When you are searching for a property, it is quite likely that you would fall in love with a property which looks beautiful at the very first glance. This is especially true if you are a bit desperate for a new home or wants to relocate to a new place for an unforeseen reason. But in reality, it is important to recognise what lies actually ‘inside’ the property. Your dream home can hide many serious issues which only a professional building inspector can find out.
As licenced building inspector in Melbourne with decades of experience, we have dealt with many properties which at first glance looked very nice and promising, (almost flawless at times) but later revealed serious issues upon deeper investigation.
Therefore, it is important not to go for the outer shine of the property, but look for these 8 vital signs in a property which can even prove to be a deal-breaker at the end.
7 Red Flag Signs That Can Be A Deal Breaker
Some concerns can seem minor on the surface, but more often than not, they are a sign of a bigger and more costly problems. It may not always an immediate issue, but can eventually escalate, leaving you leaving you with unexpected repair bills and a property that requires significant investment to restore.
- Cracks in the Foundation or Siding
Small minor cracks in a foundation can be common and these are generally not a big matter of concern. However, if there are substantial amount of cracks in the foundation or the existing cracks are getting bigger and wider, it can indicate a significant structural issue or even water damage.
These problems can compromise the stability of the home and be costly to repair. The size, location, and pattern of the cracks are often considered to better determine the severity, risk and need for repair.
- Uneven and Sagging Floors
Uneven or sagging floors may not just detract from a home’s appearance— but they can also signal serious foundation problems or structural deterioration. This are often caused by foundation settling, water damage or beam disorientation more than by any other issue. If you do not attend the issue early and let it left untreated, it can grow up to be an extensive repair work, including reinforcing the foundation or replacing damaged beams altogether.
- Water Damage or Drainage Problems
A good drainage system is the main reason which protects the home foundation from excess moisture build-up. It will generally take the used water through an external pipe and take it outside of the home. But if there is any disruption in the process, the water can seep outside and damage the foundation. Moreover, moulds are very likely to grow in these unattended areas which are not good for the health of older adults.
Check for water stains, standing water, musty odours, or visible mould growth – all these are signs of water damage.
- Pest Damages or Signs of Pests
It will not be an exaggeration if we say that this is one of the biggest red flags to watch out for. Termites are tiny little white insects who feed on the cellulose of wooden structures. This means they can cause huge harm to the foundation of the house to a large extent. And what makes it hard that the damages often go unnoticed until it gets very big.
That is why the signs of the pest infestations such as wood damage, discarded wings and mud tubes should be recognised within times.
- Rust
Excess rust on metal components like gutters, downspouts, support beams or window frames, can really damage structural integrity of the property. Rust usually makes the metal weak over the period of time and creates instability or failure over time. Even you find the visible signs of rust are quite less, still it can also be a sign of underlying issues which might create more severe problems in future. That’s why during pre-purchase building inspections, if we find such issues, we generally suggest not to go for that property.
- Decaying Roof
Decaying roof is also another sign which you should take seriously as a prospective home-buyer. There is a misconception that roofs last forever. However, in reality, it is not true. Continuous exposure to the outer elements like sunlight, rain-water and wind can gradually start to deteriorate the roof over time. If a roof is nearing the end of its lifespan, you are likely to find water damage and mould growth there. In case if you buy a property with such issue, you may even have to bear the expensive task of costly repair much sooner than you would have expected.
- Environmental Defects
It is true that no matter how good the property is, with extensive exposure to the organic environmental elements such as mould or fungi, the health of the property will surely be impacted. These things can grow in the property for various reasons like poor ventilation or moisture build ups. If they are left untreated, these can create a good amount of health issues such as respiratory problems. This is where new construction building inspections help. Here, an inspector will investigate any potential environmental risks during the inspection and get a full idea if there was any incident of such issues was taken place in the past.
When Should You Walk-Off from The Deal?
Honestly, as a home-buyer, it is totally a call of yours. If you are in the market to take a chance, you might be willing to overlook some issues. Similarly, if you think that demolishing, rebuilding or the amendment of the existing problems are a greater cause of concern for you (from both time and monetary perspective) you may go for another property. Likewise, if the property is within your desired location, you may take a chance as well. However, for purchasers looking for a move-in-ready home with significant red flags are serious considerations and you should step-in only when you are confident enough.
At Certified Building and Pool Inspections in Melbourne, we understand how important it is to make informed decisions when you are investing a large amount in the real estate industry. That is why our comprehensive pre-purchase building inspections in Melbourne will provide you with all the detailed information you need to assess whether a property is worth your time and money.
If you have any concerns or want to book your inspection, call us on 0430 285 513 or 0478 297 535 or visit our website here.
FAQ
1. Why should I look beyond a property’s appearance when buying a home?
A beautiful exterior can hide serious issues like structural damage or water problems, which only a professional inspector can uncover.
2. What are the risks of cracks in a property’s foundation?
Large or widening cracks may indicate structural issues or water damage, leading to costly repairs and compromised stability.
3. How do uneven or sagging floors affect a home’s value?
They can signal foundation problems or structural deterioration, potentially requiring expensive repairs like reinforcing the foundation.
4. Why is water damage a major concern in a property?
Water damage can weaken the foundation, promote mould growth, and cause health issues, often due to poor drainage systems.
5. What makes pest damage a deal-breaker for a home purchase?
Termites and other pests can cause extensive, often hidden damage to wooden structures, leading to significant repair costs.
6. When should I walk away from a property deal?
If the property has major red flags like foundation issues, pest damage, or a decaying roof, and you seek a move-in-ready home, it’s best to reconsider.