Look for These 8 Common Issues During Home Showings

You qualified for a mortgage, and you're ready to find your dream home. In all that excitement, it's easy to overlook the small things that aren't quite perfect in a home.

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If it's your first time owning a house, you might not know what issues could turn into major problems. Look for these common issues during home showings to help you decide. 

Home showings give you the chance to inspect the house in detail. Don't just focus on the convenient layout or the great backyard. Getting picky helps you spot signs that could indicate a major structural issue. Some of the problems are dangerous, difficult to repair or expensive to remedy. It's common to find at least a few issues with a home. Evaluate the problems and determine if you're willing to take them on before making an offer on the house. 

1. Cracks in the Foundation and Walls

Foundation and wall cracks sometimes mean the home has settling issues or structural damage that's expensive to fix. Hairline cracks tend to be harmless and happen naturally as concrete cures in the first few years. Larger cracks often indicate structural damage, including settling, upward movement, rotation or bulging of the foundation.

Likewise, drywall naturally develops some minor cracks as the house settles normally. Larger cracks, particularly those that run diagonally on the wall, often happen when the home has foundation issues. If you spot concerning cracks, ask your home inspector if the cracks are a concern.  

2. Water Damage

Water damage can come from plumbing issues or leaks in the roof. You often see water damage as discoloration on the ceiling in a home. It can also cause paint to peel or bubble. Note signs of excess moisture, such as musty odors and dampness. Fixing the root cause of water damage can be an extensive and expensive project. 

3. Floor Condition

Floors take a lot of abuse, so it's natural to see some signs of wear. Wood floors might have scratches. Carpeting tends to get flattened or stained. Tiles can crack. If the flooring is in rough condition, consider whether you have the budget to replace it. If not, can you live with outdated flooring for a while?

Some floor issues indicate a bigger problem. Take note of uneven flooring, whether it slopes or sags in some areas. There could be structural damage, such as a weak floor joist or foundation problems. 

4. Window and Door Issues

A visual inspection of the windows helps you spot outdated windows with gaps or loose caulk. Go the extra step and try opening all the windows. Watch for windows that are painted shut or don't open smoothly. While you're at it, check all the doors to make sure they open smoothly, and look for gaps around doors when they're closed. 

5. Outdated HVAC System

On average, an HVAC system lasts between 15 and 25 years. When walking through the home, check the age and condition of the unit. You should find a metal nameplate on the outside of the unit that lists the manufacture date, sometimes abbreviated as MFR DATE. Some equipment integrates the manufacture date into the serial number, which might require decoding. You can find guides online for different HVAC companies to help interpret the date. 

If the unit is near the end of the average lifespan, ensure you budget for repairs or a full replacement. Older units might still run, but they often cost more to operate and might not heat or cool as efficiently as a newer unit. 

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• 4 Tips for Hiring a General Contractor for Your Next Remodeling Project 
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• 5 Things to Look For When You're Hiring an Electrician 
• What to Look for When Hiring an Exterminator 

6. Damaged Roofing

During an initial house showing, it's not likely you'll climb a ladder to get a close-up look at the roof. However, you can take a view from the ground to check for obvious roof damage or outdated roofing. Check for missing shingles, sagging, curling or major moss growth on the roof. On average, HomeGuide says a roof replacement costs $5,700 to $16,000 (CAD 7,791 to CAD 21,869), but the roofing material and features of the roof can affect that price. If the roof sags due to structural damage, that total will increase significantly. 

7. Visible Wiring and Plumbing Issues

The majority of a home's wiring and plumbing remain hidden behind the walls, but some areas are exposed, especially if the home has an unfinished basement or crawlspace. Check the plumbing under the sinks. Open the breaker box for a quick inspection. Note anything that looks unusual, such as frayed wires, corrosion on pipes or outdated equipment. Incorrect or outdated wiring increases your risk of electrical fires or shocks. Meanwhile, bad plumbing could cause serious water damage. 

8. Dangerous Landscaping

Landscaping affects curb appeal, but it also impacts the home's safety. Large trees that overhang the roof or power lines could cause major damage in a storm. Rotting decks, bowing retaining walls and uneven or cracking sidewalks all create potential hazards. Repairing those issues could be costly. Assess the potential risks and estimate the repair costs when considering a house.

All CAD conversions are based on the exchange rate on the date of publication.