Home Inspection Checklist for Home Buyers

Home Inspection Checklist for Home Buyers

 

When visiting a property you want to purchase, you will certainly start seeing the yard and all the superficial characteristics. However, you have to keep in mind that what you are seeing may not be the only factors that you should be considering. It is certainly easy to spot a newly painted wall, a beautiful countertop, shiny floors and other superficial features. But you should not only focus on those. You have to check other more important things such as the wiring, foundation and plumbing. It is very important for you to determine if there are damages in these major areas. This is something that you will be able to check with the help of an expert home inspector.

 

What is a home inspection?

A home inspection is an important part of the process of choosing a house to purchase. This provides an opportunity for the prospect buyer to determine the current condition of the house. An inspector will then create a report about the home, which includes the major components, the things that need repair and those that may necessitate maintenance. If you are serious about purchasing a house, you need to have a deeper understanding of the maintenance needs of the property. From the report presented to you, it will be easier for you to determine how to deal with the problems. You can identify the aspects that should be prioritizes and you will also know what upgrade you will be employing to the house.

 

How home inspection works

Inspection is something that can be done by an expert. Reports may come in a form of a checklist where there are checkboxes and others may have notes to serve as enhancement. You can ask the inspector about the items that are included in the report. This way, you will be able to know if all the problems will be identified.

 

Home inspection checklist for home buyers

Cash for homes provided a checklist home buyers can use for home inspection.

 

• Foundation, structure, and exterior

You should check if there are big cracks in the foundation. Aside from that, you should also check for the presence of trees near it. The ground also matters. Check if it is sunken or soggy around it because it can also affect the strength of the foundation.

 

• Windows and doors

There are different things that you should be checking in the windows or doors. First, see if it can be opened or closed easily. Check if it is misaligned and if there is moisture in the frames and even with the panes. These will make a difference on how it will function.

 

• Plumbing

This can be checked by looking into the water pressure. Aside from that, the fixtures should also be working. Check if there are signs of leak under the cabinets. And finally, you can also see if the water heater is working.

 

• Electrical

One of the causes of hazard is an outdated wiring. This is one of the things you first have to check in terms of the electrical component. Aside from that, you can also see if the switches are working or if the outlets are grounded. And finally, look for newer circuit breakers.

 

• Cracks in walls and ceilings

This is something that must include both the exterior and interior. Part of the checklist is to check if there are cracks in the walls and the ceiling. These may not be easily seen, and this is why this must be done thoroughly. Required repairs must be done immediately because it may cause some serious problems in the future. Spotting wall and ceiling cracks should be done as a priority.

 

• Roof

There are some items that you should not miss when checking the roof. First, see if there are missing shingles and if there are patches that caused leaks before. Do not forget to determine the condition of the chimney. The gutter and the downspouts should also function well. They should be in good condition and this can be determined by checking if they drain normally. You can also ask the owner about the roofing and how long it has been installed.

 

• Porches and balconies

For porches and balconies, you can also check the walls and the condition of the items that can be found in the place. Just like the interior, these small parts are also very important especially if you are looking forward to having a more comfortable home.

 

Conclusion

Purchasing a house requires knowledge about the condition of the properties that you are choosing. You will find out that it may take you some time to really check on these specific parts but it will be worth it. If you want to save yourself and your family from future troubles, you have to make sure that you have done your part as a responsible buyer. The help of an expert in checking the property is also something that you should consider. If you are not familiar with the things that you should be looking for, you should ask for the help of someone who can do it for you.