Six Problem Areas to Watch When Buying a Home

On the Floor

If the home is built on a cement slab foundation, you're unlikely to hear any creaking on the ground floor.

If there is it may be cause for alarm. If there's a wood subfloor, walk carefully around, especially in bathrooms and kitchens, feeling for areas where the floor might seem to "sink" in more than the other areas. This could be water damage, and another area that needs closer inspection. If it's in a bathroom near the shower, the shower pan could be leaking which is an expensive project.

Pool Patrol

If there's a pool or spa and the home has been vacant for a while, there's a good chance the bank has drained it for safety. If it's a plaster pool, the sun could cause the plaster to dry and crack, which means a new plastering job.

Add another note to your inspector.

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