The Inspector Found a Problem—Is it a Deal-Breaker?
At first glance, many inspection reports can be a bit overwhelming. Some are so detailed that it may appear the property will soon be falling down! Fortunately, though, in most cases the issues uncovered by the inspector are minor. On the other hand, major problems are sometimes discovered. Here is a rundown of some common issues… and some potential deal breakers:
Minor problems
Cosmetic Issues—Chipped or peeling vinyl flooring, chipped paint, paint splatters, small holes in sheetrock, etc. are cosmetic and are usually inexpensive to repair.
Foundation “settling”—Hairline cracks in the ceiling or concrete are usually a sign of normal settling or shrinkage, and not a sign of structural damage. In desired, this can usually be fixed with putty or paint.
Potential Red Flags
Water damage—Improperly treated water damage can cause the growth of mold and mildew.
Radon—This odorless gas, found mostly in rocky areas, can cause cancer.
Mold—Toxic mold can cause serious health problems, or even death, especially to infants and those with weak immune systems.
Termites and Carpenter Ants—These insects weaken the structure of a home over time.
Defective Roofing—This can be a costly problem to repair.
Aluminum Wiring—Found in some homes built in the mid 1960’s to the early 1970’s, this is a potential fire hazard.
Major Foundation Problems
Missing or Inoperable GFCI-- The ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) switches off electric power to a circuit when it senses any loss of current. A missing or malfuncting GFCI can lead to electrocution, electric shock, and electric burns. Luckily, these can be installed by an electrician fairly inexpensively.
Mixed Plumbing
Undersized electrical system—Found mainly in older homes, this can result in a shortage of household circuits and outlets.
Lead-based paint—Houses built before 1978 should be checked for lead based paint as this can cause lead poisoning, particularly in children and pregnant women.
Even these red flag items are not always deal-breakers. If these items are found in the property, contact the appropriate specialists. Find out if the issues can be resolved, and at what price. Weigh out the overall cost, in both time and money, to find out if it is a worthwhile investment.