When shopping for a new home, you may not think the garage can offer great insight into the condition of your home. However, that’s not the case. Red flags in a garage can spell trouble for the rest of the house, so it’s important to know what to look out for when home shopping.
Water
Water in the garage can mean a couple of things, from a big problem to a minor, quick fix. Big picture, it could be an issue with the foundation or a driveway draining towards, rather than away from, the garage. Waterproof paint on the walls or a french drain can solve some of these issues, though it will range in cost. On a smaller scale, it can mean that the bottom rubber of the garage door has a large tear or hole in it, allowing water to enter the garage and will simply need to be replaced.
Rotting Goalposts and/or Liners
The goalposts help support the vertical track, which the garage door moves along as it opens and closes. They must be structurally sound to maintain the garage door’s safety and functionality. If the goalposts or liners are rotting, it can be a sign of standing water damage or termite infestation. They’ll need to be replaced to ensure your garage door runs safely and properly.
Rodent Droppings
Now, this may sound gross, but it can be a major red flag in a garage. If there are any pests or critters in the garage, you’ll want to know before it’s too late so you can take the necessary steps to have them removed, and droppings are a tell-tale sign. Not only are they a nuisance, but they can get into your garbage, damage wires, and worst of all, even get into your basement and home. The best solution for this is to get all the animals out then ensure your garage door opening is sealed along the top and sides with new weather seal as well as new bottom rubber.
Knowing the warning signs for new home buyers in a garage can help you make educated decisions while shopping. These signs don’t have to mean a home isn’t purchasable; it’s just important to know what issues should be repaired sooner rather than later.
