Beyond basic wear and tear: 5 inspection red flags

A home inspection is a buyer’s opportunity to see if any problems lurk that may prove expensive to fix later.

Home inspections nearly always uncover something in a home to watch for or minor repairs needed. In a nutshell, there is always basic wear and tear in the life of a home. But what repairs should buyers especially be alarmed about that could possibly send them back to the negotiation table?

Here are five home inspection red flags:

1. Faulty foundations: A cracked or crumbling foundation could be a very expensive repair.
2. Mold: Pervasive mold growth may indicate an issue with improper ventilation issues and can also cause health issues to those living in the home.
3. Wiring issues: Outdated wiring or overloaded circuits can pose a fire hazard.
4. Termites and pests: The sooner termites are detected, and steps can be taken to get rid of them, the better.
5. Drainage issues: A home that has poor drainage can have wood rot and wet basements and crawlspaces, which can then lead to major mold growth.