Structural Damage

Rehabbing, Fix and Flip, Rental Properties
1

I wanted to start this post to see if anyone would share ideas on what to look for for possible structural damage before purchasing a fix up property.

I know you need to get an inspection done anyway but I’d like to have an idea of what to look for without having to hire an inspector for every property I think of buying.

So I’ll start out with an idea (sort of) that I have heard.

I can’t remember exactly what it is for regarding using a marble on a flat, smooth surface (Like a floor, to see if it rolls) or an L shaped or triangle square in a corner of a doorway frame. To see if there is possible foundation problems???

Someone with experience please chime in to make that more understandable! :smiley:

Thanks

2

Also look for:

  • Cracked ceilings or concrete floors

  • Doors and windows that won’t close or that stick when you try to open them

  • Door and window frames that are no longer square or plumb

  • Sagging roofline

  • Wide cracks in the brick or brick veneer on the exterior of the building

  • Obvious foundation issues

We have lots of slab foundations here and not real good soil. We have a lot of slabs that move on the ends and then the weight of the house will actually snap the slab. It is VERY common here and repair costs start at abot $5K and go up from there. You can often see the broken slab from the outside and then follow the damage across the house to the other side.

Keith

3

Thank you very much Keith.

Does anyone else have anything to add?

4

It is a good idea to check for termite damage. You can do this by looking in the basement and make sure that all the wood is solid and it doesnt crumble into sawdust when you tap it.

Jason

5

Thanks Jason. How do you check for termites in a house that doesn’t have a basement or if the walls are drywall? Where would you look?

6

I always look for in areas like a utility room or attic. I have even found damage around door frames and windows. Sometimes you can see damage around the outside of the house.Most termite companies will inspect it for free in hopes of getting your business.
Jason

7

Ok, thank you Jason

8

I don’t think these are considered structural but what about plumbing and electrical problems?

I know to look under sinks and around toilets and bathtubs for leaks what else should I look for?

And I have no idea what to look for regarding electrical other than maybe black stuff around outlets??

Thanks

9

Look and make sure the house has breakers instead of fuses that is a good indication of how old the electrical system is.

Jason

10

az, the best way to gain experience is to have a few inspections done on property that looks solid from a financial angle and follow the inspector around like a lost puppy. A good inspector will teach you a wealth of knowledge

I ALWAYS get an inspection done even if the house is “as-is”. Spending a couple of hundred bucks is solid insurance against buying a money pit.

Sure I understand that you don’t want to get a bunch of houses inspected, but that why I always work up the financials first and then if it looks really solid then spend the money to get the place inspected.

11

Good advice, Thank you!

12

Careful working with termite companies that do FREE inspections. Its in there interest to “find” live termites or evidence of activity to help make up the cost of the inspection. If its an older home, find an inspector that just inspects, and does not tent. Entomologists are the best usually.

Joe (ex. home inspector).

13

Thanks for the tip, I didn’t even think of that.