Solar Panels

This also is becoming a very popular item being added to homes where home owners are environmentally aware or just looking to reduce costs. There are some concerns however:

First is the roof structure adequate to support the added weight? Ensure the installation is done by competent contractors as moisture is the enemy of the home and once you even walk on a roof damage can be done, let alone when mounting a myriad of supports and structure up there.
Is the roof in a serviceable condition prior to installing the panels? Although given 10 - 15 days the installer likely will be willing to remove the panels and then reinstall them after the re shingling is complete at no charge ( check contract for specific details) I'm sure they wouldn't like to be doing this after 6 months or less
Is the roof optimum for solar panel installation. Facing true South and a large flat uninterrupted roof is best.
Ensure you contact your insurance company as some are definitely anti Solar Panels due to concerns from some Fire Departments especially volunteer groups that are apprehensive about accumulated electrical charges
Note there have been some reports of health issues when people are sensitive to Electromagnetic Fields also.

Some lending companies are uneducated in this process so your lender, or the new home owners lender may have a hard time evaluating the risk/ reward relationship. Ensure that transfer can be carried out seamlessly as usual periods of 20 years lease are common

Urea Formaldehide Insulation

Should you be concerned that there is a possibility that there is UFFI insulation installed in a home that you are considering then a certificate should be available if the material was removed by a certified contractor. Another option is to sample the air quality this will not confirm absolutely that there is none of this insulation existing as over time it degasses but confirms its lack of airborne contaminants.

Note the same products are released by new carpeting and are contained in "The New Car Smell"

Roofing Issues

We have discussed reshingling homes previously and the error that can be made by not removing the existing shingles, this becomes worse when this is done several times adding significant weight to a roof that it is not designed for. This can also be a greater problem when considering installing the fashionable solar panel system or upgrading the asphalt shingle system to a clay tile roof without reinforcing the roof structure to compensate. I recently became aware of a home with this issue that suddenly had structural failure and the roof structure became the basement structure due to catastophic failure. Luckily this did not cause injury to the home owner but repair costs can be significant and a financial nightmare especially if the contractor doing the work is not appropriately insured. Close inspection of the attic area in homes of this type is recommended if you are considering purchasing a home of this type.