Thinking about buying a home? Many of the cost cutting tricks used in construction are not visible to the naked eye. Unfortunately, cheap construction can cost a great deal more in the future, when low quality materials start to wear out and fail. Luckily, there are a few things a potential home buyer can see that may be a signal that the rest of the house is poorly constructed.
Check The Flooring
One of the first and most obvious signs of problems with a new or older home is issues with the flooring. Look carefully for an uneven flooring surface in areas like the kitchen and the entrance between rooms. An uneven flooring surface is both annoying to live with and an indicator of possible problems with the way the foundation and underground areas were built. Check wood floors and carpeting for gaps near walls and entrances that may indicate a sloppy or cheap installation as well.
Windows And Doors
Many things can be inferred about a home's construction by the choice of windows and construction of window and door frames. Be certain that all external and internal doors open, close, and latch without any sign of hitting the frame. Look at the paint around the door frames in an older home for signs that the door might be hitting the frame in other seasons when the wood expands or contracts due to seasonal climate variations and humidity. Make sure windows close with a solid seal, and check for double paned glass in newer homes and cold climates. While there is much more to a home than the windows and doors, a builder who skimped in these important areas is likely to have cut other corners as well.
Water Damage
Look carefully throughout a home for any signs of water damage or mold. Stains on the walls or ceiling should always be closely inspected for these issues, even if you are planning to repaint the home later. Make sure the areas in the bathroom where water will go, like the walls around a tub or shower, are well tiled or otherwise waterproofed. Examine the area around the bottom of the toilet for signs of water damage or leaking, and make sure the bathroom floor is not rotting or coming loose near the tub, toilet, or sink. If the home has a basement, check the basement area for signs of water staining on the wall, floors, and near the sump pump.
Research The Builder
One of the simplest and most important things a potential home buyer can do to avoid low quality construction is simply researching the home's builder before making a purchase. If a home is new, it is simple to check with the better business bureau and online for a solid reputation. For older homes, it may be necessary to find out if other similar homes in the area that have probably been built by the same company have any common problems. Ask local contractors if there are any known issues with homes in an area before buying and be sure to get a home inspection from a qualified professional.
Joe Cline writes articles for Austin real estate. Other articles written by the author related to Austin Texas homes and Lakeway Neighborhoods can be found on the net.
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