When you are looking at selling your home, you will want to know what to fix
or upgrade to help your home get through an inspection from a home
inspector.
Naturally, everyone from real estate agents to home stagers to buyers have
real estate-related “icks” — sudden and intense turnoffs that change your
perception of a place in a matter of seconds. But I’m willing to bet that home
inspectors are the professionals most prone to icks. They see fix-and-flip
homes and new builds that look shiny and new on the surface, then a home
inspection quickly reveals all kinds of problems and shortcuts. It’s the perfect
recipe for icks.
Below are five of the biggest icks home inspectors see.
DIY Plumbing
If you see funky or ugly plumbing, there’s a very good chance that it was not
done by a licensed professional.
Any type of tape or sealant applied to drain piping is usually a good indicator
that there are leaks or have been leaks.
Stains on plumbing or in vanities and cabinets are also a good indicator that
there have been, or still may be, active plumbing leaks. Also, loose fixtures
and toilets will probably perform poorly over time and could lead to costly
plumbing repairs.
Shoddy Electrical Work
In general, fix-and-flips are one of Certified Master Inspector Hubert Miles’
biggest icks.
“These horror stories, which I often call ‘lipstick on a pig,’ are often
accompanied by concerns about safety, functionality, or overall very poor
workmanship,” says Miles, owner of Myrtle Beach-based Patriot Home
Inspections and Home Inspection Insider. “There’s no worse feeling than to
walk into a cosmetically beautiful home only to kill someone’s dream of
homeownership with a laundry list of major issues.”
Some of the worst shortcuts have to do with electrical work, like improperly
installed outlets, exposed wiring, overloaded circuits, and more, Miles says.
Not only does it pose a significant safety hazard, but it also reflects a lack of
attention to detail and professionalism.
As an example, he’ll often find two-prong outlets upgraded to three-prong
outlets without rewiring. National Electric Codes (NEC) specify that three-plug
outlets on only ungrounded wiring must have GFCI protection and be labeled
“No Equipment Ground.” However, this rarely happens, Miles says, and often
accompanies an outdated breaker box.
Patchy Drywall Work
“One thing that I like to do is take a flashlight and hold it flat against the walls
and ceilings,” Zirlott (another home inspector) says. “When this is done, you
can sometimes spot drywall patches and repairs.” These repairs and patches
might indicate that there are still problems behind the walls.
Seeing patchwork repairs and cover-ups is a surefire way to make Miles’ eyes
roll. “Whether it’s using excessive layers of paint to hide water damage or
covering up cracks in the foundation with cosmetic finishes, these quick fixes
only serve to mask underlying issues that sellers are intentionally passing off
on homebuyers,” he says.
Old Systems and Appliances
Looking at the serial number for water heaters and HVAC equipment can give
you a good idea about the age of the equipment, Zirlott says.
“In my experience, air conditioning systems over 14 years old and water
heaters over 10 years old are nearing the end of their designed service life,”
he says. (However, if it isn’t broken don’t fix it. But remember, it may fail
soon. If you are putting the home on the market, look at getting a good home
warranty for the new buyer. That way you give them piece of mind. There are
even home warranty companies that will do what is called a “seller’s
coverage” covering you for items like this while your home is on the market.)
Websites like building-center.org are a good resource for looking up the age of
all different brands and models of equipment, according to Zirlott. It’s not
always that simple, though. Zirlott has done an inspection where the
homeowner wrapped their appliances in peel and stick wallpaper, making it
difficult to glean relevant information or a serial number.
Overgrown Lawns
Anything that makes it difficult for home inspectors to move about the property
with ease can be an “ick.” That includes long grass and weeds, which make it
tough to spot things like dog poop, says Mike Powell, a Certified Home
Inspector at Red Flag Home Inspection in Tampa, Florida.
Despite your best efforts, it’s tough to dodge everything in your path — and
one bad step can turn into a pretty annoying day, he says.
So, take a look at these areas when you are about to put your home on the
market. It could save you some headaches during your transaction.
If you are looking at selling or purchasing, give me a call and we can go over
what is the right next step for you.
Mary Cockburn
505-639-2090
MaryCockburn.Realtor@gmail.com
