Congratulations! You’ve found your dream home and you’re working towards finalizing the purchase. For some, this is one of the most exciting times in their lives. But before you sign on the dotted line, a home inspection is a must. Unfortunately, sometimes the inspection can uncover serious issues that cannot be overlooked and may mean that your dream home isn’t quite as dreamy as you thought. Our team at Residential Inspector of America has put together a list of red flags to look for in your inspection. If one of these pops up, it may mean you need to reconsider your offer.

Foundation Issues

Foundation issues can be a very big deal and very expensive to fix. Every house “settles” over time. The weight of the home causes it to settle into the ground and that may cause hairline cracks in the basement: this is normal. However, depending on the topography, the house may settle more than it should and that can cause structural weakness. So, if your home inspector sets a ball down and it rolls to the other side of the house, you need to walk away.

Mold

When it comes to mold, it’s important to know the difference between surface mold and black mold. Surface mold is normal in a poorly ventilated bathroom and can easily be remedied. However, black mold is much more serious and can cause asthma and even death with prolonged exposure. Black mold is not only very expensive to get rid of but also to make sure it doesn’t come back. When black mold is found in a home, it is usually indicative of a more serious problem such as cracks in the foundation or major plumbing issues.

Roof Problems

Roof problems can be tricky. A roof may look perfectly fine from the front yard, but may actually be falling apart. That is why it is so important to have a professional inspector crawl around up there and give you an estimate of how many years your roof has left. If it is less than 3 years, you may need to go back to the sellers and renegotiate. Also, look out for curling shingles or water damage on the ceiling of the home for an idea of how well your roof is holding up.

Call in the Pros

Homebuyers need a property inspection firm with the experience and professionalism they can trust, to ensure that their new home is safe and sound. Contact Residential Inspector of America today at (904) 590-1306 to learn more about our affordable and comprehensive home inspection options to help make sure your new Jacksonville, FL, home is in top condition for you and your family.