Hardy Home Inspections

Home inspection red flags

Foundation cracks
This is when ridges or lateral movement indicate a change in a surface causing cracks to appear.

Load-bearing walls removed
Openings in basements and lower floor areas will exhibit excess deflection in the middle of the span and cracks in the corners of the openings.   Request a history of renovation on the home to determine if walls have been moved that should not have been.

Faulty or insufficient wiring
Ask whether wiring in older homes was updated and whether wiring can handle all their tech needs. A family with teenage children might overtax a system that was fine for an older couple.

Leaky roofs and water stains
Stains on sheet rock, ceilings and floors may indicate prior water problems.

Ineffective windows
Windows that can’t be opened and closed are problematic and unsafe. Windows that fog up may have a broken seal and should be replaced.

Damp facades
Stains on wood siding may reveal entrapped moisture; cracks around bricks may indicate missing mortar.

Pesky pests
Quiz homeowners about prior unwanted pests and what they did to cure problems.

Sagging wood floors
Excessive slopes or a floor that feels like a trampoline when walked on is not acceptable.

Rotten wood
Untreated wood can become weak and fragile.  Keep an eye on any wood that touches dirt.  Moisture from the ground can damage the wood and create the perfect place for termites to inhabit.

Before making repairs be sure to get three recommendations and bids. Check permits on any previous work performed to ensure the work was in compliance with local regulations.