Purchasing a resale home is a major investment and therefore requires careful consideration before you put in an offer. While at first glance a resale home might have major curb appeal, often there can be exterior issues that become more apparent with a closer look. Here are some things that could require exterior home updating and reduce the offer price for a resale home.
Eavestroughs
Eavestroughs are important as they help carry water off and away from your roof, as well as the foundation of your home. Some signs eavestroughs need repair or replacement include:
- Cracks: Cracks lead to major drainage issues as they allow water to flow down the side of the house. Even small cracks can be troublesome, although they can more easily be repaired.
- Seams: Look at the corners of the house where the eavestrough seams meet to look for signs of stress. These connections are more vulnerable to damage because they can separate over time.
- Peeling: Older eavestroughs might be painted which can lead to peeling. Not only does this look bad, but it can also lead to rust issues that compromise the integrity of the gutters.
- Rot: If gutters aren’t working, they allow rain to cause wood rot. Look along the roofline and at things such as roof trim for signs of rot caused by water overflow from faulty eavestroughs.
- Mildew: Mildew is caused by dampness and moisture. If you see – or more likely smell – mildew in the basement, this is a sign there could be issues with the foundation, which might be caused by faulty eavestroughs.
New choices in eavestroughs reduce water damage and therefore considering eavestrough replacement as a condition when placing an offer for a resale home is advisable.
Soffit And Fascia
Soffit and fascia are not really something resale home buyers consider even though they play a major role in protecting roofs and providing proper ventilation. Therefore look at the soffit located at the overhang where the roof meets siding or brick. The fascia is then located along the side of the overhang and the roof, and it often looks more like a finishing decorative touch than an important functioning feature of a house. Some signs soffit and fascia may need repair or replacement include:
- Paint Issues: If the paint looks cracked or flaky, chances are there are leaks, or soon will be.
- Bends or Hanging Elements: If it seems the soffit and fascia have bends or are hanging awkwardly it could mean pests may be using it as a point of entry. Not only does this mean you might find squirrels in your attic, but also that the integrity of the soffit and fascia has been compromised. It could also mean wind or other damage has occurred.
Seeking a quote for exterior renovation of the eavestroughs, soffits and fascia will give you an idea of how much to reduce your purchase offer.
Windows On Your Resale Home
Window issues on a resale home can be easier to spot when they are in need of replacement as you can actually inspect inside and out for these signs:
- Wear-and-tear on window frames: Look at the corners and joints of window frames for signs of rot or separation.
- Condensation: Signs of condensation between the window layers is an indication their integrity is compromised.
- Test the function: Open and close windows to look for signs the hardware is failing.
- Weatherstripping: Weatherstripping is the furry strips that help seal the windows when they are closed. Check for signs of damage both when the windows are closed and when they are open.
- Signs of added caulking: Home sellers might add caulking around windows to try to make them look better and reduce cold air from coming in during a sale. New caulking or degraded caulking are both warning signs.
- Damaged glass: Cracked or broken glass is an obvious sign a window needs replacing.
- Drafts: Hold your hand up to the window to feel for drafts.
- Noise: If the windows are closed but traffic and area noise seem noticeable, it could be a sign of old windows.
- Single pane or single glazed: If the windows only have one layer of glass, they are definitely very old and need replacement.
New windows not only look good but will also help reduce energy bills.
Masonry
Masonry is basically brickwork on the home. Damage to masonry can lead to a whole lot of woes for the interior and exterior of the house. Signs of masonry issues include:
- Damaged or Missing Mortar: Mortar is the cement used between the bricks. If you see signs of missing, loose, or damaged mortar this is a telltale sign you have masonry issues.
- Bulging Bricks: This is a common occurrence in the cold temperatures of Ontario as the combination of cold and water seepage leads to something called “Frost Boil”. When bricks are moist and that moisture gets in behind them, it can cause signs of bulging.
- Cracks and Bows: If bricks seem to have odd shapes or cracks, this is a sign of water damage in the home. It also means the brickwork is aging so if the water damage hasn’t occurred yet, it won’t be long before it does. It can also lead to the collapse of the entire brick wall system.
A quote on the repair/replacement work for masonry in hand with an estimated schedule for the work to be done following the resale home purchase helps determine if it’s worth putting in an offer.
Doors On Your Resale Home
Exterior doors play an important role in keeping the home secure, as well as maintaining energy efficiency. While a door on a resale home might look attractive, it could be hiding potential issues. Check for:
- Light: If it is a double door system, look for light leaking in through where the doors connect. This shows signs the doors are no longer properly fitted, or perhaps were not installed properly.
- Drafts: As with windows, hold your hand up to the door frame to see if you feel a draft.
- Weather Stripping: Check the weather stripping to look for signs of damage.
- Damaged Glass: If the door has a glass insert, look for signs of condensation or cracks.
- Difficulty opening or closing: Open and close the door to see if the door appears too tight or too loose. While wood doors can naturally shrink and expand with changing temperatures, metal or fibreglass doors should not.
Sliding Doors
Test that the sliding doors operate smoothly without getting stuck, and check for cracked or broken glass.
If you find any of these issues but are in love with the resale home you’ve chosen, you have a right to consult with a renovation company to ask for advice and costs associated with needed repairs. This can help with either sale price negotiation, or deciding to pass if the home needs too much work. Understanding the cost of taking care of the repairs required allows you to enter negotiations on a resale home fully informed and confident.
Speak to our team to get a quote today.