subject: The Pitfalls Of Buying Remodeled Miami Beach Luxury Homes [print this page] Foundation
The Miami Beach luxury home may look exquisite outside but what you must know are the secrets that lie within its walls, literally. Cracks in the floors, walls and foundation may not cause alarm if relatively small but larger ones must concern you. These cracks connote expensive repairs and huge troubles. If you see no cracks, dont forget to check the closets; they often hold surprises.
Another problematic issue you must look for when touring the prospective Miami Beach luxury homes is bouncy or sloping floors. Its natural for homes to settle over time. This will result in slopes. While they are natural, especially in older homes, and shouldnt cause any alarm, when accompanied by cracks in the ceiling or walls, you must be extremely cautious of the purchase.
Electrical System
Many remodelers and flippers spend tons of money on fixture and furniture while skimping the electrical system. One way to check for pristine and safe electrical wiring is to turn on every switch you see, including the appliances. You must also check the electrical panel and see if it looks as fresh as everything else in the remodeled home.
Water Damage
Its easy for remodelers to cover up water damage with a coat of paint. If you find certain areas coated with paint when they shouldnt normally be, you must keep your guard. There are, fortunately, several ways to spot water damage. For instance, if you see efflorescense on the brick or concrete, its pretty much a sign of water damage. Efflorescense is a white powdery substance usually left by water. You should also be wary of the smell. If a damp smell is wafting around the house, you can expect potential damage. The same goes if the house feels damp.
Structural defects can also cause potential water damage. Sloping toward the house, for instance, can cause water to pool near the foundation during rainy spells, which can cause infestations, molds and rotting.
Bottom line: Being a parsimonious homebuyer can cost you in the future. While its certainly helpful to budget your finances, its not advisable to skimp on inspection. If possible, hire your own professional inspection to make sure that you wont end up with a shoddy Miami Beach luxury home that might be waddling gracefully on the surface but struggling deep inside.
