If you’re buying a new home in Lake City or elsewhere in North Florida, there are a handful of potentially dangerous problems to watch for. This guide explains.
5 Dangerous Problems to Watch for When You’re Searching for a New Home
Check out these five dangerous problems to keep an eye out for when you’re house-hunting:
- Insulation with the foil side up
- Saggy, leaning or crooked walls
- Recessed lighting exposed to insulation
- Slow drainage in sinks, tubs and toilets
- Not enough ventilation
Preferably, your home inspector will catch any of these issues if they exist – but you can avoid getting your hopes up on a home if you spot them yourself (before making an offer). Here’s a closer look at each.
Potential Problem #1: Insulation With the Foil Side Up
If you have a chance, head up to the attic of any home you’re interested in buying. While you’re there, peek at the insulation. If there’s insulation between the joists, you should be able to see the fuzzy side – not the foil side. If the insulation is upside-down, the foil won’t keep it dry; the foil is supposed to serve as a moisture barrier.
Related: What to know about infrastructure before you buy a farm
Potential Problem #2: Saggy, Leaning or Crooked Walls
The walls should be upright – and the floors should basically be level. If a home is crooked, it may still be fine… but you may need to ensure that the foundation is level and in good condition before you follow through with a purchase offer.
One way to test the floors for levelness is to bring a golf ball (or a different type of ball, or a coin) with you to showings. If you set the ball down (or put the coin on its side) and it rolls, you’re looking at a crooked floor.
Potential Problem #3: Recessed Lighting Exposed to Insulation
Recessed lighting has canisters on the other side (the side you can’t see), but these canisters can pose a fire hazard if there’s any insulation resting on them. If you’re in the attic, take a quick peek to see what you can discover. If you find that there’s insulation on recessed lighting cans and you still end up wanting to buy the home, make sure to ask the seller to move the lights or the insulation; otherwise, you’ll need to do it yourself for safety reasons.
Related: How much space do you need to raise cattle in North Florida?
Potential Problem #4: Slow Drainage in Sinks, Tubs and Toilets
Turn on all the taps when you tour a home. That way, you can find out how well the water drains. If it’s slow, it may indicate clogs or poor installation – and either could lead to expensive problems for you if you buy the home.
Related: What kinds of crops can you grow on a farm in North Florida?
Potential Problem #5: Not Enough Ventilation
Walk around the outside of any home you want to buy. Look at the roof to ensure that there are enough vent pipes for the bathrooms, kitchen and attic. If there aren’t, you’re looking at trouble; there could be moisture build-up, or worse, mold growth as a result.
Are You Buying a Home or Land for Sale in Lake City?
If you’re moving to Lake City, we can help you find the perfect place to live. Call us at 386-243-0124 to tell us what you want from your home and we will begin searching right away.
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