Issue link: https://nest.uberflip.com/i/871061
Patches of the roof look worn. Anytime you look at a house, pay special attention to the ridge caps—the pointed shingles where the roof's two angles meet at the top. These are the stress points that get the most sun and weather exposure, and if curling up it may mean that the roof needs to be replaced, which can be one of the most expensive projects on the house costing thousands of dollars. And if you are going to spend thousands of dollars on your house you may want that money to go somewhere "sexy" like an upgraded kitchen or landscaping—not a roof. The wood floors are buckling. Buckling can happen in places with extreme temperature changes, or if the floors were installed on top of a cement foundation without a protective layer, like a subfloor, between the wood and cement. When the earth gets wet, the cement absorbs water which can bleed up into the floors. If you see it buckling, get it checked out by an inspector who has extensive experience assessing wood floors. 4 5 You see cracks around the door's edge. These may signal that the house has shifted and there's a potential structural issue. It could require adding extra support underneath the house or replacing the foundation. Depending on the house size and foundation material, the fix could mean a huge expense and headache. The yard is wet, but it hasn't rained recently. You're probably looking at a drainage problem. If water is sitting on the property rather than draining away from it, it will eventually produce a mold problem, which is costly to remedy. Dampness under the house can also rot ground-level wood siding, weakening the home's foundation. You might have to call in a structural engineer to access its stability and possibly strengthen it. There are lots of scented candles burning. One or two is normal, but there may be cause for concern when there are multiple candles in each room, or a potpourri scent is overwhelming. Best-case scenario: The owners just had a house painted or the floors stained. Worst: They're trying to cover up pet urine or smoke, which can seep into floors, and sometimes the only way to get rid of them is to replace the floors (and subfloors) entirely. Beware of the smell. 6 7 8