If you're in the process of purchasing your first home and you don't know how to spot potential problems with the house, the process might seem a bit overwhelming to you. After all, the last thing anyone wants to do is buy a house, and then discover there are major repairs that need to be made. The good news is you can make the home-buying process easier by looking for these potential problems each time you look at a new house.
Problems with the Roof
While it isn't likely that you'll get the chance to climb up on the roof of every home you look at to do a complete inspection, it is fairly simple to assess the roof from the ground. You should look at the roof from all angles possible, examining it for any missing or cracked shingles, obviously damaged sections, and mold and/or mildew growth. Additionally, you need to make sure you don't spot any damage to the home's gutters or downspouts, such as sections that are sagging or disconnecting from the home. You should also take the time to ask the realtor how old the roof is to get an idea of when the roof will need to be replaced next.
Problems with Plumbing
The thing about plumbing is that the majority of it is located behind the walls, under the flooring, and in the ceiling. This makes it really hard to inspect. However, while you're touring a potential home, you should look for any signs of water damage, which is often easy to spot on the walls and/or ceiling of the home. You should also look for any signs of mold and/or mildew growth inside the home, which is typically easiest to spot in the bathroom since this room tends to get hot and humid. Sagging floors can also be a sign of a major plumbing problem. Typically, floors don't sag unless there is some kind of structural or water damage.
Odors
Every house has specific scents, but did you know that the way a house smells could be an indicator of a major problem? If you smell mildew or mold when you walk into a home or a specific room, it could indicate that the house has a problem with mold growth. Often, mold and mildew grows inside the walls of a home and isn't visible until the wall is taken down. Additionally, if you smell sewage or dirt, it could indicate the house has some major sewage problems. If you smell sewage outside the home, there could be a problem with the house's septic tank. There are also some odors that are really difficult to get rid of, such as pet urine and cigarette smoke, so you should be leery of them when you're touring a house that's for sale.
Buying your first home is a one-time experience. It should be fun, not stressful. Thankfully, if you know how to spot potential problems before you start looking at homes for sale in your area, you can eliminate a lot of the stress.
