The Top 5 Most Expensive Home Repair Projects
Homeownership is a crucial part of the American Dream. However, home repairs can be more of a living nightmare. If you plan on moving any time soon, you should be sure that the home you purchase is sound. After all, you don’t want to spend all your money buying the house only to discover a slew of issues that require costly repairs. When it comes to expensive home repair issues, Step By Step Inspections has seen it all, which is why we created this list, so you can know what to spot.
1. Foundation Issues
The foundation plays an integral role in assuring the structure’s stability. When the foundation sinks or settles, it puts every other component of the house at risk. While foundations do tend to settle over time, sudden changes cause pressure to the home’s foundation, which can cause cracks.
Be on the lookout for cracks around the foundation, cracked or bowed walls, jammed or sticking doors and windows, unlevel or sinking floors, and fracture cracks around window casements and door frames. A general home inspection should spot foundation issues.
2. Roof Repair and Replacement
Charleston gets a lot of weather, including strong winds and rain. Heavy weather patterns can degrade the life of a roof, and roofs are expensive. The view from the ground isn’t sufficient to determine whether or not the roof has issues. The best bet is to get a roof inspection during which the inspector may look for curling shingles, missing shingles, nails, and missing flashing.
3. Water Intrusion and Mold
Water gives life, but it can also be highly destructive, especially when it comes to personal property. When water gets into the home, it can quickly cause damage and catalyze mold. Ceilings, walls, floors, and furniture are shared hosts for mold growth. Weather events can cause water intrusion. However, so can roof leaks, leaky or burst pipes, and broken sink and tub faucets.
An inspector keeps an eye out for water stains, visible mold growth, water pressure, and more during a mold inspection. They will also ask you about any health-related issues, such as allergies and asthma.
4. Window Repair and Replacement
Windows can require an enormous budget, especially if you replace them all. Sometimes, people break the project down into segments. They may do the top floor one year and the main level the next. Or they could do the front windows first and the back windows next. Whichever you choose, take comfort in that better fitted, sealed, and efficient windows last for many years, help improve energy efficiency, and reduce energy costs.
5. Termite Infestation
Termites thrive with water and food (wood). Therefore, homeowners must mitigate moisture issues due to the damage they cause, and their risk of invading termites. By the time you see signs of termite damage, they’ve already infiltrated the home. The worse the damage, the higher the cost, so early treatment is vital.
Schedule a Home Inspection
Whether you’re buying a home or you’re already an owner, it’s essential to understand the most expensive home repair projects. Prevention is crucial, and early identification is a close second. Step By Step Inspections provides home inspections and repair estimates for Charleston residents and those in the surrounding area. Give us a call at (843) 870-8726 to schedule your next inspection.