Buying a new house can be trickier then it seems since there are so many things to worry about that those who are inexperienced can easily get confused with an endless amount of work. Yet, that doesn’t mean that you should be anxious, but rather that, being organized and on time can save you a lot of trouble. One of the biggest issues that potential buyers face is ending up with a lemon house. For those who don’t know, the lemon house is a type of property whose flaws have been concealed in order to make it market worthy. Many prospective clients think that a new house is automatically faultless, while in fact, many sellers don’t shy from selling homes that are due for inspection. So, in order to make sure that your future property is in good condition, here are some ways that can help you spot a lemon house straight away:
Water issues
The easiest way to spot a lemon house is to check whether there are any water damages, such as mold or damp. Make sure to carefully inspect everything so you’ll be able to detect the wetness, spotting and mold growth on the walls and ceiling. This is especially important since fixing dampness issues can take a lot of your resources and it often takes a lot of time, therefore it’s always better to avoid these issues altogether. Also, don’t let real estate agents and/or homeowners convince you that these problems are easily fixed by re-plastering and waterproofing — they’re not since there’s always a specific reason for damp, and it needs to be thoroughly fixed, not covered or masked.
Pests
Pests can create a lot of damage to the property, especially if not treated on time. The most important step is to spot the early, so always check the for papery and small bites over the door frames and window frames. Also, in case you notice the floor damage and gaps in walls and door frames, chances are you’re dealing with pests. Similarly, bubbled paint can also indicate the damage made by pests, particularly termites. In case you’re really set your eyes on a specific home, then you definitely need to hire a pest inspection team that will asses the problem and make sure that all pests are gone, so you’ll be able to move in peace.
Wiring and electrical
Electrical and wiring issues are crucial elements of a well-built and properly-maintained home, so it’s mandatory to always check that everything is in order before purchasing the house. Broken wiring can cause fires and other irreparable damages to your home, so always look for blackened areas around the power outlets as they’re the sure indicators of bad wiring and run-down electrical system. Also, don’t forget to check whether the ceilings are too hot, and always make sure that light switches work properly.
Structural problems
In case you notice cracks in the wall, that’s a sure sign that house needs serious restructuring and renovation. Of course, if cracks appear to be bigger, that means that the damage is also worse, so if you want to avoid these type of problems, it’s best to hire the reputable and professional concrete contractors, so you can be sure that everything is in top condition. You should never ignore structural problems and cracks, as they can always cause further destruction, if not treated in due time.
Plumbing
Older houses tend to have more problems with plumbing, and unfortunately, they’re often too expensive to fix. So if you notice any issues with water pressure, chances are that you’re dealing with rusty pipes and low-quality plumbing. Most of the new homes have plumbing made of plastic materials, while plumbing in older homes still has cast made of iron, or it’s galvanized. Therefore, it’s important to stay away from quick-fix solutions as they can often cause more damages in the long run, unless of course, you want to change the plumbing system altogether.
Lemon house is easy to spot if you know what you’re looking for, of course. Aside from the above-mentioned issues, you should also pay attention to roofing and illegal work, so you won’t have additional issues later on. Finally, you can always consult qualified specialists who’ll be able to conduct a building and pest inspection to make sure that the property is in good condition.