The 5 Most Expensive Fixes Revealed by Home Inspections
Home repairs typically carry a steep price tag and are why you should always have a home inspected before committing to the purchase. After all, this will probably be the single largest investment you’ll make in your lifetime. That’s why waiving a home inspection is never advisable. The problem is that the costliest fixes are rarely visible to the average home buyer when doing a walk-through. In some cases, staging covers up a home’s defects. Thus, a home inspection becomes important.
So, you can’t rely on any disclosures to determine the extent of the disrepair that you could be facing. Consequently, the following is a list of the 5 most expensive fixes that a home inspection might reveal:
- Deck – when a deck is nearing the end of its life, it can be expensive to fix. Even more important is the fact that it can be dangerous if it’s neglected and left in disrepair. Most decks are constructed to last up to 15 years. However, all require regular upkeep and preventative maintenance that is specific to the materials it was constructed from.
- Foundation – while it may only cost a few hundred dollars to repair minor foundation cracks, you could be looking at tens of thousands of dollars for the major ones. Cracks that are a minimum of 1/4” to 1/2” in diameter are typically the most worrisome and warrant the homeowner’s immediate attention.
- Roof – when considering the purchase of a home, there are several relatively common roof issues to watch for including broken gutters, chimneys in disrepair, and dislodged downspouts. Getting them repaired quickly is the best option.
- Septic – although these systems are designed to last up to 50 years or more, improper treatment or the lack of proper maintenance can be extremely costly (new systems cost from $20,000 to $50,000). Septic systems have changed over the years and today, there are several different types in use. Older homes adhered to older building codes which are now obsolete. Furthermore, new codes arise every few years.
- Water damage – drips, leaks, and especially flooding can lead to major structural damage if they’re not addressed immediately. Having a home inspection catch issues like these before purchasing a home can save you a lot of money and stress down the road. Some of the more important warning signs indicating the presence of water damage include fresh paint, a musty odor, and staining.
For more information or to schedule a professional home inspection in Broward County, call Florida Inspections Unlimited at 954-861-0666.