You are all set to buy a new house. It seems like a dream come true. One invests a lot of effort, money, and emotions in buying a new house. It becomes much more special when it is your first house. But the road is bumpy.
You should be extra careful to avoid mistakes as you are a newbie and may end up with a house unworthy of your investment. A simple way to minimize the risks is to hire a professional for a home inspection.
If you have initiated the buying process without looking at the house inspection report, it is best to halt and request an inspection.
If you cannot afford to hire a professional for inspection, conduct a DIY inspection at least. I have created this brief checklist for DIY building inspection. You will need the following items to conduct the inspection.
- A ladder
- Safety boots
- Torch
- Sturdy gloves
- Power point tester
- Printout of the checklist
House Exterior:
Roof
Place the ladder on even ground to access the roof. Check the for broke or missing shingles and rust patches. Assess the condition of the roof gutter system. A sagging roof is an obvious red flag as it is a sign of structural problems.
External Plumbing
Check signs of rusting in the gutter pipes. The gutters should not be clogged. Request removal of obstructions.
Wood Damage
If the house siding or window frames check for any wood damage. If there are signs of damp and wood rot in the veranda and decks, record your observations in detail to discuss.
Pest Infestations
You need to keep an eye for the pest infestations. Heavy infestations indicate structural damages as pests have found some way to live in the walls. As these little devils can wreak havoc on an otherwise beautiful interior, and if the house experiences consistent intrusions, it can be the major cause to destroy the walls.
House Interior:
Plumbing
There should be no leaks in the water pipes and septic tanks. Check the kitchen and bathroom plumbing. As Low water pressure, water stains on ceilings can cause the major damage to the house.
Check Signs Of Mold
If you feel any funky smells around the house walls, it may due to mold. Look for patches of rot carefully. Signs of water damage are great indicators of mold.
Wall Or Foundation Cracks
Visit the basement or simply check the house foundation for any cracks or unleveled surfaces. The anomalies are generally caused by compromised structural integrity. If the earth has shifted beneath the house, you may observe water pooling in the basement.
Checking the structural integrity of older houses is a difficult task. Hire the best home inspection company in your area for a professional and accurate report.
Electrical System
If you are inspecting an old house, pay close attention to the electrical system. Modern house appliances work efficiently with upgraded electrical systems.
Insulation
Check the house insulation for an energy-efficient home. House floors should not be hiding some serious underlying problems.
These are probably the most costly fixes and conditions you will run over while house chasing. In the event that any of these springs up over the span of your home review, make certain to talk with your realtor to check whether the venders can be persuaded to pay for the fixes. For specific issues outside the home, for example, flood zones, be set up to pay for extra protection inclusion to moderate your hazard.
Try not to let those potential entanglements dissuade you from making an idea on the home you had always wanted. For whatever length of time that you keep an agenda when purchasing a home, and notice the discoveries of your overseer, you’ll have the option to settle on a completely educated choice.
Review The Inspection Report:
The last and most important thing to discuss is reviewing the house inspection report. The review should take close to three or four hours, after which you will have a full report to pour over (a case of which can be found here). Remember that all the buildings have issues rather its minor or major. The key is to distinguish the costliest issues before marking, and utilizing that data to either renegotiate the selling cost or leave.
