Here are some tips to help you tell a fixer-upper from a money pit:
- Structural problems are expensive. Look for doors and windows that don’t fit properly; cracks in the foundation; brick veneer rather than brick construction; lifting floor tiles; leaning walls and floors that aren’t level.
- Old wiring can be a fire hazard. Ceramic knobs that support cloth-covered wires between joists or studs (knob-and-tube wiring) will need to be replaced.
- The waterworks should run clear. Flush all the toilets and turn on all the taps. You don’t want leaks or discolored water, which may be a sign of rust build-up.
- Beware of damaged plaster or drywall. If it’s damp, bulging or cracked, there could be an underlying problem in the ceilings or walls. Also, watch out for rough or recent repair jobs that may mask trouble.
- Track the invaders. Wherever wood comes into contact with brick and soil, there can be problems, so look for tell-tale signs. Carpenter ants leave piles of sawdust near the wet wood they live in. Termites leave mud tubes on beams and boards. Dry rot, a fungus, shows up as small brown spots on damp timber. Although these can all be easily treated, the structural damage that may have occurred can be significant.
- Water damage can mean many things. Check it out. Stains on a ceiling can indicate a new roof is needed or that a toilet is leaking. A musty basement could mean a damp foundation or a backed-up drain. Flaking paint in a bathroom is a sign of moisture trouble.
- Is it ongoing maintenance or an emergency repair? It’s important to decide. Remember that eventually every furnace needs to be replaced. But can that be done at a later date, or is the furnace leaking carbon monoxide now? Is the roof nearing the end of its life, or are shingles dropping off every time the wind blows? Is the fridge a few years out of date, or does it not keep the food cold?
- Is it just a little the worse for wear? Dirty carpets, old-fashioned wallpaper and ho-hum tiles are not inviting, but they are also not deal-breakers. These are relatively inexpensive to replace. A house that’s just a little worse for wear may actually be a great bargain.
Published on January 11, 2007