Here is the balance of home checks points of advice when looking at a property to purchase:
– Poor maintenance. A do-it-yourself seller or bakkie-builder’s fixes to plumbing, electrical and other problems may cause more harm than good.
– Structural damage. A leaking roof or a weak, moving foundation may mean roof structures, doorways, walls and support beams become unstable. Many homes are built on problem soils that move with the seasons.
– Water seepage through windows and doors. If a home inspector sees evidence of water damage or water ingress, then re-caulking windows and doors, adding weather-stripping or other more extensive repairs may be necessary.
– Rotten window and door frames, timber floors and roofing timbers. South Africa has a host of pests like borer beetles, termites and wood-destroying fungi that attack the timber components of a house.
– Poor ventilation. If moisture continually accumulates in a home, it can lead to structural damage and health hazards. Installing ventilation fans and keeping windows open to improve cross ventilation will help – but buyers may find they need to alter walls or other structural aspects of a home to improve light and ventilation.
– Hazardous materials. Older houses may contain lead-based paint and asbestos materials. Houses may also contain unhealthy levels of potentially toxic moulds. – IOL Lifestyle
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