As part of the buyer process, you’ll likely need to do a detailed inspection of the property or have an external surveyor take a look. As a homeowner looking to sell, these inspections can be pretty daunting, as the results could end up with you having to fork out for repairs before the sale can go through.
Whichever side of the purchase you’re on, we’re here to share four red flags to look out for prior to or during a house inspection, as well as a few solutions to help save you a little cash.
Cracks in the foundations
Foundations for the property need to be in pretty much perfect condition. Cracks can be the ideal little spot for mold to develop, and any integrity issues related to the cracks could lead to a collapse.
How to fix house foundation cracks
Thankfully, cracks can be quickly filled in with silicone caulk. The caulk will fill the gap and can be sanded for a smooth finish. It lasts longer than plumber putty and won’t damage the surrounding surfaces.
Clogged drains
Foul odors or slow drainage can be a quick turn-off for house buyers. Things like smells or low water pressure can be a sign of a current clog or an impending problem. As everyone likes a powerful shower, low water pressure could quickly deter a buyer. So, if it’s not something the house has always suffered with, it might be down to clogged waterworks.
How to fix clogged drains
Like the foundations, a clogged drain is usually nothing to worry about. It can be fixed with a good clean. However, if you find that you’re continuously cleaning the drains to no avail, there might be something going on further down the pipework. Maplewood Plumbing can come and inspect the drains to understand where the obstructions are coming from. They’ll also be able to offer professional drain cleaning services.
Bent or clogged gutters
If there’s grass and other unidentifiable plants growing, your gutters won’t be able to do their job properly. When the gutters aren’t working to channel water away from the house, this can lead to all sorts of issues, including water damage in the foundations and wooden structure.
How to clean and prevent gutters from clogging
Grab the ladders and get rid of any vegetation that’s settled in. If possible, remove the bottom half of the downspout pipe. You can use a garden hose to push water up the spout to clear everything out. Alternatively, call the professionals for a downspout clean – especially if your gutters seem to clog up fast.
Low water pressure
As we mentioned above, everyone loves a power shower. And nobody wants to buy a home that already has low water pressure.
How to fix low water pressure
First, you’ll need to check the pressure with a gauge. Attach the gauge to an outside tap. Pressure under 45PSI can sometimes be fixed by twisting the handle of the water meter valve. You should aim for a high-water pressure but lower than 75 PSI. Otherwise, this could lead to plumbing emergencies.
If everything seems fine, it might be worth inspecting the sink, shower, and other fixtures to see if there are any problems elsewhere.
