Hidden Home Defects to Watch For

No home is flawless, but certain physical problems can be expensive. Watch for:

1. Water leaks - Look for stains on ceilings and near the baseboards, especially in basements or attics.

2. Shifting foundations - Look for large cracks along the home’s foundation.

3. Drainage - Look for standing water, either around the foundation of the home of in the yard.

4. Termites - Look for weakened or grooved wood, especially near ground level.

5. Worn roofs - Look for broken or missing copings and buckled shingles as well as water spots on ceilings.

6. Inadequate wiring - Look for antiquated fuse boxes, extension cords (indicating insufficient outlets), and outlets without a place to plug in the grounding prong.

7. Plumbing problems - Very low water pressure, banging in pipes.