home problemsWhen you’re searching for a new Nashville home, weekends spent touring open houses can quickly get tiresome. Keeping track of the homes you like compared to the ones you don’t is maddening. And while no house is perfect, when it comes to your budget, some updates are harder to consider than others. Garish paint colors, though hard to see past, shouldn’t sway your decision because they’re easily changed. But other issues should give you pause because they’ll require expensive and time-consuming repairs, or they indicate larger, underlying problems. So here’s our list of potential big-ticket problems to spot!

Does the roof need replacing?

The typical life span of a roof is up to about 20 years, but the average cost to replace one runs into the five-figure range, averaging about $12,000 but going up as high as $25,000 or more. Paying close attention to the age and condition of the roof before making an offer can save homeowners a lot of money.

Is the foundation in good shape?

This is what everything is resting on! Small or superficial problems might not matter enough to affect a sale. But if there are wide cracks in the foundation, it’s most likely not worth the time and anguish that can come with trying to fix it.

How healthy is the sewer system?

When it comes to sewer and septic systems, if something goes wrong, it’s the homeowner, not the city, who must cover damages. The condition of the sewer lines is also something that is not part of a regular home inspection. A few hundred dollars for a dedicated sewer inspection could prove to be a great investment. This is especially true for older homes like those in Donelson.

Is there noticeable water damage in the home?

If all of the utility systems and basement storage is propped up off the ground, that can be an indication that the basement has had water issues. Also, pay close attention to furnishings. Basements with fresh carpet and furniture, and there’s no musty smell, that’s a sign the space has stayed dry. Also look for water damage on walls adjoining kitchens or bathrooms.

How old is the home’s wiring?

Older electrical systems may still be functional but can pose a notable safety risk, can be difficult to insulate, and are sometimes hard to insure. The knob-and-tube system dating back to the 1930s can be spotted by its white knobs connecting to wires, often in an unfinished basement. These usually start at $5,000 to replace. Another bad sign is old fuses with circular knobs in the fuse box. Newer boxes have many small toggle switches.