Is house buying on your Christmas list? It can be a great gift for yourself or a loved one, but before you get too excited, keep an eye out for these red flags. Here are four things to be aware of when buying a home.
Puddles of water
To keep water away from the foundation wall, a yard should have a minimum 2 percent grade away from the house. Drive by the house you like after a rain. If you find puddles of standing water, the yard may have a drainage problem. Puddles near the foundation are the most concerning, because water that drains along a foundation wall can leak into a basement through the smallest crack. Source: BobVila
Damaged shingles
A well-maintained roof can last up to 30 years, but if it’s been installed poorly or uses low-quality shingles, it may mean you need to replace it sooner—a cost that really adds up. Hiscock recommends looking at the keyways of the roof (AKA: the space between each shingle). “If they are spaced far apart, it normally means the roof has not been replaced recently. Other things to check for can include loose, missing, or curled shingles,” he explains. Source: PureWow
Removal of structural walls or floors
Sure you love the open floor plan, but was the house always open or did the homeowners renovate? If they removed a load-bearing wall without adjusting the framing, it can shift weight to other parts of the house. Hire a structural engineer if you think any renovations are questionable. Source: HGTV
Visible water stains
Water stains are a telltale sign of a leak somewhere in the home — from the roof, a window, or even the plumbing. Leaks can cause considerable damage, from compromising the property’s structural integrity to destroying electrical components. They can also contribute to the growth of mold and mildew, neither of which are easy to remove.
In addition to water stains, look and listen for any active drips. Scan the walls and ceilings for bubbles or flakes. All of these are signs of further water damage and a good indication that you should turn your attention to other properties. Source: FinanceBuzz
Are you eyeing a house that needs a little work? Leave it to us! We can handle your repairs in no time.
Contact:
Kerrisdale Roofing & Drains
168 W 71st Ave, Vancouver, BC V5X 4S7
(604) 360-2114
