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House Hunting: The Red Flags That Indicate a Home Restoration

Don’t make the mistake of assuming everything in your home will be perfect because it is new, or new to you. Issues with a home can be hidden from the average eye. It may take a closer inspection to identify these possible issues to avoid home restoration in the future.

Hidden Home Restoration Risks

Purchasing a home with a pre-existing issue could lead to large expensive restoration services to correct issues left behind from the previous owner. Nobody wants to make this mistake as they are buying a home. Since life is full of learning experiences, learn from us so you purchase a home without hidden problems. We know you have a check-list of things to look for while you’re house hunting, but consider adding these red flags to your list.

10 Red Flags to Watch Out For 

  1. Potential Foundation/Structural Problems: Arguably the most important part of a home and the most expensive to fix, it is important to pay attention to the foundation prior to buying a home. It can cost homeowners thousands of dollars to correct. Look at basement walls, door frames and the house itself for leaning, cracks, etc. If you want to be sure, get a home inspection.  water damage home restoration
  2. Stains on the Walls and/or Ceilings: This is usually a sign of water damage. If this issue has been left untreated for a while it can be more of an issue than you think. Check the walls, ceilings, under sinks, inside cabinets and anywhere else that is exposed to moisture consistently, like bathrooms. When you spot a stain, ask questions.  Has the problem been corrected? Beware of random patches of fresh paint; this could be a tactic to cover up prior damage as well.
  3. Poor Drainage: A bad drainage system puts your home at risk for major water damage and that is costly. Check for pooling of water in the basement or around the house/yard. Overflowing gutters, water stains on basement walls and cracking in foundation are also indicators of poor drainage. Make sure the slope of yard is away from your home’s foundation to avoid rain runoff getting inside.
  4. The Age and Appearance of the Roof: Roof damage is expensive to fix and can lead to other problems, like letting water into your home. Before settling on a house, look and see what material the roof is made from, is it caving in, does it have an apparent holes or concerning damage? Get a closer look at the gutter to make sure they aren’t corroded or clogged. Make sure the roof down pipes are running to storm water drains to prevent future water damage.
  5. The Presence of Mold: Having mold in a home can lead to health problems for the family, but mold is not always easily detected. It is better to find the mold prior to purchasing than after because mold remediation can be costly. Check areas like basements and attics as well as under the sink. Be on the lookout for leaks, signs of water damage and odor; these can indicate the presence of mold.
  6. Hidden Fireplace/Chimney Damage: A lot can be hidden inside a chimney, like animals or the indication of a previous fire. For safety reasons see if they have a screen or glass door on the fire place, do they have a damper or log lighter, is there a combustion vent, does the chimney lean. Take a peek inside to make sure there isn’t evidence of a fire.
  7. Pest and/or Insect Problems: Pests can be a pesky problem and they may not reveal themselves right away. Look for evidence of pests as you walk around the inside and outside of the home. Wood destroying pests will be the most costly so keep an eye out for termites, powder post beetles and carpenter ants. Tree hazard home restoration
  8. Look at the Trees: The beautiful trees that line your yard can turn into hazards in certain conditions. Assess how big the trees are, how old they appear to be, are their roots showing and how close they are to the house? Anything that looks like a potential hazard probably is. Tree roots can invade sewer lines and tree limbs can fall on your home during a storm. Don’t purchase a property with hazardous trees.
  9. Electrical System Issues: Probably the hardest red flag to identify prior to purchasing the home. Keep in mind the age of the house. While walking through turn on all the light switches to see how the lights work and check the outlets. If this house is a top contender, consider having an inspector check the outlets and electrical system to make sure everything is up to code.
  10. The Neighborhood’s Condition: Some homeowners are really good at hiding problems in order to sell their home. Take a look at the homes around the one you are considering and talk to the neighbors. These homes could hint at what is to come for your home and neighbors could shed some light on common issues of the area. Look for boarded up properties or a high number of vacant or for sale homes. Be aware of what the area is prone to – like flooding or wildfires. These could be unnecessary risks you may not experience at another house option.

Reliable Restoration is Here for You

The presence of any of these red flags could mean major home restoration for the next owner. Avoid the cost of restoration by being aware and choosing a home that is free of major risks. If disaster does strike, Reliable Restoration is here to help you recover. We are here for you 24/7/365 with a licensed, expert team that will restore your property, new or old, to pre-disaster condition as quickly as possible. Visit us at: www.choosereliable.com or call us at (678) 325-1633.

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