No Home Inspection? Get the Scoop on Deal Breakers and Easy Fixes.
The current housing market is so hot, that buyers are foregoing home inspections to snag their dream home. Homebuyers considering this tactic should know that it’s a risky proposition. With or without an inspection, there are reasons to walk away from a home and easy fixes that shouldn’t put a home out of contention. Here’s what you need to know.
Reasons To Walk Away
Mold: The presence of mold in your home is a health hazard, especially for those that have comprised immune systems or preexisting respiratory problems. If mold is present, it’s possible the home has experienced flooding or leaking around windows and roofing.
Structural Issues: Home structural issues can manifest themselves in several ways. While not every crack in a wall spells trouble, sizable cracks above doorways in a step pattern often indicate serious problems. Chimney cracks can signal that a home may be shifting, creating significant pressure on the bricks. Sloping floors, cracked foundations, and sagging roofs also often occur due to structural issues.
Outdated Wiring: The older electrical components become, the more likely they are to overheat and short circuit. Outdated wiring proves problematic because it is a fire hazard. Hiring an electrician to update a home’s wiring can quickly become costly.
Septic System Needs Replacement: If you notice toilets that drain slowly or wastewater on the home’s exterior, it’s a strong indicator that a home’s septic system likely needs replacement. Septic systems cost thousands of dollars to buy and install. In the event that the septic system needs to be moved because the leach system has failed, the price jumps even more.
Easy Fixes
Missing Or Damaged Gutters: Investing in clog-free LeafGuard® Brand Gutters protects a home from water damage, mold, and structural issues. In addition, they do not require maintenance and are backed by the Good Housekeeping Seal of approval.
Watch The Installation of LeafGuard® Brand Gutters:
Window & Skylight Replacement: In today’s housing market, it’s not uncommon to notice windows or skylights that need replacement. A common misconception is that all of a home’s windows must be replaced at the same time. These types of projects can be done in phases to keep costs in check. A reputable contractor can help a homeowner determine which windows and skylights need to be replaced right away and which can wait.
Insulation: If a home’s current insulation needs upgrading, a reliable contractor can help put together an action plan that raises a home’s energy efficiency. This, in turn, will lower electrical bills and create a more comfortable space.
Paint: Paint is one of the easiest interior features of a home to update and can make a tremendous positive impact on the aesthetics of a home.