4 Warning Signs You'll Regret Buying that House

Buying a new house can feel so exciting that people forget to pay attention to important details that will affect how they feel about the property within a few short years. Before you make any commitments, look for these four warning signs that you'll regret buying that house. A little caution could save you years of frustration.

Old Plumbing That Doesn't Meet Today's Standards

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Plumbing is a common problem for old homes that haven't been updated in decades. Even if the visible pipes look fine, exterior sewer lines can become clogged by tree roots. You need to have someone inspect the entire system before you decide to buy the house.

You may also encounter problems with old galvanized pipes that don't meet today's standards. Galvanized steel pipes will eventually become corroded. The corrosion, along with hair and other matter that gets washed down the sink, can clog pipes. Replacing the pipe is the only good way to solve the problem.

The HVAC System Doesn't Perform Well

A home's HVAC system is one of its most crucial appliances. An inefficient system could leave your new house with hot and cold spots that make you feel uncomfortable throughout the seasons. Like most people, you'll probably respond to this discomfort by adjusting the thermostat. Changing the temperature may make the house feel nicer, but it will also increase your monthly energy bill. It doesn't take long before you start to hate living in your own home.
Have a professional inspect the house's HVAC system so you know it works properly. Ask your expert to check the ducts, too, to make sure they don't have any significant leaks.

There Are Water Stains in the Basement

Look for water stains in every part of the basement, but pay particularly close attention to seams where the walls meet the floor. If you see any discoloration, water is seeping into the basement. Perhaps it's a tiny trickle now, but it could easily turn into a flood that costs thousands of dollars to repair. It's best to stay away or have the current owner make repairs before you complete the purchase.

The Wiring Doesn't Meet Contemporary Building Codes

Today's homes use a lot of electricity. No one could have predicted a few decades ago that homes would eventually use electricity to power computers, home automation hubs, and other electronics in addition to appliances.
Depending on the type of wiring a house has, you could experience daily power interruptions that make it impossible for you to work from home or enjoy streaming entertainment. It's always a good idea to have a professional inspect the wiring to make sure it meets today's building codes. You can, however, perform some preliminary tests on your own.
Warning signs of old wiring include flickering lights, burning smells, and outlets that feel warm to the touch. If the wiring is over 40 years old, you'll probably find some of these concerns.

Every house comes with a unique set of issues. Some issues, however, matter more than others. Unless you're prepared to remodel an old home, don't buy one that has these problems.