Home Inspection Red Flags

It’s perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed, excited, and emotional when you think about how close you are to stepping into your dream home. Now that the only thing standing between you and that door is the home inspection, you begin to wonder how you can move forward, what are the common red flags found in a home inspection, what if the inspection reveals problems,  or if you should worry at all.

And since home buying is not a cheap investment, it is only just that you fully understand the ins and outs of the property before you decide to finally close the deal. Here are 5 red flags you need to be on the lookout for.

1. Evidence of mold

The mere presence of mold is both very gross and unhealthy. Although extensive mitigation solutions are available, it can also be very costly especially for hard to reach areas. A home with evidence of mold can be dangerous for highly sensitive people including children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with respiratory problems. While some types of mold are harmless, mold spores can be released into the air you breathe and cause severe respiratory issues and other ailments including throat irritation, nasal congestion, asthma attacks, and skin rashes.

2. Faulty electrical wiring and other hazards

Our lives have pretty much revolved around using electricity these days. A perfectly working electrical system should be your top priority, otherwise, it may pose a dangerous fire and safety hazard. When you receive the inspection report, make sure to pay close attention to the findings in this area as overloaded outlets, outdated wiring, and faulty electrical systems can be highly dangerous.

3. Water Damage

We know that water is life. But when it accumulates in places where it shouldn’t be, it also kills the structural integrity and health of your home. Some obvious signs of water damage include water stains in ceilings and walls which indicate an active leakage and promote mold growth. Water intrusion on roofs and foundations can be quite costly.

4. Foundation issues

Among the common causes of foundation issues include poor grading, standing water (you see how water can greatly affect your home), active soils that have dried, landscaping practices, and even deterioration of materials. Some of the notable signs of foundation problems include bulging foundation walls, sloping floors, sticking windows or doors, and foundation cracks. A good home inspector should be able to tell you whether a minor crack can lead to a bigger problem.

5. Septic system defects

Septic systems are often “out-of-sight, out-of-mind”. Because they are buried in the ground, many homeowners fail to pay attention only until something goes wrong. A malfunctioning or defective septic system can cost you a lot, is a health risk to humans and animals, and can be a great source of environmental pollution.  In short, the septic system is extremely important. Common signs of septic failures include foul odors around the tank or drain field, standing water near or around the area, algal blooms in nearby bodies of water, gurgling or rumbling sounds in the plumbing system, and green and spongy grass around the septic area.

These are among the most common red flags you can find during a home inspection in Kenosha, WI. Just imagine moving into your supposed dream home turns into a nightmare. Make sure that you do not skip this vital part of the real estate transaction and save yourself from unpleasant surprises and future headaches.