If you’re purchasing a house and need a mortgage then the finance company may demand a survey is done before the funds are released. It may help you to feel confident in your purchase. However, these surveys are done to assess value for the mortgage company, not to help you identify any issues.
They may not be obligatory but you should invest in a property inspection to ensure you know what issues need to be sorted. If you choose to have an inspection done, pay the extra and have everything tested, including using magnetic particle testing. This is the most effective way to ensure you are aware of any structural issues in the property.
There are several common faults found in home inspections, these are 5 of the most likely ones:
Structural Issues
Structural issues are generally the biggest concern, and the most expensive to repair. In some cases, the structural issue is obvious thanks to cracks in the interior and exterior walls. However, not all cracks indicate an issue and there can be an issue with less obvious signs, especially if it is related to the foundations.
As structural issues can make a significant impact on your wallet, it’s a good idea to know about them before you complete.
Roof Failure
Your roof can be part of the structure of the house as it binds the walls together. Regardless of whether it is structurally important, your roof protects your property from the elements. Rain is one of the worst elements as it will soak the inside of your home and potentially cause wet rot.
This can result in a lot of work, depending on how much of the property has been damaged.
Plumbing Problems
Your plumbing system is an essential part of your property. It allows the effective delivery of water to various points in your house and ensures water is properly removed. But, it is also prone to issues such as water, air, and metal mix to form rust. This corrodes your pipes, creating leaks.
Naturally, a leak can cause a wide array of damage, including wet rot and mould, as well as furniture damage through flooding.
As many pipes are hidden in walls, it’s better to know about the issues before you commit to buying.
Electrical Issues
Rewiring a house is an expensive job. The alternative is to ignore any issues and risk electric shocks as well as short circuits that could start a house fire.
It’s not a pleasant thought, which is why any home inspection you have done should check the electrics thoroughly.
Pests
It can often be difficult to know if a house has, or has had, a pest issue. Naturally, you don’t want to live in a house with pests and you need to be aware of the damage they can do. That’s why your home inspection should check for evidence of pest infestations and any damage that has been caused.
