Hidden Home Defects to Watch For
No home is flawless, but certain physical problems can be expensive. Watch for:
Water leaks; look for stains on ceilings and near the baseboards, especially in basements or attics.
Shifting foundations; look for large cracks along the home's foundation.
Drainage; look for standing water, either around the foundation of the home or in the yard.
Termites; look for weakened or grooved wood, especially near ground level.
Worn roofs; look for broken or missing copings and buckled shingles as well as water spots on ceilings.
Inadequate wiring; look for antiquated fuse boxes, extension cords (indicating insufficient outlets), and outlets without a place to plug in the grounding prong.
Plumbing problems; very low water pressure, banging in pipes.
