So, you’ve found your dream property with its sprawling garden, built in spa and enviable kitchen, you can’t wait to start planning your big move and have already stored a few material samples for your redecoration project. But, wait, before you get ahead of yourself, there are some important steps to take to ensure that your dream home is really what it seems and not in reality a bit of a nightmare.
You may be asking yourself how you could possibly find out about any potential issues, whether right or not, the seller may not be keen to fess up to any major issues and they may not even know about some of them. Sadly, many issues that lie around the home can’t be identified from a simple walk-through and there are hundreds of different issues that can be found, some of which are more prevalent than others. This could be because of the location of the property, the way it was designed, or poor maintenance from previous owners.
A sure-fire way to ensure that what you are buying really is as it seems is with a pre-purchase home inspection. It’s crucial to find the right professional who can conduct a thorough evaluation so that you are fully in the clear about what you are purchasing. If you are looking to find the right inspectors to carry out this service then click here for more information on some prices and services.
We take a look at some of the most common issues found in house inspections along with some indication of costs of fixing them so that you can decide how to factor this into your offer or whether it is even worth going ahead with your dream property.
Plumbing issues
Plumbing problems are one of the most common issues found in homes, as most of the time, even the owner isn’t aware of their existence. Leaky pipes in the walls can significantly impact your water bill and cause further issues down the track. On top of this, it is almost impossible to fix these issues yourself, so you will need to hire a professional to do the job for you.
The cost of plumbing repairs depends on the severity of the damage; a simple toilet leak might be easy to fix; however, if the problem is in the walls, that is a whole other story. That being said, if you plan to renovate the bathroom anyway, these issues might not concern you as much as others.
Leaking roof
After leaking pipes come leaking roofs, and more often than not, they can be a pain to fix. Unless you visit the home in the pouring rain, there is virtually no way to identify the problem areas without getting a proper inspection. Even the slightest crack can fill up a bucket in no time!
Small repair jobs such as replacing a few tiles can cost around £200, but if the damage is worse, it can cost an awful lot more than this to fix. This can be a significant increase in your budget, so it’s something you certainly want to consider if this crops up during the inspection.
Lack of ventilation
While lack of ventilation may not seem like a significant issue, it can lead to a range of other problems in the home. Without proper airflow, you can become susceptible to certain illnesses and be breathing in toxic air, on top of this, mould thrives in areas without adequate ventilation, which can be dangerous for your health.
While it is possible to add in extra windows, fans, and ventilation systems, you do have to be prepared for it to be at a significant additional cost as, since most of these systems have to be installed by a professional, you are not only paying for supplies but labour as well.
Electrical wiring problems
We bet that stunning period property is full of character and history, but it may just present itself with some undesirable electrical issues too. According to real estate company Sky Marketing, one of the most common issues that older houses most likely have is those associated with electrical wiring, from faulty power points to lights that don’t work, it can certainly make you rethink your purchase.
To fix any of these issues you will also need to hire a professional, and anyone who has hired an electrician knows they don’t come cheap. While you might be tempted to DIY, this can also lead to further damage so check out this list of home repairs that you shouldn’t do by yourself before it’s too late!
Structural issues
Structural or foundation issues are something that can affect every home, old new, big or small. From cracked tiles to broken floorboards and interior beams, the potential problems are endless, but by identifying these issues, you are not only ensuring your safety but also saving yourself a lot of money.
While a home might seem sound on the outside, the interior will tell a different story. The last thing you want is a wall tumbling down, expect it to cost a substantial amount to fix these issues, especially if there are more than one.
Mould growth
As mentioned above, mould thrives in damp areas with little ventilation. While you might think that it can merely scrub away, it can have detrimental effects on one’s health, especially individuals with breathing problems and young children.
While some mould types can be cleaned and are relatively harmless, it’s not worth the risk, especially when you can’t always tell them apart, and scrubbing away isn’t going to fix the underlying problem. The average cost of damp-proofing a wall is £300, so factor this into your costs.
Pest infestation
Pest infestation is one of the most common issues that inspectors find in homes and while you might think you will be able to identify them yourself, often they can be hidden, and the infestation can be much worse than it may first appear. Cockroaches, rats, mice, bed bugs, and termites can cause both health and structural problems, so you will want to identify them as quickly as possible. If pests are a problem, there are ways of managing the issue and preventing visits from unwanted guests in the future.
In the UK, prices range from £55 to remove a wasp’s nest to starting prices of £210 for bed bug treatment in a three-bedroom property. However, the price really depends on the severity of the infestation. On top of this, you also might have to fork out more money on interior repair costs if rodents have chewed their way through wires, for example.
The best course of action to take if you spot signs of trouble once you move into a new property or an inspection flags up warnings is to contact a reputable company like Stewarts pest control services. There are effective solutions for dealing with existing infestations as well as preventative measures you can take to keep your home pest-free. Often, simple steps, such as decluttering, sealing or plugging holes and gaps to prevent entry and storing bins securely can help to reduce risks.
The final word
Getting a home inspection is the best way of giving yourself peace of mind when buying your property. It is useful to know what to expect so that you can decide whether it is worth going ahead with your purchase or if you can renegotiate a price with the seller. Most problems can be fixed so it’s useful to know about them well in advance so that you can be well prepared and keep your family and yourself safe.
