Watch Out for These Home Inspection Red Flags
The real estate market is complicated and full of people from different backgrounds and differing levels of experience. We like to believe people generally have good intentions, and for the most part, we’re usually correct. Unfortunately, not everyone has your best interest in mind and may try to get creative with solutions when selling their home. This is why come inspection is an important part of the home buying and selling process.
When you work with home inspectors like our team at CHC Home Inspection, you’re gaining the benefit of our years of experience to help you sort through a property and make sure that you’re making the best investment. Our team shares some home inspection red flags to watch out for when you’re buying a new home.
Lots of Fresh Paint
Signs of fresh painting in itself is not necessarily a trick or red flag. Every seller wants their home to look its best when it’s on the market, but fresh paint can cover all sorts of possible issues like smoke damage, water stains, and areas of mold. If you notice several new patches of paint when you view a home, mention it to your inspector. You can also request before and after photos—many homeowners like to show off their handiwork.
Omitting Details
A seller cannot be held responsible for problems they aren’t aware of. This makes sense from a legal standpoint but this also gives dishonest sellers a chance to leave you with issues after the sale. If the seller says mold testing isn’t necessary, it could be a red flag and more reason for you to have a thorough inspection done before purchase.
“Forgetting” Important Information
Some sellers will tell you they can’t remember the last time they pumped the septic system or replaced the roof. An honest seller will not only have specific timeframes for these things, but they can also generally provide documentation of the activity or repairs made to the home. If you have questions that need answers, consider adding necessary disclosures to the contract.
Dismissing Your Concerns
If a seller seems hesitant to tell you when the last time they had routine maintenance performed on systems, it’s a red flag. Minimizing issues is an attempt to get you to not look further into when they last performed regular maintenance. You can always check yourself for broken appliances, leaky plumbing, or crumbling masonry and report your findings to your inspector.
Strategic Placement of Items
Most homes on the market will have moving boxes, but some sellers may use moving boxes, artwork, or furniture to conceal problem areas. If a piece of furniture seems out of place or boxes are stacked unusually, you can ask the seller to move these items so you can see what’s behind them.
Preventing Access to Areas
A homeowner with nothing to hide will be more than happy to allow you and a licensed inspector to access every area on a property. This includes the attic, crawl spaces, and circuit breakers. If a seller denies access or asks you to come later to see these spaces, it’s a major red flag.
Contact Us
When you find a house you love, we urge you to schedule an inspection with a licensed inspector. Our team has the training and experience you need to ensure the home you purchase is in great shape. We offer various inspections, including general and commercial options.
Call us today at 1-800-975-0275 to schedule an inspection or request an insurance quote online. CHC Home Inspection has locations in Lexington and Louisville, KY. We’re happy to serve All of Kentucky, including Lexington, Louisville, Liberty, Somerset, Georgetown, and Nicholasville, KY.