Buying a home for the first time is one of the most thrilling and nerve-racking moments of a person’s life. But don’t let the excitement of fresh paint and pretty porches distract you from checking the less glamorous things, like the gutters. Before you sign those papers, don’t forget to give those gutters a thorough inspection. It may save you big headaches and major expenses in the future.
With a whopping average rainfall of 44” annually, and the snow and winter ice, gutters in Virginia need to be durable and function properly to protect the home from water damage. A good gutter system can be the difference between a dry, happy home and a leaking roof, eroded landscape, or flooded basement. Use this first-time homebuyers guide to learn how to inspect gutters during a home viewing, teaching you how to spot trouble and the signs of a good system. And if trouble is found, we will walk through what you should do next. After all, when it comes to buying your first home, a working gutter system should be non-negotiable. First, let’s talk about why gutters are so important.
Why Gutters Matter When Buying a Home
When you dream of a new home or cozy cottage in Rocky Mount, the gutters (whether you know it or not) are a key piece of the home-buying puzzle. Functioning gutters protect your property from the rainy Virginia days, saving you from pricey repairs, inconvenient leaks, and protecting the value of your home. Gutters direct water away from the roof, walls, and foundation of the home, preventing it from damage and keeping the home cozy and dry.
By taking a look at the gutters during your viewing, you can set yourself up for a hassle-free beginning in your new home. Hiring a gutter company in Rocky Mount is one way to get help with an inspection if needed, but first, let’s learn how to spot trouble on our own.
Signs Gutters Might Be in Trouble
It’s easy to get overly excited and overwhelmed when touring potential “new” homes. Don’t let the excitement get the best of you. Making a list of things to look for is a great idea, ensuring that you don’t forget critical checks like the gutters. Use the following guide to inspect the gutters of the homes you’re looking at to know the signs that suggest repair or replacement are needed.
Visible Damage: It’s pretty awesome what our eyes can see if we know where to look. Visibly inspect the home’s gutter system looking for signs of damage like:
- Cracks.
- Holes.
- Corrosion or Rust.
- Sagging gutter sections.
- Gutters that are pulling away from the structure.
- Water stains and streaks on the exterior (siding).
- Pooling water near the foundation.
- Soil erosion beneath the roof line.
Clogs: Perhaps a little more difficult to spot, clogs can be hidden from sight when you are on ground level. However, if you can stand at a distance or stand on a ladder, check for leaves, twigs, or other debris that are blocking the flow of water. You can actually test for clogs and leaking at the same time by running water through the gutters and looking for proper flow.
Gutter Attachments and Downspouts: Carefully inspect the entire gutter system, checking to see if the gutters are securely fastened and the fascia board (where the gutters are secured to the roofline) is not pulling away from the house. Check each downspout for a secure connection to the gutters and make sure they are diverting water at least five feet away from the foundation.
Gutter Capacity: Check the size of the gutter trough and ensure it has enough capacity to manage the moisture of the geographical region. If the gutters aren’t large enough to handle Virginia’s hefty downpours, overflowing water can cause damage to your roof, siding, and/or foundation.
Signs Inside the Home: Just because gutters are located on the outside of the home doesn’t mean that signs of malfunction cannot be spotted inside. Look for water stains on the ceiling or interior walls, a sagging ceiling, and damp or musky smells in the basement. Looking inside the attic, it may reveal hidden water stains, damp insulation, mold, or rotten wood. These signs may indicate that the gutters are not operating as they should and are allowing water to seep or overflow into the roof rather than channeling it away.
Finding these issues when viewing a new home may indicate that the gutter system needs to be replaced, or at the very least, repaired. Now that you can spot what trouble looks like, let’s shift to the signs that a home’s gutters are in good shape and doing their job right.
Signs That Gutters Are in Good Shape
As a first-time homebuyer, being diligent in making sure that vital home systems, like gutters, are working properly, protects your (very) large and long-term investment. The gutters of a home should effectively channel water off the roof, through the downspouts, and away from the foundation of the home. Gutters that are firmly attached to the structure of the building, straight, without cracks, holes, dents, or rust, are positive signs that the home is well protected. Gutters should be clean and clear of debris to move water effectively, without overflow, and clean gutters also suggest that proper maintenance has been performed. When visually inspecting the gutter system of any potential new home, use the following checklist to ensure you don’t miss a thing.
- The condition of the gutter material is good.
- Attachment and alignment are good.
- Clean and free of debris.
- No standing water.
- Tight seams and joints.
- Exterior walls are free from water stains.
- Downspouts are firmly attached and properly placed.
- The foundation is in good condition.
- The landscape surrounding the foundation is not eroded.
- The attic is dry with no signs of moisture, stains, or mold.
By making sure that your new home has a good gutter system, you ensure that your home will be well protected from water damage, preserving it for many years. And because we know that not all homes have perfect gutter systems, and they definitely aren’t a deal breaker, here’s some advice on what to do to handle problems if you find them.
What To Do If You Spot Problems During Your Walk-Through
If you see any issues with the gutters during your walk-through, don’t stress. Many issues can be resolved before or during the purchase of the home if that’s the one you want. Use the following advice to guide you through the process of handling bad gutters before making the purchase.
- Don’t wait to address gutters until after the purchase; do it right away.
- Document the damage or issues you find by taking photos and making notes to discuss with your real estate agent or the selling agent.
- Request that the home inspector who performs the pre-sale inspection address your concerns and ask for a written response in the report. The inspector can also include the potential cost for repair or replacement.
- Consult with a local gutter company to get a real number estimate for repair or replacement.
- You can use the gutters as a negotiating tool in several ways.
- You can ask for a lower sale price, taking into account what you will have to spend on the gutters when you purchase the home.
- You can ask for a credit or to be reimbursed for the repair cost.
- You can request that the current homeowner repair or replace the gutters before closing.
- Any agreements that are made, make sure to get them in writing.
It’s important to remember not to panic; the gutter issues can be taken care of, and if you want the home, chances are you can resolve any issues before closing. However, it is wise to look at the big picture; if you fear gutter issues, there may be other underlying damage. Always have a thorough inspection before a final purchase, and don’t be afraid to be involved in it.
Buying your first home is an adventure and a memory you’ll carry throughout your life. With a little extra diligence before you buy, you can save yourself a lot of trouble later on. And while gutters aren’t the most glamorous thing about buying a home, they play an important role in keeping your soon-to-be home safe, dry, and standing strong for years to come. Remember to take your time, inspect things thoroughly, and don’t be afraid to call in a professional when you need a second opinion. So take a deep breath, inspect those gutters, and get ready to make that Franklin County house your home sweet home!