It is your dream home and absolutely perfect for the needs of you and your family. Or, maybe not. When is it appropriate to walk away?
When you find a home you would like to purchase, you will engage the services of a home inspector. The home inspector will review all the elements in the house, including the structure, foundation, and mechanical systems to assure that things are in good condition, good working order, and point out needed repairs and/or problems.
Every home has its own personality, even a brand new one. Nature isn't perfect. A good home inspector can help you determine what may be an idiosyncrasy and what might prove to be a real problem down the road.
A home inspection will cost somewhere between $200 and $400, depending on your location and the size of the home being inspected. You can keep an eye out for potential major problems and eliminate a property from your list before you engage a home inspector by doing a little detective work yourself.
A wet, clammy, or smelly basement is a sign of moisture or water. A damp feel can hint at water seepage caused by improperly graded soil or a foundation that is improperly laid. Cracks in the basement, either in the interior or on the exterior foundation, could indicate settling in excess of what is considered normal. The house may have been built on a new landfill or an improperly graded site. Cracks in the foundation can also be a sign that the area is prone to earth movement or earthquakes.
Poorly fitted duct work in the heating and cooling systems can cause problems, especially if the original work was not done properly. Check the duct lines and make sure they are snugly fitted and secure. Black marks along duct seams are signs that air is leaking from the duct work and subsequently not making its way to the intended rooms.
If you notice discolored spots on the walls or ceilings, there may be a leak from the roof, walls, or plumbing. Fresh paint may be used to disguise a problem, particularly on the top floor of the house.
Skylights are extremely popular today and are usually one-piece units that are popped into a hole that is cut in the roof. Check for discoloration, peeling paint, and other signs that the seal around the skylight is leaking, or that the skylight is improperly fitted.
A damp attic is a sign of improper ventilation and can lead to moisture being trapped in the upper recess of the house. This can lead to condensation or dry rot. Check for insulation and ask about the R factor (the higher the R factor number, the better). Make sure the insulation is facing the correct way, too.
If you see untidy masonry work, this may be a sign of a larger problem. In an existing home, sloppy masonry can be an indication of a slipshod repair job. In new construction, it can mean that other work was done poorly as well.
