The house you are looking to buy maybe one of the biggest investments you will ever make in your lifetime. This is because of the amount of money, time, and effort that will be involved, it is imperative to ensure that the property is worth the expenditure.
A number of people tend to focus on the price and the location when buying a property. This tends to backfire in the future as several problems overlooked initially become a noticeable inconvenience, especially if you are going to stay in the house. I have compiled a home inspection checklist that you can use when viewing a property.
Paying attention to these items during the initial walk-through stage of home buying will help prepare you to ask the right questions during the professional home inspection.
Heating and Cooling Inspection
When you are checking the air conditioner make sure you turn it off using the thermostat or safety switch which is on the outside of the furnace. When this is done you can then check the burners for signs of scorching, rust, dirt, drywall dust and corrosion.
After checking this then turn it back on and watch for any problems in the igniting process, such as long-lasting ticking sound, roaring noise smoking, flame roll out or any type of vibration. If the heat ex changer has heavy rust or cracks it could cause serious health and safety issues, make sure you check this it is located above the combustion chambers and the burners.
Heat runs should be found in almost every room of the home, however it is common in some older homes that no cold air returns were installed in small bathrooms. Most homes with a basement which were finished off by a non-professional will not have proper heat runs or cold air returns installed. This is very common and will cause improper heating in the basement.
Roof Inspection
When you are inspecting the roof you are checking the framing, the ventilation, the type of roofing materiel used, flashing and gutters. Make sure you check how many layers are on the roof, doing a roof inspection will give you a rough idea on when it might need to be replaced.
You do not want to buy a house which needs and agent attention on the roof. Make it a point to check for leaks for this may damage your ceiling, which might be another reason to fork out money for repairs.
Foundations Inspection
When doing an inspection on the foundation make sure you check for any trees near the house. The roots of trees may cause problems for your foundation if their roots are too near to your house. If you, see any exterior cracks this may be another sign that the foundation of the house may not be as intact as you want it to be. Tip ( Ask about horizontal cracks versus parallel cracks)
When checking the yard always check to see if their is proper drainage, And also check the condition of driveway will it need immediate maintenance I always stay away from any house which has so may things that may need maintenance when I move in. Walkways you wouldn’t want a house without these would you, make sure it is easy to access your garden and other parts of your yard.
Structure Inspection
Make sure you perform an exterior evaluation of the house that you are interested in buying, check for fire damage was their are fire in the house once? What was the cause of the fire?, Water stains, this will give you an idea if their are any pipe leakages. Do not forget to check for any insect infestations this may also tell you something about the area.
Electrical Inspection
When you are doing an electrical inspection make sure you check the working outlets and switches a friend of mine forgot to check these because he had hired a home inspector to do the job for him but got the surprise of his life when he moved in to find that the main bedroom switch was not working. It is also advised to check the age of the electrical panel also check the electrical wiring to ensure proper installation and functioning.
Plumbing Inspection
When doing your Plumbing inspection it should include identification of materials used for potable, drain, waste, and vent pipes, as well as the state of their condition. Toilets, showers, sinks, faucets, and traps should be inspected, but not sewers. When you are going through the plumbing inspection process, ask whether the plumbing is copper and be careful of faulty joints, such as those that can occur with Kitec plumbing.
General Inspection
This when you check for the condition of the house, If it will need any updating or what needs to be updated. Do you like the child’s bedroom color or you are going to change it later. How about the flooring? these are the kind of things that you also have to take a look at and put in mind when you are doing your home inspection.
Special features
When you are inspecting the garage, you inspect the slab, walls, ceiling, vents, entry, firewall, garage door, openers, lights, receptacles, exterior, windows, and the roof. If the garage is attached to the home, it is always wise to do a pest inspection, depending on the type of loan the borrower is obtaining. For example, you’re going to want to ask about certain details, such as whether the garage has a firewall or self-closing hinges.
Home
Appliances Inspection
Home appliances like dish washers and dryers most of the time are included when inspecting the house, The procedure is to check the dishwasher, range and oven, built-in microwaves, garbage disposals, and, yes, even smoke detectors. Although it is advised that you check with the home-owners if they are going to go with their personal property when they move.
You Might Need
I advise you to get a professional home inspector to do a professional home inspection. Most mortgage lenders will require you to do this. You can always do it to have a good feel upfront by knowing what inspectors typically look at, but it is worth every cent to have one professionally done
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