Uncovering Hidden Damage to a House

Signs of Damage in a House

It’s so easy to get distracted by the cute barn doors, the recessed lighting, and the shiplap walls – that we miss the water damage on the roof! Luckily, the inspection period is written in the contract to give buyers a chance to hire an inspector to assess the property. However, it’s important to know the signs that something may be wrong before getting too invested in a home. Here are some signs that there may be big problems with a house.

Signs of roof damage:

  • Cupped, curled or warped shingles
  • Lots of shingle granules in the gutters
  • Cracked or broken tiles
  • Missing sections
  • Mismatched roof sections
  • Ceiling stains
  • Sagging roof deck

Signs of foundation damage:

  • Visible cracks in exterior or interior
  • Door jams/doors not shutting
  • Gaps on top of doors when closed
  • Windows not square
  • Wall corners not square
  • Cracks in driveway or sidewalks
  • Drainage not pointing away from the house
  • Large trees with roots close to foundation

Signs of water/mold damage:

  • Water stains on ceilings and walls
  • Cracks around windows
  • Bowed roof
  • Visible mold
  • Musty smell
  • Missing caulking or tile in baths
  • No bathroom vents
  • Wood rot around doors and trim
  • Peeling paint

Signs of electrical damage:

  • Exposed wires
  • Warm outlets
  • Damaged or rusted electric panel

Signs of plumbing damage:

  • Water stains in sinks, toilets, bath
  • Low water pressure
  • Screeching when turning on/off
  • Slow drains
  • Bad odors from sinks

A good real estate agent will be able to help you catch these things. Ready to start looking for homes? Contact me today and let’s get started!