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Warning Signs That Your New House Might Be A Money Pit


 

1. Moldy smells..Mold is everywhere, but when water leaks occur, mold can become a serious problem.  Mold can be present in crawl spaces and can cycle to dormant during dry periods and come back during high humidity and warmer months.  Sometimes sellers will surface clean an area thinking they have removed the mold, but often mold is hidden and will come back when moisture is re-introduced.

2. Burning smells…Some burning smells are harmless, but others can be electrical problems. 

3. Water stains, rust and damaged finishes. You may have plumbing, roof or basement issues that need to be addressed soon before more damage occurs.

4. Gutters missing or spilling…We live in a “temperate rainforest”. Needless to say, water control is vital to the longevity of any house in our area. Failure to keep a home high and dry can result in a host of water related problems.

5. Strange sewer smells in the yard…Septic failure can happen anytime.  You should always ask the owner when the septic tank was last pumped.  Pumping frequency varies based on system size and occupant load, but in general, no system should go more than 8 years without being pumped.

6. Sloping floors, sticky doors and loose trim.  Cracks aren’t the only sign of foundation problems and cracks can also be signs of frame movement related to frame design. 

7. Rodent droppings and insect bodies. Some insects are nuisance type and some are detrimental to the structure of the house.  Rodent activity indicated by droppings can be challenging to eliminate.

8. Wobbly or loose toilets… Wobbly or loose toilets start as loose connections. Loose connections lead to leaks.  Leaks can cause damage to subfloor and finishes, and if left unattended, can lead to significant floor rot.

9. Cracks in the foundation. This can indicate structural movement that has occurred in the past and can indicate continuing issues.

 

To find out more about us please go to https://accuspecinspections.com/meet-the-team

To Book a Home Inspection in East Tennessee including Knoxville, Sevierville, Dandridge, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, Newport, or Maryville, please go to accuspecinspections.com 


Please book with us to provide a comprehensive inspection of your new home before you buy so we can help you “avoid the money pit”.  


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