I’m buying a new home – How can I avoid unexpected repairs?

Spring and summer have traditionally been the most popular times of year for purchasing a new home. With so many buyers vying to close, they will likely experience frustrating delays. You may be anxious to close, but we caution you to take the necessary time and thoroughly investigate the house you may want to make a home.

To avoid buyer’s remorse and unexpected repairs, you may want to spend a few hundred dollars to hire a professional home inspector who will closely scrutinize your prospective home and possibly save you thousands. Here are some of the more expensive repairs to look for:

  • Faulty wiring. This includes open junction boxes, missing wire nuts, absent 3-prong outlets and various other safety hazards, often caused by do-it-yourself home owners who know just enough to be dangerous.
  • Aging systems. An older furnace may seem to function properly, but home inspectors will pay closer attention to potential carbon monoxide hazards, such as a cracked heat exchanger, leaky ductwork and other inefficiencies.
  • Leaky plumbing. An astute inspector will find clogged or bent gutters, water stains, powdery residue and mold or mildew caused by subtle leaks that escape the casual eye.
  • Poor water pressure. Replacing the faulty piping may cost thousands of dollars.
  • Foundation flaws. Often indicated by sloping floors and sticky doors and windows, foundation issues can cost thousands of dollars.

For a great article on questions you should ask before hiring a home inspector, check out this recent article in U.S. News & World Report. https://realestate.usnews.com/real-estate/articles/questions-to-ask-before-hiring-a-home-inspector

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