Hey guys so we're looking for a starter home!
We had our hearts set on this one
2226 Front Street, Wilson Borough, PA 18042 - Prudential Regency Real Estate and went to see it yesterday and what a horrible mess! To termites from the basement to the attic, they ate away at most of the frayed out supporting beams. Aluminum siding, so you can count on wooden structures
Ceilings that were caving in, and others with water damage. The basement was something out of a horror movie. Knob wiring, Even the Realtor we have found suggested that we stay far away from this place. Such a disappointment as the school district is rated very high. The point of this
thread is to ask you guys if you have any tips you can share for us?
If there are termites in the attic then you have to pass on this one.
Inspections are most important in a possible home purchase. You have to look at the structure, the slab/foundation, wiring, plumbing and with plumbing you want to ask about the age of the main water line that runs out to the curb. Check all water pressure by running the shower and flushing the toilet at the same time.
Check the roof for any dips/waving. Check that there are no cracked shingles that are at the edges of the roof-obvious wear/tear.
As you walk
through a house go slowly and pay attention to any incline/decline you may feel under your feet-could be slab/foundation problem.
Check all closet ceilings for any water stains and look for any spots that may look as if they have had a fresh coat of paint. Some people use Kilz to cover this up.
Stand over toilets and with your knees on each side of toilet move left and right to check that seal is solid.
Check for good insulation in attic and perhaps have someone come in to check for wall insulation.(
http://www.hometips.com/diy-how-to/insulation-inspection-home.html)
You also want to pay attention to any part of the yard that may be sloped toward the house. You do not want to have to fight water intrusion around the base of the foundation more so if there is a basement. Always revisit a house while it is raining.
While walking around the exterior look at the foundation, do you see any hipline cracks that run up or down, if you do make a note of it and when inside check the rooms floor and wall where the fracture was on the outside.
Take a good look at all fascia and all trim work outside for lack of upkeep/water intrusion.
Check for leaky/old windows and weather stripping. Any gaps around the frame of the windows or doors?
Do any of the vents in the house have any signs of mold?
Is PA a "Buyer Beware" state?
Take plenty of pictures and of everything and angle. Look at them on your computer over and over-you just might see something you did not see when you were in the house.
Sit down and make a list of items that you can handle repairing yourself and a list that you would need to hire someone to do for you.
Just a few things I can think of off the top of my head.Everything you find wrong with a house is a bargaining tool. Be prepared to know about what it would cost to make the repairs. This is a buyers market, not a sellers.
But he explaind that he wanted to stress the pump. 