At the same time, home buyers need to understand what’s normal and
what’s not. Most foundations have cracks and 90 percent are normal.
Here are 10 biggest structural red flags:
1.
Foundation cracks. Ridges or lateral movement indicate a change in a surface that
could be cause for concern. Most times, the width of the crack is not important,
but the displacement of the surfaces on either side of it. Find out why the
change occurred to get the problem solved properly. A foundation wall could be
inadequate, or too much water may have accumulated outside.
2.
Load-bearing walls removed. This problem may be tough to spot unless there is visible sagging
of ceilings, cracks in ceilings or walls, and floors are springy. Pay
particular attention to openings in basement and lower floor areas for excess
deflection in the middle of the span and cracks in the corners of the openings.
A history of a home’s renovation work may indicate that walls or columns were
removed that should have been left.
3.
Faulty or insufficient wiring. Again, this won’t be easy to spot, unless wiring was done poorly
or wires remain exposed. Ask whether wiring in older homes was updated and
whether wiring can handle all your tech needs.
4.
Water, water everywhere. Stains may indicate prior water problems, but so can surfaces
recently painted to camouflage past problems. When you smell fresh paint, use
your judgment to determine whether the house has been redecorated for sale or
painted only in certain areas to mask a problem. When in doubt, ask the
sellers. But be wary - corrected past problems doesn’t guarantee that new
problems won’t happen.
5.
Leaky roofs. Even a new
roof won’t guarantee that a problem was totally resolved as the problem may be
due to inferior flashing. Ask how a problem was fixed and who did the work.
6.
Ineffective windows. Windows that can’t be opened and closed should be serviced,
repaired or replaced. Double-glazed windows that fog up due to faulty seals may
look unattractive, but it’s rarely cost effective to replace them if energy
savings are the only goal.
7.
Damp facades. Stains on wood
siding may reveal entrapped moisture; cracks around bricks may indicate missing
mortar. Hairline cracks around bricks may be okay, but in climates where
freezing takes place, it’s advisable to seal the cracks to reduce the
possibility of freeze/thaw action causing spalling, or deterioration of the
brick’s face.
8.
Pesky pests. Termites and
carpenter ants may reside in the home and dine without being invited. They also
leave few signs, except some mud tubes and sawdust, known as frass. Best rule:
Quiz homeowners about prior unwanted pests and what they did to cure problems.
9.
Sagging wood floors. Like foundation cracks, variations in wood floors are normal since
wood is not a perfect material. Not acceptable: excessive slopes or a floor
that feels like a trampoline when walked on. A marble is the simplest device
for checking a wood floor. Place the marble on the floor. If it rolls away
quickly, call an expert.
10.
Rot. Most wood that’s not treated is often
vulnerable to moisture and fungal growth. Problem areas are decay that appears
brown and crumbly, breaks into cubes, or is soft. Pay attention to wood that
touches dirt since it’s more susceptible to picking up moisture and decay and
allows an easy pathway for insects such as termites. Watch masonry or joints
that are slow to dry.
If you are a seller, get three recommendations and bids before making repairs. And
if you are a buyer, check permits and invoices to ensure that work was
performed by professionals and in compliance with local regulations.
