Buying a home is an exciting moment in your life. But buying a flipped home may not be all sunshine and rainbows. Trendy and upgraded flipped homes may look appealing to the eyes, but sometimes it’s to hide something you wouldn’t want to see. 

It may be hard to look past the perfect exterior and interior, but it is important to dig deeper when it comes to purchasing a flipped home. Here are 6 tips you should follow:

Make a Viewing Checklist

Be sure to make a viewing checklist before visiting the house. You will want to check little details that normally you might not look at. Check the windows and doors, and even ask what type or brand they are to check the quality. Look at hardware throughout the house like door knobs and handles to see if they skimped to save some money. Open everything - cabinets, draws, windows, and doors. Small details matter here to tell you the mindset of the flippers.

Verify the Contractor

Verifying who the contractor was for the house flip is very important. If they are licensed and reputable, then the house should be up to code. If they are not, then you might need to worry if the house is up to code. If the house is not up to code, this could cause major problems in the future and something you will have to deal with.

Request Documentation & Permits

Ask for the documentation on the house, including any permits they needed to obtain. This is another way to see if the house is up to code. If they cannot provide you with documentation or permits, this is a big red flag! Not having documentation or permits for the flip can tell you the house may not be up to code.

Get a Second Set of Eyes

It's in your best interest to get a second set of eyes to look at a flipped house. A home inspector can do a full inspection of the house and let you know what problems there may be. They can also do radon testing, foundation inspections, and termite and pest inspections. Having a home inspector give you their opinion can be a big help in your decision. 

Plumbing Problems

Most likely the number one issue with a flipped house is going to be with plumbing, as this is not something you can always see. While you can check to see if faucets work, you will not be able to see if everything plumbing wise is working right. This is where a home inspector can help, as they can do a full inspection to make sure the plumbing is in working order. It is important to make sure the plumbing is working properly, because if it's not then this can cause costly problems in the future.

Keep Communications Open

Keeping a line of communication open between you and the home inspector can help you understand the extent of their work. You’ll be able to understand what they are looking for, as well as how far they look into certain aspects of the house. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and raise red flags where you see fit.

If you’re in the market of buying a flipped home, make sure you have a home inspector help you make sure everything is in check! If you’re in Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, the Lehigh Valley, or the Poconos, be sure to call Wild Blue Home Inspections for all your home inspection needs!