🚩🚩🚩 3 Home Inspection Red Flags You Should Never Ignore
A home inspection, whilst not typically required, is highly advised and is often the ace in a home buyer’s hand when it comes to final price negotiations. In some cases it could even save you from going ahead with purchasing a property that you should be saying “No no no!” to.
So what inspection flags should you be paying really close attention to?
Here’s our top 3:
🚩1: STAINS AROUND BATHROOM FANS
We’re not sure where Woody Allen got his numbers from but the sentiment is solid. If you’re paying out for a good, certified inspector then one of the most impactful things you can do is be physically present to make full use of their time and expertise!
Maximize their time by sharing any knowledge or context you have about the property that could support the inspection, and be sure to ask as many questions as you can (even the awks ones!) to ensure you fully understand any issues and their potential consequences.
Want bonus points? Do your own run through of the property in advance to check for any obvious signs of problems such as visible water damage, faulty light switches, broken doors etc. That way you come prepared with initial questions or concerns that arise for you.
🚩🚩2: BULGING WASHER HOSE:
Turn off the valves connected to the hoses right now!
*This is not a drill*
A bulge in the washing machine hose requires immediate attention as it indicates that the hose is ready to burst. Whilst it may happen today, next week or next year, there is no way of knowing and when it goes.. It will really GO.
Think Niagra Falls in your laundry room with the potential to cause big dollar damage in minutes.
🚩🚩🚩3: CHIMNEY EFFLORESCENCE
You know that white marking you sometimes see on chimney brick? You definitely don’t want to see too much of that. Efflorescence is the material that forms when moisture moves through masonry and what does moisture do when it gets trapped inside a cold dark chimney flue?
Yup, it freezes, damaging the chimney which can be costly to fix.
Worse, heavy efflorescence could indicate a crack in the flue liner, potentially leaking deadly combustion gases from your furnace, fireplace or heater, into your home so it’s vital that you have it inspected by a chimney sweep who is licensed and certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America before progressing with the sale.
KEY TAKEAWAY:
Red flags are called red flags for a reason so don’t be tempted to ignore them and hope for the best – it could cost you big bucks in the long run!
If in doubt, check it out! (With the help of a licensed professional ✅ )
Did you find these hints helpful? Check out our article on getting the most bang for your buck on your home inspection and sign up to our mailing list for handy hacks direct to your mailbox 👇
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