Purchasing a home is one of the biggest investments you'll ever make. The excitement of finding your dream home can sometimes overshadow the importance of a thorough inspection, but it’s essential to keep an eye out for red flags that could indicate potential issues down the road.
Whether it's structural defects, poor drainage, or something as subtle as fresh patches of paint, these warning signs could mean costly repairs later on. Here’s a detailed guide on the important red flags to watch for during a property viewing.
1. Foundation and Structural Faults
The foundation of a house is arguably the most important part of the entire structure, and also one of the most costly to repair should the need arise.
Minor cracking in walls may be a sign of normal settling, but large cracks should be treated with caution. Such cracks may indicate serious structural problems with the foundation, which are expensive to fix and may compromise the safety of the home. Examine the door frames and floors. Crooked door frames or doors that stick and don’t close properly could suggest that the home has structural issues.
To be certain it is advisable to get a house inspector to check the property before you close the deal.
2. Poor drainage and water damage
Water damage is a major concern for homeowners, and often the root cause is poor drainage or grading around the property. Poor drainage can cause water to pool around the foundation, leading to erosion, dampness, and even structural damage.
Signs of poor drainage may include puddles or muddy patches in the garden, bouncy bathroom floors (indicating hidden leaks), or water stains on walls. Overflowing gutters, displaced mulch, and foundation cracks are also telltale signs of inadequate drainage. When walking around the exterior, check for bubbles on the outside walls. These can indicate rising damp, a problem often caused by improper damp course installation during construction. This is a difficult issue to fix after the home has been built.
Additionally, check for roof leaks, which can cause black mold or brown stains on ceilings. Don’t forget to inquire about the age of the roof and geyser; older roofs and geysers are more prone to failure.
3. Random patches of fresh paint
Freshly painted walls might seem like a positive sign during a property viewing, but random patches of fresh paint can be a red flag. Sellers might be using these patches to cover up problems such as dampness or mold. Pay attention to whether only parts of walls or ceilings have been repainted rather than the entire area. If you notice these signs, further investigation is needed to ensure that you’re not buying a home with underlying water damage or other significant problems.
4. Electrical wiring and systems
Older homes often come with outdated or insufficient electrical systems that aren't built to handle modern appliances and electronics. Exposed wiring, extension cords running through multiple rooms, and a lack of grounded outlets are clear indicators of potentially dangerous wiring.
If you see extension cords strung across rooms or exposed wires that appear to have been part of DIY repairs, be cautious. These can lead to electrical fires and may require the attention of a licensed electrician.
Make sure a property has the required compliance certificates in place for all electrical work. This includes electric fencing and solar installations.
5. Poor overall neighbourhood condition
When buying a home, you're also investing in the surrounding neighbourhood. Take note of the general condition of the area. Signs of neighbourhood deterioration include boarded-up properties, numerous vacant homes, or an increase in criminal activity. These issues can lead to a decrease in property values and negatively affect your return on investment.
Ask about new developments planned for the area or infrastructure upgrades, a healthy neighbourhood will have robust activity but it could also impact property values or change commuting times.
6. Roof problems
Roof repairs can be extremely costly, so it's important to inspect the roof during a property viewing. Missing, cracked, or misaligned tiles are often signs of roof damage that can lead to leaks and water damage inside the home. Pay special attention to flat roofs, where water can easily pool, causing rot and other issues.
Slate tiles out of alignment or cracked roof tiles are often tell-tale signs of potential roof leaks. If buyers don’t want to do this themselves, they can ask a builder to inspect the roof.
7. Pool leaks
If the property has a pool, ensure that it is structurally sound and doesn’t leak. Sellers might downplay the severity of a leak, claiming that it only needs occasional topping up, but this can turn into a major issue after you’ve purchased the property.
8. Signs of pest infestations
Pests such as termites and rodents can cause significant damage to a home. Look for signs like chewed wood, droppings, or evidence of nests in hidden corners of the house. These infestations can be difficult and costly to eradicate, so addressing them before purchasing is critical.
9. Deferred maintenance
Many sellers try to save money by deferring maintenance and repairs, leaving the buyer to deal with the consequences. Deferred maintenance might include worn-out flooring, neglected gutters, or broken appliances. While some of these issues might seem cosmetic, they could indicate deeper problems with the property. A property that has been poorly maintained is likely to need extensive repairs after the sale.
If you are on the hunt for a fixer-upper you need to ensure that you will be able to handle all the tasks that need to be done - both emotionally and financially.
How to Secure a Good Deal
Once you’ve identified potential red flags, you may feel hesitant to move forward with the sale. However, minor issues don’t have to derail the purchase entirely. If you’ve found a home that you love, negotiate with the seller. You can ask for a reduction in price to cover repair costs or include a “snag list” of items to be fixed in the sale agreement. This way, both parties benefit, and you can move into your dream home without worry.
