You might be considering buying a home as an investment or to live in for the rest of your life. Whatever your purpose, it is important that you know it will last. It can be a challenge to see the warning signs when buying a house in Connecticut or New York.

Here are nine warning signs to look for when buying a house in Connecticut:

1. 1Cracks and Other Failures in the  Structure’s Foundation
2. 2Uneven or Bouncy Floors
3. 3Missing Work Permits
4. 4Foggy, Inoperable, and Old Windows
5. 5Water Damage Concealed by Paint
6. 6Mold, Sogginess, and Water Stains
7. 7Property Positioning
8. 8Damaged Roof
9. 9Dysfunctional HVAC System

Read on to find out more about these warning signs and learn how to avoid them.  After you’ve read this, you’ll also know which home to buy that won’t give you financial headaches in the future.

1. Cracks and Other Failures on Structure’s Foundation

As you go through a potential home, you may catch a glimpse of foundation cracks and failures. You may find a bowed foundation in the basement. Or you may also notice a drooping load-bearing wall.

If you find these failures and particular types of cracks in the structure’s foundation, think twice. You may not perceive them as harmful because of how sturdy they currently appear. But in the long run, these failures can bring you future concerns. Beyond your building inspector, occasionally, you will need to hire a structural engineer to evaluate the findings.

Now, if you didn’t find any signs of foundation cracks and failure, it doesn’t mean the house is in the clear. You may want to determine if the lawn slopes toward the house. This downward slope could cause damage from the build-up of water running down to the foundation.  This issue should be corrected with the installation of a curtain drain.

2. Uneven or Bouncy Floors

You may find it silly, but bring a marble with you when you’re house hunting.  Perform a marble roll to test whether the floors of the house are bumpy or uneven. This is commonly found and acceptable with antique homes. Still, it will help if you have a structural engineer check it out.  

If you notice many areas in the house with uneven floors, you might need to discuss with your home inspector and possibly a structural engineer.  

3. Missing Work Permits

When buying a house in Brookfield or a town in Connecticut, New York, or anywhere else, ask to see permits. Do so, especially if you see home additions, recent large renovation projects, inground pools or above-ground pools with decks. In particular, you should request that there are permits and that these permits are closed with a Certificate of Occupancy where applicable. It will help you if you seek advice from your home inspector to scrutinize what needs observation. Continue your due diligence by visiting the town hall and finding documents associated with work done.

Many home upgrades don’t need a permit. A few examples are new windows or new toilets. Fortunately, it is easy to tell if workers appropriately installed things like those.

4. Foggy, Inoperable, and Old Windows 

It is crucial to examine windows when you’re looking at homes. Don’t think of them as just an aesthetic feature, as these are assets to any house. If you are not keen on the windows, you may end up facing problems in the future.

Ensure the windows of the house you’re interested in are functioning and not too old. Typically your building inspector will evaluate the windows for irregularities. Check if there is any rust or water damage, and replace them as necessary. Do the replacement because they may cost you more if you neglect them.

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5. Water Damage Concealed by Paint

When someone paints over water damage, they trap the moisture that causes mold build-up. If you notice extensive water-damaged areas in the house, consider buying another home. It’s unhealthy to breathe in the mold that developed due to improper concealment. 

Most of the time, you may find mold at the base of the toilets and tubs. You may not notice them at once, though, so you need to check all corners of the house. Make sure you take care of these concerns, as you’ll likely have to pay for a contractor to do the repairs in the future.

6. Mold, Sogginess, and Water Stains

Before you consider buying any house, you need to search for water damage. You may spot damage while you examine the ceilings, walls, and watermarks. It is easy to know if there’s damage in any area when walls feel soft to the touch or less solid than other walls.  Often you will see a water spot on the ceiling that is dry and old.  Typically the seller has repaired the defect and did not address the stain.  Have your agent ask the seller what occurred and how it was addressed.  

Water damage in a house may affect the structure of your home if not repaired promptly. Water damage may also cause mold infestation, which can be dangerous to your health.

7. Property Positioning that is Prone to Inclement Weather Hazards

Due to its cold winters, you may feel wary of buying a house in New Milford, CT (or any place in the northeast). It is also daunting to consider a  home near Lake Waramaug or Lake Lillinonah due to the threat of flooding and the extra expense of any required flood insurance. Also, be cautious with homes on or near the Long Island Sound due to some of the intense storms.

So, before you buy a house in any of the towns in Connecticut, New York, or any state, be careful of the property positioning. Make sure to study any flood zones to check the possibility of getting hit. More so, it will help if you are aware of any inclement weather hazards.

8. Damaged Roof

While you might be fond of looking at the attractive exterior of any structure, you may neglect to check on the roof. Checking the condition of the roof is something you should always do. Otherwise, you won’t know if the house’s roof is aging or damaged.

When you encounter a house with a damaged but mendable roof, consider getting it fixed. It is crucial to maintain it because it is a defense against any weather hazards.

You may find getting your roof repaired an unnecessary cost. However, it will help you save more money than when you consider fixing it in the future.  

Newer architectural shingle roofs have either a 30- or 50-year warranty if you keep it properly maintained, including not allowing leaf or tree debris to remain on the shingles.  It is safe to say that replacing a roof is a great investment if there appears to be roof damage, even if it is not leaking.

9. Dysfunctional HVAC System

Buy homes with heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems that function well. If you find these systems are functional yet older, start planning for replacements when the time comes.  The new systems are more energy-efficient.  

You may also want to consider asking for a warranty from your realtor. By doing so, it can cover any appliance that fails or needs repair.

The Bottom Line

After learning the warning signs before buying a house in Connecticut, you are now ready to buy one. It would be best to consider CT waterfront homes for sale as your best option.

At CT Waterfront Real Estate, you will never face any warning signs that make you feel worried. You pay for a worthy cost and will enjoy a safe place to stay for years.

To help you find the perfect house, contact a capable real estate agent. If you want to meet the best area realtor, call Deborah Laemmerhirt, Real Estate Consultant, at 203-994-4297.

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