BiggerPockets

What problems should I be looking for in a home that has had no utilities on for over two years?

This is a brick home that was built in 1955. I know our extreme temps in TX can wreak havoc. Any advice is appreciated.

If the house has galvanized plumbing, the pipes could be completely blocked up and ruined. Ask me how I know....

Originally posted by Rob K:
If the house has galvanized plumbing, the pipes could be completely blocked up and ruined. Ask me how I know....

plus aren't the pipes down there buried in slab flooring ???

we get some here with pipes burst, rodent damage, mold etc etc but they are great buys if you can do a lot of the bull work y'self.

I got a 4broom no-one wanted for $13,500. Pipes burst, floors ceilings, walls totally ruined put in about $3500 & flipped it drywall etc unfinished to a local for $29,500. Not bad for a bad location, shared driveway etc.

I've seen formica separate and de-laminate on counters and backsplashes, my guess due to thermal expansion and contraction (no heat or other temperature control).

Chimneys and dryer vents can become a place where birds and insects nest.

As somebody else mentioned, winterization is another factor. It may have been cold enough to cause water to freeze in any plumbing that wasn't properly winterized. The dishwasher is vulnerable because it's easy to forget. All traps should have had anti-freeze poured in (that's sinks, tubs, shower pans, toilet bowls).

Beware if there is a septic system, they will dry up without water pouring through, stuff is like concrete! Laterals can get clogged as water is not running out, the dirt hardens arond the outlets and vegitation backs up with roots and debris falling in.

Wells can have pressure/storage tank problems without running for long periods and being filled. Pump motors that don't operate can sieze up.

Washers in faucets and fixtures dry and crack. Ceramic can crack in fixtures, may just repalce faucets.

Slabs can crack with wide quick tempature variations, the heat is off keeping the floor at a more constant temp.

Check the windows and doors, there is more expansion and contraction in frames without temps controlled and mositure removed. Door seals stick too.

Check for mold and mildew down there!

Don't forget the exterminator. Something has been living in there. :)

@Josh Rogan If the power has been off for 2 years, be on the lookout for the local power company to want to charge for a "safety" inspection, where you need an electrician to verify plugs and power are up to code. Just a new sneaky fee for municipalities to bring in new revenue. Ask me how I know!

Also, when you tour, take a simple painters mask with you, so that you do not breathe in any possible mold, contaminants inside, again, ask me how I know!

Jack

Along with the dust mask, you should wear a pair of 3D glasses. After a home is vacant that long, ghosts think its safe to walk around naked!

I suggest you get the owner to turn utilities on, the same owner may have better luck avoiding inspections as he had the account.

I'd have electric on, you'll get a better price, a house built in '55 may only have 100/120 amp service too, not sufficient today.

Without elect, how would you check the HVAC, an expensive deal, you'll be lucky if it only needs to be charged, no air in Texas, hmmmm? I doubt many landlords would be interested unless it was a steal of a deal, and for you to make money, well, you'll have to buy better than that!

Have the seller do it, just about anyone else would.

I guess he's an only child and gets it all, most would have an obligation to get the highest price.

But, if he really wants out, you may have a good find, wack another 10 k off for good measure! Good luck!