How to Spot Hidden Maintenance Costs During House Hunting

Making sure a home will fit your budget means factoring in all the expenses. So, before you buy a home in St. George, you need to learn how to spot hidden maintenance costs. To protect your investment and budget, it’s essential to know what to look for during the home-buying process. We have some tips to help you as you are looking at potential homes for sale in St. George. 

The Importance of a Home Inspection Contingency

First, understand the importance of including a home inspection contingency in your offer. This is a condition that allows you to renegotiate or back out if a professional home inspection reveals an issue that is going to be more costly, dangerous, or stressful than you're willing to take on. 

After you get the inspection report back, this is what you want to look for to identify costly home maintenance issues.

The Roof

In St. George's hot and dry climate, roofs endure a lot of sun exposure, which can cause wear and tear over time. Look for:

• Damaged or missing tiles/shingles: Common in older roofs, especially clay or asphalt.
• Signs of leaks: Water stains on ceilings or walls may indicate roof issues.
• Age of the roof: Ask the seller about the roof’s age. Tile roofs may last longer but still require regular maintenance.

A professional roofing inspector can evaluate its condition and provide an estimate of remaining life and repair costs, if needed.

The HVAC System

St. George summers can be sweltering, making a functional HVAC system critical. Hidden costs may arise from outdated or poorly maintained systems. Look to the inspection report to determine: 

• Age of the system: HVAC systems typically last 10–15 years. If it’s older, plan for potential replacement costs.
• Maintenance records: Ask for documentation of past service. Lack of maintenance can shorten the lifespan of the system.
• Signs of wear: Uneven cooling, strange noises, or visible rust are red flags.

Plumbing

Older homes or homes with deferred maintenance may have plumbing issues that aren’t immediately visible. Red flags include:

• Water pressure: Low water pressure can indicate leaks or clogged pipes.
• Signs of leaks: Check under sinks, around toilets, and on ceilings for water damage.
• Material type: Homes with older plumbing materials (e.g., galvanized steel) are more prone to leaks and corrosion.

Windows and Doors

Energy efficiency is vital in St. George’s climate to keep cooling costs manageable. Poorly maintained windows and doors (or original windows and doors on an older home) can lead to hidden costs.

• Drafts: Stand near windows and doors to feel for air leaks.
• Condition of seals: Check for cracked or missing caulking.
• Age of windows: Older single-pane windows may require replacement for energy efficiency.

You may also be able to ask about the home’s energy bills to understand potential costs and whether upgrades may be needed.

Foundation Issues

St. George’s unique geology can occasionally lead to foundation problems. Watch for:

• Cracks in walls or floors: Small cracks may be cosmetic, but larger ones could signal structural issues.
• Doors or windows that stick: This may indicate a shifting foundation.
• Slope of the yard: Poor drainage can cause water to pool around the foundation, leading to damage over time.

For added peace of mind, we can help you hire a structural engineer if you suspect foundation issues.

Test Appliances

Built-in appliances, such as ovens, refrigerators, or water heaters, can represent hidden costs if they’re outdated or malfunctioning. It doesn't necessarily mean a dealbreaker, but knowing you need to replace an appliance soon is a relevant piece of information as you determine the affordability of a home. 

Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Age of appliances: Ask for the age and service history of major appliances.
• Functionality: Test appliances during the showing to ensure they work properly.
• Energy efficiency: Remember that older appliances may increase utility costs.

Depending on market conditions you may be able to negotiate for a home warranty that covers appliance repairs or replacements.

HOA

Many of the most popular St. George neighborhoods have an HOA. If the home is in a neighborhood with an HOA, be sure to account for fees and maintenance responsibilities.

• Fees: Review monthly or annual HOA fees.
• Rules: Some HOAs have landscaping or exterior maintenance rules that can add unexpected costs.

We can also ask for HOA documents to understand the full scope of responsibilities and fees.

By knowing what to look for, asking the right questions, and bringing in experts when needed, you can avoid costly surprises and make an informed decision about your new home. To learn more about finding your new St. George home, contact us any time. We're here to help.