Construction Red Flags To Watch Out For

Looking for a new home can be a very overwhelming experience, especially for first-time homebuyers. There are so many factors to consider, you might worry that you're forgetting something. In reality, it's common for homebuyers to become fixated on certain features or amenities that they may not recognize some significant red flags that could cause issues down the road or create significant repair costs. To further complicate things, today's fast-paced, competitive market means a lot of buyers don't have the luxury to take their time when evaluating a potential home.

Luckily, real estate agents are experienced, and they're more than capable of recognizing red flags or potential pitfalls that might not be apparent to homebuyers. By making yourself aware of these common red flags, you can be better prepared when touring a potential home. Keep an eye out for these common construction red flags when shopping for your new home:

• Structural Issues
  Structural problems can be tough to spot, but they are one of the most important things for homebuyers to recognize. Major cracks in the foundation and damp or wet basements are the easiest way to recognize major structural issues. However, if you're unsure, you can always hire a structural engineer to evaluate the property. Structural issues are incredibly expensive to repair, so you want to do your due diligence upfront.
  
  
• Pooling Water
  Poor drainage in the yard is one of the most common causes of structural issues or foundation damage. Check the permitter of the home to ensure downspouts are dispensing water at least 3 feet away from the foundation. If your property sits at the bottom of a hill or there appears to be grading issues, be sure proper drainage is installed around the home.
  
  
• Uneven Floors
  While it's normal for floors to become slightly uneven over time, a floor that is visually uneven or obviously sloped may be indicative of a larger issue such as foundation damage. This is another area where a structural engineer can help evaluate the severity of the issue.
  
  
• Poor Workmanship
  Identifying poor workmanship often requires a special eye and experience in repair work. However, it's absolutely something buyers should be on the lookout for, especially if they're buying a home that was recently flipped. Examples of poor workmanship might include poor plumbing, such as leaky sinks and toilets or bad carpentry work. It may help to have an experienced contractor evaluate the quality of the home along during the home inspection process so you can identify potential issues.
  
  
• Sagging Ceilings
  Ceilings aren't usually the first thing buyers notice when touring a home, but it's important to look for any sagging areas or even small water bubbles. These types of ceiling issues could suggest there are leaks and that an expensive roof replacement may be due in the near future.
  
  
• Electrical Issues
  Electrical issues are common in older homes. Check to see if the home still has an older electrical panel with tube wiring. While it's difficult for any regular consumer to evaluate the condition of a home's electrical wiring without experience, it's still a good idea to flip the light switches and check the conditions and age of outlets around the house.

Your first home is one of the most important investments you'll make, so it's important to do your homework upfront. Being aware of these red flags can help you avoid costly pitfalls in the future. It always helps to work with an experienced real estate agent who can help you identify issues.

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