House flipping, which is commonly defined as buying a home in disrepair at a low price, fixing it up, an selling it at a higher price, is becoming a big trend in the United States. HGTV has countless shows on the topic, and if you've ever gone house hunting, you may have even viewed a flipped house without knowing it.
While flipped houses can be dazzling, with their new fixtures, flooring, and paint, they can also come with a host of problems. The issues with flipped houses are often overlooked due to the new bells and whistles that shine above mundane but important details such as plumbing and wiring.
Here are four potential problems to look out for when buying a flipped house.
Here are four potential problems to look out for when buying a flipped house.
1. Plumbing Problems
The kitchen and bathrooms in a flipped house may look especially amazing--that's because those rooms are often a big selling point for homebuyers. House flippers sometimes overlook important plumbing fixes and instead focus on fixtures, flooring, backsplashes, and more. When looking at a flipped house have a look under the sink in the bathrooms and kitchen and run the water to see if any drains are clogged. If you're not handy with plumbing-related things, hire a plumber to inspect any houses you're seriously considering.
2. Faulty Wiring
Electrical problems are notorious for being expensive to fix. When touring a flipped house it's wise to test every light switch and electrical outlet and have a look at the electrical panel to be sure the wiring isn't messy. It's also a good idea to have an electrician inspect the wiring in any homes you're considering. All the light switches and outlets may work during your walkthrough, but it's not likely that you'll find out running the dishwasher and washing machine at the same time trips the breaker until it's too late.
3. Water Damage
Dealing with water damage can be a headache. Check the home's attic, basement, walls, and ceilings for signs of water damage. Signs of water damage include peeling paint, pooling water behind appliances, unpleasant and musty odors, stains or blotchiness on walls and ceilings, sagging walls or ceilings, warped or curled flooring, buckled, sinking, or expanded wood. Check the yard for any pooled water, as this can be an indication that there isn't proper drainage on the property or from the gutters.
4. Roof Issues
Because replacing a roof is an expensive project, house flippers often overlook it in favor of patching sections of deteriorated shingles. If the roof looks old and worn, ask how old it is. Roofs that are older than 20 years need to be replaced, even if there aren't any issues yet. This helps you avoid bigger problems in the future. Check out the shingles: are they curled? Are granules missing? Are there stains or dark streaks? Also look for moss, as this can cause damage to the granules on shingles and isn't just a cosmetic issue.
The best advice we can give you when considering buying a flipped house is to do your homework. Make sure you don't overlook any details, have an inspector check the house, hire specialized inspectors for wiring, roofing, and plumbing, and hire a real estate agent to help you decide on which contingencies you want to add into your offer to protect yourself.
We wish you the best of luck on your house hunting journey! Feel free to contact one of our team memebers if you're looking to buy or sell any type of property in Western Pennsylvania.
We wish you the best of luck on your house hunting journey! Feel free to contact one of our team memebers if you're looking to buy or sell any type of property in Western Pennsylvania.
