You’ve found your dream home, had your offer accepted, and are heading into the inspection — congrats! You’re halfway there. But even houses that look move-in ready can be hiding issues or will need repairs — and some problems are more serious (and expensive) than others.
A good home inspector looks at a home’s systems and around the property to ensure everything is in working order, safe, and livable. But the biggest red flags found during a home inspection are almost always those that could be extra costly to fix or reveal more than you bargained for.
Whether you’re buying in San Antonio, TX where foundation issues run rampant, or looking at homes in Charleston, SC, where past flooding could be at play, here are the biggest red flags to look out for once the home inspection report comes back.
1. Structural problems
One of the main things to look out for when buying a home is problems with the foundation, especially if there are horizontal cracks, says Redfin real estate agent David Palmer. “If I see those, it’s an immediate stop. At the very least, you’re going to need a foundation expert to take a look.”
If the cracks are vertical, it’s not as worrisome — “unless it’s large enough to stick a coin into. Then it’s time to call in an expert. Foundations can be very expensive,” Palmer says.
What’s a structural red flag? Old wooden foundations, sloping in the home, or sagging and cracks in the walls could also be signs you’re in for complicated (and spendy) structural problems after purchase.
2. Water damage and past flooding
Water stains on the ceiling or bad musty smells in a basement could mean leaks, roof problems, or bad sewer line drainage. Water in the home can warp wood, peel paint, and even weaken the structure of the house.
Past flooding could also be the cause of excess moisture in the home, but at that point you’re not just dealing with water damage. Floods can leave behind…