Window World Helps Homebuyers Spot Red Flags of a Nightmare House
N. WILKESBORO, N.C. (August 24, 2021) — Eager homebuyers are skipping the home inspection to snatch their dream home off today’s hot market… only to discover major problems down the road. Window World®’s new consumer education campaign called 11 Red Flags of a Nightmare House is helping local homebuyers spot problems before they rush to sign on the dotted line.
Competition is fierce! According to NerdWallet, 28 million Americans planned to buy a home in 2021. But acting fast can be costly! Inexperienced homeowners tackled DIY projects before putting their homes on the market, and that can lead to repairs for buyers. A recent survey by Window World, America’s largest replacement window and exterior remodeling company, reveals:
- Nearly 53% of homeowners planned or did more DIY home improvement projects during COVID than they had in the past.
- More than a third of respondents regret taking on a DIY home improvement project because they didn’t have the skills to do it right.
“There is so much competition for homebuyers right now that many people are skipping the home inspection. This may give eager buyers first dibs on a house for sale, but they could end up with expensive problems once they own the home,” says Window World Chairman and CEO Tammy Whitworth. “Window World’s 11 Red Flags of a Nightmare House campaign aims to help buyers spot problems immediately, so they don’t waste time or money with a home sale.”
11 Red Flags of a Nightmare House
- Doors don’t close all the way — If there are doors that don’t shut all the way, there could be a problem with the home’s structural framing. Check for doors that look like they may have been cut to fit; that could indicate a quick fix by the homeowner.
- Water stains — Look up! If you see water stains on the ceiling, there may be plumbing issues on an upper floor. Water stains can indicate a leaky roof or window, which may mean rotting wood or mold.
- Out-of-place paint — It makes sense for a house on the market to have some fresh coats of paint… but if you notice fresh paint on just one wall of a room, it could be hiding a problem (like a patch of mold or mildew).
- Strong scents — Does something smell… funny? Strong air fresheners can mask hidden odors, like carpet covered in pet urine. A musty smell may mean moisture and (you guessed it) mold.
- Drafty windows — Hold your hand near the edge of a window. Do you feel air blowing through? Drafty windows mean high electric bills! Look out for windows that have fog in between the panes, don’t close properly, or have worn weatherstripping. Older windows are less energy efficient, and problems here may be a window to deeper issues.
- Warped siding — If siding panels are warped or malleable, they may be rotted. Peeling paint may be a sign of water, which could be seeping into the home’s foundation.
- Large foundation cracks — Small cracks in a home’s foundation are common, but large cracks (wider than a ½ inch) could indicate an unstable foundation or structural problems.
- Aging HVAC system — Ask when the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) units were last replaced. They may be less energy efficient — which means a bigger electricity bill — if they are nearing their expiration dates. A heat pump or air conditioner should be replaced after 10 years, and a furnace or boiler should be replaced after 15 years. (ENERGY STAR)
- Noisy garage door — Open the garage door and listen for unusual sounds, like squealing or rattling. Squealing may indicate the door is out of balance, and rattling may signify a loose chain or support rails.
- DIY improvements — Did the previous owners take a crack at large-scale DIY projects? Unless they are experts, this may mean costly repairs down the road. Look for signs like gaps in fixtures or uneven tile work.
- Small problems — If a leaky faucet or a dead light bulb doesn’t seem like a big deal to you, it definitely isn’t a big deal to the current homeowner. What other (bigger) problems have gone unnoticed?
About Window World®
Window World®, headquartered in North Wilkesboro, N.C., is America’s largest replacement window and exterior remodeling company, with more than 200 locally owned franchises nationwide. Founded in 1995, the company sells and installs windows, siding, doors and other exterior products, with over 20 million windows sold to date. Window World is an ENERGY STAR® partner and its windows, vinyl siding and Therma-Tru doors have all earned the Good Housekeeping Seal. Through its charitable foundation, Window World Cares®, Window World and its franchisees provide funding for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®. Since its inception in 2008, the foundation has raised over $12 million for St. Jude. Window World also supports veterans and the military through its Window World Military Initiative (WWMI). WWMI defines Window World’s commitment to honor and serve America’s veterans, active military and military families across the entire franchise system by focusing on three pillars: Careers, Community Outreach and Partnerships. The Veterans Airlift Command has been a partner since 2008. During that time, Window World has contributed over $2.5 million in flights and donations to the organization. For more information, visit WindowWorld.com or call 1-800 NEXTWINDOW. For home improvement and energy efficiency tips, décor ideas and more, follow Window World on Facebook and Twitter.