A guide to spotting hidden defects

As a real estate professional, your clients expect accurate advice at every stage of buying a home. The findings of an inspection can help them land the house of their dreams, or walk away from a problem they would have regretted for years. In this guide we help you identify the warning signs you should keep an eye out for.

Why a home inspection matters

If you have an impatient client who wants to close the deal quickly, it can be tempting to skip the inspection. But skipping it is never a good idea. During the inspection, your client can discover the home’s true value and whether it’s worth the investment.

With a report in hand, your client gains the upper hand at the negotiating table and makes an informed decision on one of the biggest purchases of their life.

Warning signs on the outside of the home

The roof

Replacing the roof is one of the most expensive repairs there is. Is it well maintained? Are there flat areas where water pools? Are any tiles missing? When was it last replaced? Any problem here can be serious.

Foundations

The entire house rests on its foundations, and repairs are rarely easy or affordable. Look out for uneven areas, major cracks, settlement or signs of damp.

Windows and doors

They can be replaced, but not without a significant outlay. Check whether they open and close smoothly and whether they seal properly. Poor weatherproofing drives up bills and brings related damage.

Gutters

Gutters are surprisingly important. Make sure they are properly connected to the roof and that the downpipes carry water away from the foundations with an adequate slope.

Pests

Termites and other organisms can destroy timber cladding and structural components. Mice and rats also gnaw through cables and nest inside walls.

Warning signs inside the home

1. Electrics: outdated wiring may need to be replaced entirely to make the house safe. It doesn’t always cope with modern appliances.
2. Mould: mould and leaks usually go hand in hand. Some types are harmless, but others worsen respiratory problems and allergies.
3. Plumbing: check that there are no lead pipes (banned in new builds since 1980, with their removal compulsory since 2002). Inspect the drains to rule out invasive roots or blockages.
4. Appliances: boilers, water heaters and air conditioning units are the most expensive to replace. Poorly maintained gas appliances can release carbon monoxide.
5. Insulation and asbestos: asbestos is common in buildings constructed before 1980. Professional removal is costly but essential.

Revicasa, your trusted partner

We know that, as a real estate professional, you need thorough inspections that help your clients spot both minor and major problems. At Revicasa we have over 15 years of experience in court expert appraisals and the supervision of refurbishment works.

We carry out an inspection with more than 170 assessment points and deliver the industry-leading report within 24 hours of the visit, detailing all the main systems and components, including handy information such as the location of stopcocks and inspection chambers.