Aside from these problems, some of the other common issues that are definite red flags when you are buying a house include:

• Flickering lights or appliances that don’t work – these are an indication of old wiring
• Old pipes or slow flowing drains and low water pressure
• Hollow or weak areas caused by termite damage to wooden features
• Roofing that’s over 20 years old
• Roofing that has missing, curling or cracked shingles

Keeping an eye open for these red flags and working with a certified home inspector will ensure that you are able to find a home that will not become a hassle and a financial burden in the future. If you want to know more about our services here at Inspect It First, don’t hesitate to call us at 1300 557 047 or contact us through our contact form and we will revert shortly.

Thanks for reading,
Inspect It First Team
1300 557 047