You’ve found that little spot in the country that you’ve been dreaming of, but it hasn’t been lived in for a while and needs some work. Or maybe you’ve found a place in town that caught your eye, but it’s been empty for months or years. Whatever your case, you owe it to yourself to have your home inspected by a qualified home inspector.
Houses that have not been occupied for a period of time can present particular problems. Houses are often not that well cared for, even when you live in them continuously. Many things that a home inspection reveals are the result of neglect or a lack of routine maintenance.
When it comes to a home that has been vacant for a long time, a home inspection is a must to reveal the state of the home. Such problems are all too common in today’s market with foreclosures, short sales, and bank-owned properties. While such properties represent opportunities for home buyers and renovators, buyers should always be aware of the potential pitfalls and pitfalls when purchasing a home in today’s market.
The job of a home inspector is to inspect a home’s structures and systems from top to bottom. Over time everything deteriorates or breaks down. Time has a way of magnifying problems that already existed. The length of time that a home has been vacant will play a role in the condition of the various components of that home.
These are some of the problems you can expect when a house has been unoccupied for a long period of time. Some are what you’d expect, while others may be hidden in plain sight.
* When a home has been closed off, mold growth can increase. The potential for mold to form is exacerbated if moisture seeps into the base. Mold can accompany water damage from broken pipes or a cracked water heater tank.
* Valves, joints and devices that are not used develop problems. For example, joints and hoses can dry out and cause leaks or flooding.
* Sewer traps can dry out and lose their seals. This would allow methane gas to enter the house. Sewer gas is unhealthy and highly flammable.
* Damaged or blocked drain and sewer lines are common in vacant homes.
* Unwelcome guests, ie vandals and thieves, will likely take salvageable items from the home. For example, they can steal copper pipes, copper wiring, and air conditioning refrigerant lines. Expect chemical spills and burn damage if the home has been used as a meth lab. Of course, there may be a number of broken windows.
* Insects, rodents and small animals can infest a home and do their share of damage. An example is a termite infestation, which ruins wooden structures. Animals can leave behind fleas and droppings, creating unsanitary conditions.
These are just a few of the things home inspectors have found in today’s market. While there are many things to consider when buying a home, without a home inspection, you won’t be able to adequately judge the condition of the home. Your home inspector’s report will help you decide whether or not you really want to buy the property you have in mind.
