7 Standard Repairs People Need To Make When Buying A House

Regardless of where you’ve just bought your dream house, you’ll have to make alterations for various reasons - either to suit your particular lifestyle and requirements or for repairs and maintenance. It is not uncommon for sellers to offer marked down prices on the house to accommodate the costs of the renovations you’ll make on moving in. 

Depending on the property’s location and typical weather conditions, you may have to check the roof, foundation, sidings, and utilities, to begin with. The home inspector has probably given you an overview of what to expect. So let’s get started. 

1. Securing the Entire Home with a Sturdy Roof

The roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements like rain, snow, high winds, and heat. Your best bet is to call in local contractors familiar with the typical weather conditions in your town or city. For instance, if you call in the professionals at a Huntington, Indiana, roofing company, they’ll guide you on the essential repairs to undertake after identifying signs of mold, moisture, rot, and wet patches that indicate leakages. You’ll also get expert advice on securing the structure and ensuring proper insulation against the cold, wet, and windy climate of the state. 

2. Securing the Foundation 

Several factors contribute to a damaged and shaky foundation. Deterioration can result from the soil condition, sinking and shifting earth, plumbing issues, lack of proper soil compaction, and inadequate drainage around the foundation. If you’ve just bought a place in California known for frequent seismic activity, the house could develop cracks and breaks in the piers. 

Different materials can be used to repair such flaws, such as epoxy resin, high-density polyurethane foam, helical or steel piers, and poured-in-place concrete. You can check online for information on where to buy epoxy for smaller DIY repairs. Though, you’ll likely need experienced crews to conduct large repairs that can’t be patched.

3. Securing the House from Flooding

When checking around Lane county homes for sale in Oregon, look for properties standing on a slight slope. This factor ensures that flood water drains away instead of pooling around the foundations. If your home inspector has warned about the risk of water damage, prepare for the problem by investing in a sump pump for efficient drainage. 

With an expert’s advice, get additional solutions like digging trenches around the foundation and lining it with gravel. Cover with a layer of soil to direct water away. Get your gutters and downspouts cleaned regularly to remove debris, trash, leaves, and dirt, so they don’t interfere with outflow. 

4. Securing the Plumbing Drainage

An efficient drainage system is critical to ensure there are no overflows in the bathrooms, toilets, or kitchen - from the sinks or garbage disposal. Older homes in Florida often have issues with tree roots damaging the underground piping or eroding septic tanks. Blocked sewer lines can also result in clogging or overflowing. You may have to get extensive repairs to maintain the free flow of water and sewage from the house. Getting a thorough cleaning by professional plumbers could also help you resolve plumbing issues.

5. Securing the Insulation and HVAC Systems

Home inspectors pay careful attention to the HVAC systems to ensure that they are in perfect working condition. Having conducted a visual inspection, they’ll check the equipment for functionality. Like, for instance, examining the gas or oil furnaces to ensure that they will light properly. A detailed inspection is also carried out on the air conditioning, thermostat, heat pumps, and air ducts. Checking the insulation is necessary to ensure that there are no carbon monoxide and gas leaks. 

It is important to note that inspectors can only certify that your systems function well, but they cannot guarantee that the systems are effective in all weather conditions. If you live in a state like Texas, where the climate is erratic, you might have to get additional repairs after moving into the house. 

6. Securing the Doors and Windows

If the doors and windows don’t shut properly or you notice gaps around the exterior window frames and door jambs, that could indicate renovations are needed - possibly to fix an unstable foundation. You might even notice water seepage, frosting window panes, or bugs entering through the gaps around the windows. 

Ill-fitting windows and doors also lead to inefficient insulation, so you might notice that you have unusually high utility bills. Also, look out for cold drafts and damp patches around the windows. Resolve these issues by searching around for contractors who can make replacements - not just for utility but also to improve the aesthetics and curb appeal of the property.

7. Securing the Siding

While we're talking about curb appeal and raising the house's value, you might also wish to check the siding for the need to upgrade and renovate it. If the siding is made with wood, rain and water damage can lead to rot, mold, and mildew. Other signs include peeling paint, streaking or discolored patches, and warping. Creaking, squeaking, or whooshing during windy conditions could also indicate gaps that should be repaired right away. 

Testing a small area along the boards and chimneys can give you an estimate of the extent of the problem, though a professional is better qualified to advise you. Use a screwdriver or pry bar to check for soft wood underneath. You might want to consider replacing it with durable, long-lasting material like vinyl, fiber cement, aluminum, or stucco for locations where the weather is wet and cold. But, if you live in a drier state like Nevada and Utah, you could go with spruce, Douglas fir, and cypress. 

Moving into a new home is exciting, and you probably can't wait to raise your family there. Making sure you make these necessary repairs, though, is important so you can enjoy this place for years to come. The time, money, and sweat equity you invest is well worthwhile.