A home purchase is one of the largest investments that you will likely make in your lifetime. For this reason, homeowners are encouraged to protect their investment by tending to regular maintenance. Home Maintenance can not only ensure that your home’s interior and exterior are looking their best, but can be essential to ensuring the long-term stability and safety of your building.
For this reason, keeping a well-maintained home is key. However, most homeowners are not the first owners of their homes. If you are looking to purchase a new home, here is how to tell if your home was maintained before you moved in.
Wall or Ceiling Discoloration
Water is one of the most common sources of home damage. Water damage can be very expensive and can have lasting problems if not addressed quickly enough. Unfortunately, many people do not notice water damage until it has caused significant issues. If you notice any discoloration on the walls or ceiling, this could be an indicator that some damage has occurred in the past. This could mean mold or other problems will show up down the road.
Sagging Roof
Your home may be one of the most expensive investments you will make, but your roof is one of the most expensive investments in your home. A roof repair can be extremely costly. If you notice that your roof lines are not solid and the roof appears to be sagging in between the joists, this could be an indicator that the roof will need replacing down the line. Naturally, roof expertise is important when evaluating how long a roof has until it needs to be repaired or replaced. Don’t trust your untrained eye. Hire a professional to inspect your roof annually.
Pest Playground
Pests are aptly named, and regardless of their annoyance, they can be a great indicator of how a home was maintained. A fastidious Previous owner will ensure that the home is free of any indicators of pests or pests themselves. If you find mouse droppings or unusual smells this could be an indicator that the home was not ideally maintained.
When purchasing a home, don’t be afraid to keep out a keen eye. However, remember that a novice look-through cannot take the place of a licensed home inspector. After you have found the home you think looks great, be sure to get a professional’s opinion.
