Buying a house is one of the biggest investments most people will make in their lifetime, so it's essential to ensure that the property you're interested in is structurally sound before making an offer to purchase. A structurally unsound house can end up costing you a lot of money in repairs, or even worse, be unsafe to live in, so we'll go over some steps you can take to ensure a house is structurally sound before seriously considering buying it.
* Structurally Sound - "Structurally sound means substantially free from flaw, defect, decay or deterioration to the extent that the building or structure or structural member is capable of adequately or safely accomplishing the purpose for which it was intended or designed." - Law Insider
Hire a home inspector.
The first and most important step in ensuring a house is structurally sound is to hire a qualified home inspector. A home inspector will thoroughly examine the property from top to bottom, including the foundation, walls, roof, electrical and plumbing systems, as well as provide you with a detailed report of any issues they discover.
When hiring a home inspector, be sure to choose someone who's licensed, insured and experienced in inspecting the type of house you're interested in buying. You can ask for referrals from friends, family, your real estate agent, or look up professional organisations and / or individuals online in your area.
Check for foundation issues.
The foundation is the most critical part of a house's structure, so it's certainly necessary to check for any issues before making a offer. Signs of foundation problems include cracks in the walls or ceiling, uneven floors, doors or windows that won't close properly, or water damage.
If you notice any of those issues, your first port of call is to have a structural engineer assess the property. They can determine the cause of the problem and recommend any necessary repairs.
Inspect the roof.
The roof is another critical component of a house's structure, and it's obviously important to inspect it thoroughly before buying a property. Look for missing or damaged sections of the roof, signs of water damage, or any other issues that could indicate a potential problem.
If you're not comfortable climbing onto the roof yourself, you can hire a roofing contractor to do a professional inspection. They can also provide you with a fairly accurate estimate for any necessary repairs or replacement costs.
Look for water damage.
Water damage can weaken a house's structure and lead to mould growth, which can be extremely hazardous to your health, especially when the problem gets out of hand. Look for signs of water damage, such as stains on the walls or ceiling, musty odours, or peeling paint or wallpaper.
If you notice any signs of water damage, bring in a plumber to the property to determine the cause of the problem and recommend any necessary repairs.
So as you can see now, ensuring a house is structurally sound before buying it is simply essential for ensuring you avoid costly repairs down the line, and so you can feel confident about your safety while residing in the property. By following these steps and hiring qualified professionals to assess the property you're considering buying, you can make an informed decision, invest confidently and as a result, enjoy your new home with peace of mind.