Home Inspection Blog Posts & Tips

5 Sneaky Red Flags That Can Sink Your Home Inspection



You finally found the home of your dreams with everything that you could possibly want. Now it’s time to sign the dotted line and close the deal… or is it?


On the surface everything looks as it should, no major red flags. Before we jump ahead of ourselves, you will need to book a home inspection. The truth is that even newer homes or homes that are considered to be in good condition have flaws or issues that may pop up during a home inspection. Which is why if you are buying or selling your home in the Columbia, Lexington, Irmo, and surrounding areas of South Carolina, you will need a home inspection.


In this short article we are going to present 5 sneaky red flags that you can be on the lookout, even before you book the home inspection. In this short article, we are going to explore warning signs to look out for and what it may take to fix it.
If you are buying a home in the Great Columbia area of South Carolina and surrounding areas you will want to check out these 5 sneaky red flags that can sink your home inspection. 



Sewer Issues

Sewer issues can turn into a stinking  situation, no pun intended. If you noticed standing water in the yard, signs of flooding in the basement, and heaved walkthroughs this are telltale signs of blockage issues or possibly a break in the underground sewer line that connects to the main sewer line in front of the house.  The cost of repairing sewer pipes can cost anywhere from up to $100 foot and up depending on the situation. In some situations such a disconnected pipe has resulted in an estimate for $10,000. 



Faulty Electrical System

If the home that catches your attention was built before the 70s, you might have more than lingering outdated aesthetics and wood paneling to worry about. You will want to look for signs that may point to possible hazardous electrical wiring such as knob and tube wiring and aluminum branch circuit wiring are two of the biggest and most common threats that could put you and your family at risk of a home fire. Numerous extension cords can be a big tipoff that the electrical system is outdated and stuck in the 70s.

If you decide to upgrade the electrical panel to make your system run safely and more efficient, you should expect to spend anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000.  The size of the panel is also a determining factor in the estimate. However, rewiring the home can run about $10,000 and up. 



Foundation Cracks

Don’t sweat the small stuff, most minor corner cracks or minor noticeable cracks are caused by normal settling and are easy to repair. Instead, you should be on the lookout for cracks that are a quarter-inch wide located anywhere on the foundation or horizontal cracks. Foundation cracks are a serious matter, the foundation repair can vary depending on the cause and solution needed to resolve the issue with the foundation cracks. The repair can set you back about $1,500 to $5,000. However, with varying foundation types, severity and widespread issue you could easily exceed $10,000, taking into consideration whether or not excavation is required.



Worn Roofing

Ideally the best way to confirm the state of the condition on a roof is to go straight to the source. However, before the home inspection is even booked you can easily search for signs of a worn roof without getting on top of the roof. Here’s what you can do to spot potential signs of a leaky roof:


  • Check for water stains on the ceiling. This could be a sign of a leaky roof, and freshly painted ceiling could be a sign that the sellers are attempting to color up the problem.


  • Check for excessive vegetation outside of the area, you can potentially find damaged areas of the roof as well as curling, buckling, or missing shingles. 




Old Pipes 

To examine old pipes you will need to turn on the faucet to check for low water pressure and to listen for a gurgling sound. If the home was built between 1978 and 1995, it might have polybutylene water supply pipes, which were part of a class-action lawsuit in the early 2000s. The issue with polybutylene pipes is that they degrade and break down, causing leaks that puts homeowners at risk for flooded homes if faulty pipes were not replaced. The cost of a full replacement with a more modern product can cost  $5,000 and up, the price can double for copper pipes. 



Same Day Home Inspection and CL-100 Letter ( Pest Inspection)


Whether you are buying or selling a home, you will need to get a home inspection. With S&J Home Inspections you can get a full-service inspection plus obtain your CL-100 letter in just one visit! Contact us to book your home and pest inspection today! (803) 261-4768


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