Purchasing a home presents an exciting opportunity. It may be an investment for the future or a home to raise a family in. Nonetheless, hidden defects in a property can put a real dampener on the purchase.
Hidden defects are those that may not be immediately visible, even after a standard home inspection. What are some of the more common hidden defects in residential real estate?
Structural problems
A property is only as good as its foundations. A property may look pristine inside, but it could have structural issues that have gone unnoticed. Some of the most common examples include cracked foundations, leaning walls and sagging roofs. At first, structural issues may only appear as minor cracks in the walls, but these can get progressively worse over time.
Plumbing and electrical issues
The trouble with electrics and plumbing is that the majority of pipes and wires are hidden from view. There may be a leaking pipe behind a wall, which could cause flood damage. The electrical wires may also be exposed to this leak, resulting in a risk of electrocution and fires.
Mold and infestations
Mold growth is another issue that buyers should be aware of. This can occur behind interior walls, and it is potentially a serious health issue. A property may also be infested with pests, and this may not be obvious on initial inspections.
Ideally, a seller should disclose all defects, but this doesn’t always happen. Reputable home inspectors can give you a good insight into the condition of the house. Nonetheless, if you have bought a house with hidden defects, you may want to look into your legal rights.