Signs of Damage in a Home

It’s so easy to get distracted by the cute barn doors, the recessed lighting, and the shiplap walls – that we miss the water damage on the roof! Luckily, the inspection period is written in the contract to give buyers a chance to hire an inspector to assess the property. However, it’s important to know the signs that something may be wrong before getting too invested in a home. Here are some signs that there may be big problems with a house.

Signs of roof damage:

• Cupped, curled or warped shingles

• Lots of shingle granules in the gutters

• Cracked or broken tiles

• Missing sections

• Mismatched roof sections

• Ceiling stains

• Sagging roof deck

Signs of foundation damage:

• Visible cracks in exterior or interior

• Door jams/doors not shutting

• Gaps on top of doors when closed

• Windows not square

• Wall corners not square

• Cracks in driveway or sidewalks

• Drainage not pointing away from the house

• Large trees with roots close to foundation

Signs of water/mold damage:

• Water stains on ceilings and walls

• Cracks around windows

• Bowed roof

• Visible mold

• Musty smell

• Missing caulking or tile in baths

• No bathroom vents

• Wood rot around doors and trim

• Peeling paint

Signs of electrical damage:

• Exposed wires

• Warm outlets

• Damaged or rusted electric panel

Signs of plumbing damage:

• Water stains in sinks, toilets, bath

• Low water pressure

• Screeching when turning on/off

• Slow drains

• Bad odors from sinks

A good real estate agent will be able to help you catch these things. Ready to start looking for homes? Contact me today and let’s get started!