Property defects are serious issues with the physical state of a house or other building that can impact the safety or comfort of its inhabitants. Without a property inspection, it is possible to miss some of these defects, which means you may buy real estate with existing issues you did not know about. Here are seven common property defects you should make sure to watch out for in your real estate deal:
- Rodents, bugs, or other pests
- It does not take much for a property to become infested with rats, mice, termites, bedbugs, or other pests. If that happens, it may require an exterminator to remove them, and you may need to repair damage they did while they were infesting the property.
- Mold or mildew
- Buildings that suffer from leaks or flooding, or which have inadequate ventilation, can easily get problems with mold or mildew. These can not only damage your property, they can also cause health problems, particularly to people with certain pre-existing conditions.
- Structural damage
- Fires, storms, burglaries, and other unpredictable disasters can leave a property with significant structural damage. An inspection can find less obvious sources of damage which might otherwise go on without being repaired.
- Leaks or drainage problems
- Many homes have leaky pipes or roofs which leak during heavy rainstorms. If these property defects are not addressed, they can easily lead to persistent problems with water damage or mold.
- Faulty wiring
- If your property has been improperly wired, it can cause a variety of serious problems, including increasing the risk of blown fuses or short circuits. In more extreme cases, it can even increase the risk of an electrical fire.
- HVAC Issues
- These property defects are caused by problems with the heating, ventilation, or air conditioning systems, often due to age or lack of maintenance. If not fixed, it can lead to a variety of problems, including making it harder to maintain a comfortable temperature during particularly hot or cold weather.
- Code violations
- In order to save money, some people will perform work on their property without a certified contractor, either hiring unlicensed workers or trying to do the work themselves. In either case, there is a high risk of code violations, which can not only be unsafe, it can also lead to legal problems in the future.
At David J. Lorber & Associates, PLLC, we assist clients throughout New York who are looking to buy or sell real estate. We will guide you through the process and help you minimize your legal and financial risks. Call us at (631) 750-0900 or contact us online to schedule your Free consultation at our Setauket office.
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