When it comes to buying an established house, it’s important to know the difference between small repair jobs which you can complete yourself after the sale has been completed, and then there are problems which need to be discussed with the owner prior and could even result in a lower offering price.
If you are looking to buy a home, below is a great article from Advanced Title Company which can help you identify some of the most expensive home repairs worth speaking to the seller about before you sign or even make an offer.
Problems with Plumbing
Starting the list has to be plumbing-related problems. However, it’s a little tricky when it comes to why these repairs are always so expensive. If you think about the plumbing system in a house you will realize that you don’t see any of it. Instead, the pipes and necessary equipment is built into the structure of your home.
That is to say, the majority of your plumbing system is inside your walls and underneath your home. For this reason, if there is even a small (and generally inexpensive) problem with your plumbing system, it’s likely to include removing part of your wall or structure and then replacing it when the job is done. This is why plumbing problems are so costly, because of the work which needs to be done before to get to the issue and afterward to put your house back in order.
During a property inspection, be sure to flush every toilet you can find and open and close every faucet you can see. If any of these cause problems, such as the toilet doesn’t flush or refill properly, you can hear creaks or pipes moving and clunking, faucets leak or don’t have much pressure, then it can be a sign that there is a larger problem lurking.
The Foundations of a Home
Very similar to plumbing problems, if you were to think about the foundation of a home then you will know that the space isn’t easily accessible. As you can imagine, if work needs to be done in the area then it requires a lot of logistics, which means an expensive repair job.
Additionally, if there are problems with the foundation, the work itself can also be costly and time-consuming, often requiring a range of inspections and council checks to ensure any repair work is undertaken correctly.
During your property inspection, do your best to make your way under the house and inspect the condition of the foundations. If you aren’t comfortable with the task, consider a property inspector who can perform the task for you and report on any damage and condition.
Before you make an offer or sign any paperwork, complete your due diligence by ensuring the title of the property you are considering purchasing is clear or errors and issues which could arise in the future. A title search and title insurance is the best way to uncover any potential problems and protect yourself against hidden issues. To find out more, speak with a title insurance expert at Advanced Title Company today by calling (970) 255-7677.
Mold Removal
If you have tried removing mold from your bathroom ceiling or tiles then you know just how problematic the problem can be on a small scale, not just to remove, but also for the health of your house. Now, if you were to think of this problem multiplied by 10 then you can see the difference between a small cleaning job and the need for professional mold remediation.
When inspecting a home, get close to the walls to detect any smell of mold growth, harsh cleaning chemicals, and even fresh paint. In addition, as you tour a home, run your hands and fingers firmly along the walls feeling out for any soft areas.
If any of the above are present then it’s a good sign that there may be severe mold growth hiding underneath which can not only be problematic to remove, but it can also be expensive. For this reason, many buyers will adjust their offer is they expect to coming up against serious mold removal at their expense post-settlement.
Protect Your Investment with Title Insurance
Available only prior to settlement, title insurance protects owners against ownership claims made against their new property. To get the process started, speak with a title insurance expert at Advanced Title Company and obtain a thorough title search. A title search uncovers any potential problems now, allowing the seller the opportunity to address them prior to sale. Call today at (970) 255-7677 to find out more.