What To Look for When Buying a Home: Avoiding Future Damages

There are some amazing neighborhoods in our local communities such as Frisco, Dallas and Argyle. If you are looking to buy a house  you should look out for a few things during the process. Many homes may have suffered from water, fire or storm damage and it is important to be aware of past damages that may  be difficult for you in the future. 

If the home has water damage, fire damage, or wind/storm damage, the realtor or previous owner may try to hide it in order to sell the home. Some homeowners don’t take care of the problem appropriately, which will lead to costly damages and repairs in the future if you choose to buy it. Here are a few things you should look out for before purchasing a home:

Mold Damage

Mold is sometimes difficult to notice at first because it grows in dark, damp places. Mold and mildew growth occurs due to water damage over time or water that is not cleaned up properly. If not treated, mold can cause health risks and thousands of dollars in damage. Before purchasing a house, look at the following places for mold and mildew:

• Under bathroom and kitchen sinks: Leaky sinks and dripping pipes can lead to mold growth under the sink. A homeowner may not know that their pipes are leaking because they are hidden by a dark cabinet or wall.  This leads to the perfect environment for mold to grow. 

• Behind the walls (or under painted walls): In rare cases, some homeowners may just paint over mold damage to walls. In other cases, mold has developed under the paint and the homeowner may not know it. Before you buy the home, ask the current homeowner or the inspector to peel some paint off the walls to ensure there is no mold or mildew underneath.

Damaged Roof

Roofs are damaged by heavy winds, heavy rain, hail, and everyday wear and tear. A damaged roof can lead to water leaks that cause extensive damage and require repair. It is smart to check the roof while viewing a potential home-to-buy in order to avoid future catastrophes. Look out for the following things:

• Sagging or damaged shingles
• Buckled or curled shingles
• Water leaking (or water stains)  from the top floor or attic
• Stains that indicate water damage

Working Appliances

A broken appliance can lead to serious water damage. If a dishwasher, HVAC system, or washing machine is not working properly it will cause water to spill onto your floors. It is important to ask the realtor or homeowner if all appliances are working properly. Be sure to ask of any recent issues with all of them. It never hurts to ask for a new one as part of the move-in price!

Uneven Floors

If the flooring in some parts of the house feels uneven or bouncy, this could be a sign of previous water damage. Uneven floors can also be a sign that the foundation has settled significantly. A  good way to check for uneven floors is to bring a marble while viewing the home. Place the marble on the floor, if it rolls towards a spot on the floor you may have a foundation issue or hidden water damage. 

If you suffer from storm, fire, or water damage in a new or current home, be sure to contact Mr. Restore. Our experienced professionals will arrive at your home within 60 minutes to assess the damage and begin working.