Whether you’re in the market to buy or sell a home, you must first contend with the rigorous home inspection process. The inspectors, equipped with years of training, will undoubtedly conduct an exhaustive inspection, particularly for an older house. The reports generated are usually extensive and highlight several minor issues that may include cosmetic problems. Yet, there are other significant problems that can lead to a deal breaker. Here, we will explore the top 5 red flags that will undoubtedly grab the attention of any home inspector in Cherokee County.
1. Roof Problems
Firstly, the condition of the roof and roofing materials will attract the inspector’s attention. The roof, being the home’s primary protective barrier, can cause water damage to everything inside a house if it is in poor shape. With time, roofing materials degrade and wear out. This happens faster in areas where the weather swings radically. As the roof ages, the possibility of water intrusion increases, leading to expensive repairs. Even if you install a new roof, if it is improperly installed, it can age prematurely, leading to more problems. Therefore, the inspector will undoubtedly raise a red flag if there are problems with the roof.
Let’s delve into some common roofing materials and explore how and why they cause red flags to pop up.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are the most commonly used and affordable roofing material. Their life expectancy ranges from 15 to 40 years, but typically, they last for approximately 20 years. As they age, the edges curl, and they tend to cup up or down. They also blister and lose the granular substance coating the upper surface of the asphalt. This causes the underlying matrix to be exposed, resulting in water damage and mold/mildew problems.
Wood Shingles
Wood shingles and shakes display similar symptoms as asphalt shingles as they age. They may curl, cup, lift and split, making them susceptible to insect damage. All of these symptoms can result in water intrusion.
Terra Cotta, Concrete, and Slate Tiles
Terra cotta, concrete, and slate tiles are the most durable roofing materials, with a life expectancy of 20 to 100+ years. However, they are very brittle, and seasonal expansion and contraction can cause them to crack and loosen, leading to water intrusion, which is a significant red flag for your home inspector.
2. Window Problems
Secondly, window problems can also cause a red flag. Window problems are often indicators of more significant issues with the house, such as settling and foundation problems. Window red flags include drafts around the windows, condensation on the glass, and windows that stick, making them difficult to open or close. Replacing windows can be expensive. The average cost of a good window is over $500, and that doesn’t include installation expenses.
3. Outdated Wiring and Electrical Issues
Thirdly, outdated wiring and electrical issues can also cause red flags for home inspectors. These pose a definite fire hazard and can compromise essential home functions. If electrical power is lost, you won’t have light, and your appliances and devices won’t work.
4. Grade Problems and Poor Drainage
Fourthly, mold and water damage. Home inspectors will undoubtedly scrutinize any potential water damage in the home. Mold can be a severe problem and should be addressed immediately. If left unchecked, it can compromise the structural integrity of the home.
5. Foundation Problems
Finally, foundation problems are an enormous red flag for home inspectors. It’s essential to take foundation problems seriously, as they can be costly to fix. Foundation issues can lead to uneven floors, windows and doors that stick, and cracks in the walls.
In conclusion, when buying or selling a home, you must consider the top 5 red flags home inspectors will undoubtedly flag. These include the condition of the roof and roofing materials, window problems, outdated wiring, and electrical issues, mold and water damage, and foundation problems. It’s essential to address any of these issues before putting your home on the market or purchasing a new home.
Assistance to Avoid Red Flags
These are the major red flags that will catch an inspector’s attention, but there are still quite a few more. The best course to avoid having to deal with them is to work closely with an experienced Atlanta agent. So if you’re concerned about what the home inspector will find, contact us today at 770-280-4560.
FAQs
Q: What is a home inspection?
A: A home inspection is a thorough examination of a home’s condition by a trained professional inspector. The inspector looks for any problems or issues that may need to be addressed before a home is bought or sold.
Q: Why is a home inspection important?
A: A home inspection is important because it can reveal any problems or issues that may need to be addressed before a home is bought or sold. This can help prevent any costly surprises or unforeseen expenses down the line.
Q: What are some common red flags that a home inspector looks for?
A: Some common red flags that a home inspector looks for include roof problems, window problems, outdated wiring and electrical issues, plumbing problems, and foundation issues.
Q: Why is the condition of the roof important?
A: The condition of the roof is important because it protects everything inside the house from water damage. If the roof is in poor shape, everything inside the house is at risk of water damage, which can be expensive to repair.
Q: What are some common roofing materials and how do they cause red flags?
A: Common roofing materials include asphalt shingles, wood shingles and shakes, terra cotta, concrete, and slate tiles. These materials can cause red flags if they are aging and displaying symptoms such as curling, cupping, lifting, splitting, or cracking, which can lead to water intrusion and mold/mildew problems.
Q: Why are window problems a red flag for a home inspector?
A: Window problems can indicate larger issues with a house, such as settling and foundation problems. Even if there are no major problems causing the window issues, replacing windows alone can be expensive, with the average cost of a good window being over $500, not including installation expenses.
Q: Why are outdated wiring and electrical issues a concern?
A: Outdated wiring and electrical issues can present a definite fire hazard and compromise other essential home functions. If electrical power is lost, you won’t have light, and your appliances won’t work.