The Top 5 Repairs Needed on Florida Homes
Property360 has over 30 years of experience inspecting resale homes. We find commonality in neglected maintenance or general obsolescence in building materials/components in the age groups of the homes we inspect. Some of these defects are clearly visible while some have been covered or hidden with partial repairs/upgrades.
Some homeowners are simply better with routine maintenance than others and this list certainly won’t apply to all homes. In our experience, most homeowners do not properly maintain their homes; they fix things when they break. That means you inherit the problem if you are not aware of it when you purchase the home.
5 – 14 Year Old Homes
If you are buying a resale home, generally between 5 – 14 years old in the metro Jacksonville or Orlando area, you should plan to repair these top five components:
- Exterior prep and paint
- Irrigation or lawn sprinkler system
- Gutters and downspouts
- Plumbing vent boots or flashing
- Chimney chase and flashing
Other common considerations we find in this age/style of home include:
- Stucco or adhered stone/brick
15 – 25 Year Old Homes
If you are buying a resale home, generally between 15 – 25 years old in the metro Jacksonville or Orlando area, you should plan to repair/replace these top five components:
- Exterior prep and paint
- Roof replacement
- Gutters and downspouts
- Windows
- Mechanical components (HVAC, water heater, kitchen appliances)
Other common considerations we find in this age/style of home include:
- Stucco or other wall claddings
- Water and termite damage
1979 or Older Homes
If you are buying an older home, generally built prior to 1979 in the metro Jacksonville or Orlando area, you should plan to repair/replace these top five components:
- Electrical panels and possible aluminum wiring
- Plumbing
- Windows and doors
- Chimney and fireplace
- Roof covering and flashing
Other common considerations we find in this age/style of home include:
- Wall claddings, septic systems, and vegetation
- Water and termite damage
50+ Year Old Homes
If you are buying a resale home on a crawlspace or a home generally built prior to the 1960s, in the metro Jacksonville or Orlando area, we often find more complex problems. Once a home reaches 50 plus years of age, obsolescence is a real concern. Building materials do not last forever.
- Foundation and drainage
- Wall claddings, soffit, and fascia
- Windows and doors
- Electrical wiring/outlets/panel and service mast
Other common considerations we find in this age/style of home include:
- Wood wall claddings and paint
- Septic systems
- Room additions or enclosures may have not been properly permitted
- Attic or wall insulation may be compromised
- Often, buyers may also want to renovate rooms to make the home more modern
Never Waive Your Home Inspection
Due to the short supply of resale homes in today’s marketplace, many homebuyers are waiving contingency inspections as an incentive to the seller even though many sellers’ don’t care as they are selling the home “As Is”. That doesn’t mean you should take the risk of buying a home that may need significant repairs you can’t afford to make!
If you pay over the market price for a home that may need thousands of dollars in repairs and the value of real estate drops 25% in a down market, you could find your dream home became a nightmare. While the overall value of good real estate increases over time, the valleys can be an obstacle while you wait for the next peak. Finding your home value is upside down is never pleasant especially when you need $15,000, or more, to replace the roof.
Call Property360
Performing good due diligence should never be waived and any real estate salesperson who advises you to waive critical home inspections is not representing your best interests. Remember, buying “As-Is” means you have no recourse should you discover the home needs major repairs. This is information you need to know before you buy.
To schedule your comprehensive home inspection, contact Property360 at (904) 606-1570 or visit us online to request your inspection.