You have spent years scrimping and saving to buy your dream house.
It would be so awful if, a few months down the line, you found out that your dream home had structural or electrical problems. That is why it is so important to follow a house inspection list as well as hiring a professional.
Then, you can hand over your life savings knowing your dream home has style and substance.
This guide will show you what to look for during a home inspection when buying a house.
Electrical Checks
It is so important to check the electrics during home inspections as they are one of the most difficult and expensive problems to fix. But many do not know what they are looking for.
Switch on different sockets and light switches to check they all work as normal. Check for any loose cables and sockets hanging off the wall. Ask to see the fuse box and see if it is in working order.
It is a very good idea to add “hiring an electrician” to your house inspection list if you have any concerns. No matter what you need to pay for their service, it will be much more if you buy a house with an electrical fault.
Plumbing and HVAC Checks
When checking plumbing and HVAC, the two main things you need to check during house inspections are airflow and leaks.
Make sure that every room receives air from the HVAC and has adequate ventilation. Watch out for damp stains, leaky taps, and rust. Check the water pump, kitchen, and bathroom appliances, too.
Interior Structure Checks
Interior home checks are necessary but they are often cosmetic issues that are easy to fix. Regardless, consider the following questions while working through your house inspection list:
- Do the windows or doors need replacing or fixing?
- Do the floors and walls need redecorating or fixing?
- Are the appliances and fixtures (e.g. kitchen counters) included?
- Is there a smoke alarm?
Don’t forget to check little things like baseboards and curtain poles and to inspect the attic, too.
Exterior Structure Checks
Exterior home checks might be a little trickier. First, it is a good idea to check if the home’s location has any issues e.g. is on a floodplain. Then, consider the following questions:
- Are there any cracks in the walls or patios?
- Is there a drainage issue in the yard?
- Is the roof in good condition?
- Is the chimney in good condition?
- Is there evidence of pests e.g. termites or rodents?
Make sure to walk around the entire home and get a closer look at the foundations. Even if your plot is several acres, you must inspect it all.
Leave No Stone Unturned With This House Inspection List
A good house inspection list should be so thorough that you know your new house better than you know your current house. That way, you can start your new life in your new home confident it will serve you for years to come.
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