(Newswire.net — January 12, 2021) —
When buying a house, you hope that it is in the best possible state of repair. Yet, some hidden damages might not be obvious when you first take a look at the listing or even view the property.
Hidden damages can cause the new owner to spend out on repairs that can run into the thousands. Before signing the paperwork and officially closing the deal on a home, CA Flat Fee recommends that buyers hire an inspector to thoroughly go through the house and check for any major damage that could end up costing you hundreds or thousands of dollars.
Here are some common hidden issues that sellers try to conceal, or they may not even know they are there.
Old Systems
The excitement of owning an older property, with some original features, can soon wear off when old systems are still used too. Older systems, including electrics, and gas can cause high utility bills.
Sometimes the seller doesn’t know, or perhaps they don’t disclose the boiler or HVAC system’s age. The older they are, the less efficient they will be. The water system can have a lot of issues in an older home, but you can use a professional water heater company in West LA to check the system out.
However, if you buy a house with old systems and undisclosed problems, you’ll be stuck with the cost of either updating and upgrading or paying high energy bills.
One of the best ways to determine the age of the home’s water and HVAC systems is to ask your home inspector to examine them or asking the seller to disclose that information.
Pests
Pests can be easy to hide for viewings and photographs. However, within a few days of moving in, you are likely to see evidence that pests like mice, cockroaches, ants, and termites leave. Pests damage their surrounding by chewing cables, storing old and rotting food, and their droppings. Termite damage can be severe and hidden until it is too late.
There are many hidden areas in a home that can become a safe house for pests, and unless they are explicitly looked into, you might not find out until it is too late.
Your home inspector will be able to see a lot of issues and will be able to spot some of the signs of pests. However, you may want to book a pest inspection too.
Structural and Water Damage
As mentioned above, water damage and old water systems can be detrimental to the building. Here is what to look out for:
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Large cracks in the exterior or interior walls
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Old brown or faded brown stains on the ceiling
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A musty odor
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Mold around windows or in the corners of the ceiling
There are some things that can be easily fixed, like a leaking pipe or some slight rust. However, the damage around the pipe can begin to stack up quickly. Mold can be a particularly tricky problem because it can be cleaned and covered. It can also cause a number of health issues, including respiratory issues.
It is also essential that you know what a seller needs to disclose legally and what they don’t in the state or country in which you are buying the house. Hidden damages can cost the new buyer hundreds and thousands on top of the buying price, so be aware of what is your responsibility to investigate.