3 Things to Look for When Buying a New House

The housing market is crazy these days, but you don’t want a competitive market to make you overlook some important signs of issues with a new home. While the home’s disclosures will offer some insight and the inspection should catch most issues, it’s important to keep your eyes open when touring a home. Here are three easy to spot signs of foundation or water damage that require further inspection.

Weird Smells

You probably know the smell we’re talking about. Damp, musty, sour, and moldy are all words to describe it - and it usually hits when you open the door to the basement. That musty smell is a sign of current or former water problems and could also indicate the presence of mold.

Water Stains

Even if there’s no damp smell, a house that has experienced water issues in the past will likely show evidence in the form of water stains on the floor, walls, or even joists. Look for stains on poured concrete and efflorescence (a white powdery substance) on the surface of block walls. Joists (the wooden beams in the ceiling) may also show staining or warping.

Wall Cracks

Any type of wall crack, no matter the explanation, is a reason for further inspection. While some wall cracks are completely innocent, others could be dangerous to the structure of the home. Horizontal cracks are usually a sign of inward pressure on walls, as are stair step cracks in block walls. In the main levels of a house, look for cracks around door or window frames.

Buying a house is difficult. Don’t make it harder on yourself by buying one with problems you don’t discover until the paperwork is signed. If you have an accepted offer, we can perform an inspection and provide a free estimate during your contingency period. Call us and let us take care of your (future) home from the ground down.