5 Defects to Watch Out For When Buying Property
Category Buying
Buying property can be a stressful and overwhelming time for both experienced and inexperienced investors, but it is important to keep an open mind when viewing the property.
You might have found the perfect house in the perfect neighborhood, but don't let that cloud your judgement: there might be a few defects in and around the house that could cause serious problems in the future.
Although sellers are required to provide you with a list of faults that they are aware of, it is always best to keep an eye out for them yourself:
#1 - Rotten wood
Wood often forms part of the structure of the house which is why it is important to ensure that it is maintained properly.
If wood is exposed to moisture in areas such as the kitchen or the bathroom it will rot over time. Wood should be painted and treated with a finish that will prepare it for this purpose.
Wooden exterior features such as decks or trims should also be checked and treated as these will be exposed to elements outside the house.
Ensure that the wood has been treated and maintained often over the course of time.
#2 - Ventilation
Any house should have proper ventilation to ensure that the moisture in the home can evaporate effectively.
If moisture sits in an area for a prolonged amount of time it can cause issues.
An area that should definitely be paid attention to is the space between the roof and the ceiling. Proper ventilation in this area will ensure the longevity of the roof.
Weep holes and ventilation ducts will allow intense heat trapped in that space to escape and this will, in turn, allow moisture to evaporate more efficiently. This way the interior will stay dry at all times.
#3 - Roofing issues
When inspecting the roof of a house, look out for any missing or broken tiles that should be replaced, or rust patches that have appeared on metal roofs.
A damaged or leaky roof can cause serious problems in the future if it hasn't caused damage to the house already.
It can become very costly to fix and sometimes you might need to replace the roof completely - which can cost you even more.
Ask the seller how long he or she has been aware of a damaged roof so that you can assess further damage on the inside of the house.
#4 - Drainage and water control
Poor drainage systems around the exterior of the home can lead to serious water and damp problems that can affect the interior of the house.
Waterlogged areas could also cause penetrating damp that can compromise the structure and foundation of the house if it persists.
Water intrusion can be one of the most expensive and destructive problems which is why it is important that the drainage system is inspected properly!
Ensure that all drainage areas are directed away from the home and check that gutters and downspouts are well-maintained.
#5 - DIY repairs
While there is nothing wrong with DIY repairs, it is important that you check that they are done correctly.
It is normal for homeowners to do DIY repairs, so check the electrical and plumbing areas as well as areas where DIY repairs are most common. If you spot something that might look like it is falling apart, you should address this to the seller.
If you are unsure when it comes to checking the condition of a home, it is always a good idea to hire a professional home inspector and receive a complete report of the current state of the house.
Author: ImmoAfrica.net
