House hunting is both incredibly exciting and stressful at the same time. When looking at houses, knowing what to look for can help you avoid any surprise expenses. Follow this guide to three expensive problems and how to spot them.
Foundation Issues
One of the more costly home repairs is the foundation. As the name implies, this is the structure that keeps your house level, still and insulated. When it comes to foundation repairs Tulsa OK, you want to catch them early. Some telltale signs of foundation issues are cracks and fractures, sinking or rising floors, doors that shut improperly, gaps between doors or walls and, finally, excessive moisture in the attic or crawl space.
Broken Plumbing
Bad plumbing can be costly for new homeowners. Missing the signs of plumbing problems can cause you inconvenience and lead to expensive repairs. When looking at houses, check the plumbing. Start by turning the water on in the sinks and showers. While the water is running, look for drainage issues and note any rattling pipes or unusual smells. Next, look for signs of water damage, including peeling paint or wallpaper or discolorations on the walls and ceiling.
Roofing Problems
The average price of a new roof is about $8,000. Earnest money, appraisal, inspection and the house are just some of the costs you can’t negotiate out of and make any extra surprise expenses overwhelming. Learning to spot common roofing problems can help you negotiate these costs into the sale. Look for signs of leaks around the roof, storm damage or hints of faulty installation. If the house has a tree, check for any indicators of branches that may have fallen and damaged the roof.
An informed buyer is a smart buyer. By knowing what to look for when purchasing a home, you can avoid expensive repairs or long delays to your move.
