07/3

You’ve found the home of your dreams – only to realize that it has severe water damage. What do you do?

When you’re in the market to shop for a home, it’s important to have a list of some of the more crucial factors to keep an eye on. This way, you’ll be forced to take the love blinders off and focus on exactly what the home has to offer – and what needs to be fixed.

You’ll want to be certain that you are making the best decision for your investment – avoiding major problems that need costly repairs will help. Here’s what to look for:

Roof Condition

Before you step foot inside the home, look at what’s happening up top. The condition of the roof could end up costing you $8,000 or more if in need of a desperate repair. Ask about its age, how many layers it might have, and when it was repaired.

Foundation

Look for signs of cracking in the foundation inside and outside the home and pay attention to the grade of the floors for signs of unevenness. These could be signs of a sinking foundation – something you definitely don’t want to be stuck with.

Mold and Water Damage

When you’re in the kitchen and bathrooms, take a glimpse inside the cabinets for signs of mold growth around the pipes. This could indicate a leaky plumbing system or previous flooding and improper ventilation. Musty odors or peeling paint are other signs of water damage.

Energy Efficiency

The better a home is insulated, the less you will have to spend on utility costs. Ask about the condition of the insulation of the home, and when the furnace or air conditioning was last repaired.

Complete a Home Inspection

While you’ve looked at things first hand, it’s incredibly important that you conduct a home inspection – a professional can help ensure the foundation is solid and everything is up to code. They can check for things that might be harder to miss – like whether there is lead paint or any foundational pests.