When viewing different homes in Orlando, it’s important to look for signs of trouble. Although you’ll want to find a home that is aesthetically pleasing, you’ll also want to ensure that it doesn’t have any problems below the surface. A house should be properly inspected from basement to rooftop before you decide that you want to make it your home.
Foundation’s Condition
Cracks in the basement can indicate foundation damage. Tilted basement walls may show signs of foundation sinking due to soft ground or poor soil composition. Termites may destroy the wooden parts of a home’s lower levels. For example, the beams of a basement’s ceiling may appear to be chewed up in the presence of termites.
Water Damage
Musty smells and water stains in a basement imply the presence of mold. This is often a result of previous flooding or some sort of leak from the surrounding soil or plumbing. Mold causes various respiratory hazards and it can spread quickly in humid conditions. Colored stains on the walls of a basement indicate the previous existence of mold that can return. Water damage can also ruin some of the electrical wirings that is often installed in the lower levels of a home. Even if the water has been properly cleaned out, this could be a sign that it could easily flood again in the future.
Climate Control System
A home with a central HVAC system needs to be checked thoroughly because it provides both heating and cooling and it’s used all year long. The outdoor A/C unit should be checked along with the indoor furnace. Unusual sounds coming from the vents and ducts in an HVAC system indicate problems with the air filters, fans, and other mechanical components. The thermostat should be tested to ensure that the HVAC system responds immediately to heat up or cool a home. If there is a problem with the system, a company in Orlando can diagnose the problem and estimate how much it will cost to repair. Knowing repair costs in advance can help you determine if you are willing to buy the home “as is.”
Rise to the Rooftop
A leaky roof is a very serious issue that needs to be inspected before buying a home. Old shingles may have significant wear and tear that causes leaks to all upper levels of a house. Inside a home, a leaky roof can be detected if bulges or pockets of water are seen in the ceilings and corner walls. Roof replacement is expensive, so it’s important to negotiate this into the cost of the home.
Pest Problems
A home inspection should also look for signs of pests. Rodents, raccoons, and squirrels can make themselves comfortable in the attic or crawl space of a home. These creatures leave droppings that carry disease. Additionally, such pests can destroy the structure of a home such as insulation and wooden studs or beams. The presence of pests also indicates major openings and cracks in the exterior of a home.
There is an array of possible problems that can exist in a home. Prospective buyers should carefully consider looking at the interior and exterior of a house that’s for sale. Don’t fall in love with a home until a throughout inspection. You want to make sure that your investment will house you and your family for years.
