Are you starting to make your dreams of having a house come true? Choose the right home wisely, especially if you’re buying pre-owned. Purchasing a house is a big decision and investment to make, so you need to ensure your potential home is in good condition and can last long.

With that being said, you should know what to look out for during house inspections. Performing house inspections can help you avoid nasty surprises in the future and assess significant defects, safety concerns, and potential threats. In this article, we will focus more on the common exterior problems, so be wary of these issues and inspect thoroughly.

1. Check Any Foundation Problems

It’s a red flag if the house encounters foundation issues because it can lead you to massive expenses for repair. Check your foundation if there’s any cracked, crumbling, or separating from itself in different areas. As a home buyer, you can identify foundation issues even if your home inspector is not around by looking if there’s any crack in walls, sagging or uneven floors, and through doors and windows that won’t close properly.

2. Look for Cracked Siding

Cracked siding may seem like a minor problem, but it can cause you inconvenience, especially if it’s not replaced right away. Cracked siding means that it cannot protect your potential house against exposure to the elements, prevent heat, and resist cold. Additionally, cracked siding is not aesthetically pleasing for a dream house.

3. Survey for Loose Bricks

If you dream about having a brick home, double-check its durability since bricks tend to deteriorate over time. While bricks are classically beautiful, repairs for loose bricks are expensive and time-extensive. Bricks are also hard to maintain because you need to remove and rebuild all the bricks once there is damage.

4. Examine the Drainage System

You also need to consider if the property has a good or poor drainage system since it can cause structural issues to your potential home. During the home inspection, check if there’s any water in the basement, mosquitoes breeding in puddles, ice building up on walkways and patios in the winter, or dead grass, trees, and plants. These are indications of a flawed drainage system.

5. Inspect Electrical Outlets

Checking the electrical outlets will benefit you and your family because you can watch out for any electrical damage that may cause harm or untoward incidents. Ensure that you consider the home’s wiring before you purchase because inadequate electrical distribution or lighting equipment in the home can cause home fires.

6. Pay Close Attention to the Roof

The roof will be the first line of defence for your family to live comfortably in a home. Considering that it’s your protection against snow, rain, and sunlight, you must ensure that there’s no damage to the roof. Look for any missing or bad shingle issues during the home inspection, as it can save you from high replacement expenses. Roof issues aren’t just for aesthetics concern; its functionality is also at risk.

7. Check the Windows’ Quality

Ensure your soon-to-be home doesn’t pose faulty windows and doors, or else it can cause you water damage or furniture and air conditioner strain. Once the window seals go bad, it will lead to a drafty window, making replacement as the necessary solution to fix it. Remember that window replacement isn’t exactly cheap, so you need to think and inspect carefully to avoid overhead costs.

Conclusion

When it comes to home inspection, it’s imperative to give yourself some time to think everything through, so you can choose the best home for you. It’s an investment, so you shouldn’t ignore minor problems that can put your investment to waste. You should take home inspection seriously so you can make informed decisions and feel certain about your purchase.

After buying a home, you can upgrade it according to your liking. MCM Homes can help you with your exterior home renovations in Edmonton and Red Deer. We have quality installers and only use high-quality materials from reputable manufacturers that stand behind their products. Reach out to us for your home improvement today!