Buying a home is one of the costliest purchases you will ever make here in California. Whether you buy new construction or decide to pay less for a fixer-upper, knowing what issues you face is vital to getting the best value for your money and also feeling “at home.”
After you make an offer which is accepted by the seller, the countdown to closing begins, and it’s time to take a much closer look at the property you have chosen. One of the first steps is to find a qualified home inspector who is trained to do a thorough examination.
Potential issues after an inspection
Many home defects can arise during an inspection depending upon the age of the property. One inspector shared his list with HGTV:
- Faulty wiring: Old or outdated systems are most common, and additions done by homeowners or other unqualified individuals
- Roofing: Old or worn-out shingles and missing flashing can lead to leaky roofs
- HVAC: Old or improperly maintained heating and cooling systems
- Plumbing: Leaky pipes for old or outdated systems can be repaired, but sometimes entire systems must be replaced
- Insulation/ventilation: Poorly insulated or vented homes can cause excessive heating and cooling costs
- Lack of maintenance: Homes not properly cared for by previous owners can become money pits requiring extensive repairs
- Drainage: Water is a common enemy for new homeowners as drainage for some homes is not correctly done to keep water away from the foundation
Seek legal advice over home defects
When spending your hard-earned money to buy a home here in California, the last thing you need is to experience added expenses due to problems which were not disclosed by the seller, or flaws discovered later with a newly-constructed home. An experienced real estate attorney can help you resolve those disputes to keep your dream home from becoming a nightmare.
