What to look for in an inspection

Best to Inspect the Home

Your stepping into a big part of your life, buying a home, you should feel proud. However before we start getting out hopes up there is something you should note, sometimes homes may be severally damaged, in bad condition on unlivable. Its up to you as the buyer to see that the home is carefully inspected there maybe a chance that the seller may not have noticed. If it makes you feel any better we will provide some insight on what to look for.

When you first arrive to the property

When arriving at the the home you intend to buy or even consider buying begins the inspection process, you always note the how the home looks from the outside.

The Paint on the house: When seeing a house the first time you want to make sure that the paint isn’t peeling or is destroyed.
The Roof: Does roof present any damage, like holes in the roof, loose hanging shingles?
The Foundation: There is a possibility that the home could have some problems such as cracks in the foundation, inadequate draining of water, the house slopping on a side, if this happens make a note of it.
Driveways: Like the foundation note any cracks, slopping, or stains on the driveway
Drainage of the Gutters: Look at the gutters and see if they are able to properly guide the water to prevent any build up of water.
Checkout out other houses: While normally, taking note of neighbors isn’t part of an inspection you will be living with near them for a long duration, so its best to see if the people near your home are nice, charming, polite, and reasonable.

Don’t overlook the small stuff that may be outside the home, these can include trees that are overgrown as well as overgrown bushes that are near the home this could be a sign of moisture problems.

The Structure and Foundation

While a house on the outside may seem in some good condition it wouldn’t hurt to take a closer look.

Cracks: While it is normal for homes to have a few small cracks that might not pose a threat, there are some cracks that can be larger and wider that could pose a possible problem.
Doors and Windows: Doors and windows may also pose problems, like do the doors squeak really loud when opening or to they open on their own, or do they have problems opening like doe they stick to the frame, the same problems can apply to windows, but with windows see if they are good, notice any broken glass or dirty smudges.
Floors: With floors there could be cracks, scraps, or the floor in general could be uneven, these can be signs of major structural problems.

All of these problems can be incredibly expensive to fix, pretty much the reason why the metaphor “charged an arm and a leg” exists.

Plumbing of the house

If there are any leaks or perhaps any water damage these can cause structural problems or perhaps even cause molding problems.

Leaks: search around areas where there pipes, faucets, toilets, anywhere there is water in use, if you see leaks, make note.
Water Pressure: To see if the water pressure is good and adequate, turn on things with water such as showers, faucets, hoses, and see if the water flow is good.
Draining: if water in sinks or in toilets is subpar or not draining at all, then there could be problems with plumbing.
Check the water meter: If the meter is still going, then there is chance that there maybe a small leak somewhere.
Hot water heater: The average duration or what some would same efficiency lasts for about 8 to 12 years, so not only check the age of it but also if there is any rust, or leaking coming from the heater.

If you want to know more about problems bad plumbing can cause head here.

The Electrical system in the house

A house can also have problems with it’s whirring, which not only could be annoying but could also cause a fire.

The Lighting: If you see any lights inside or outside the home dimming, flickering, or even not work at all could be sign of electrical problems.
Outdated whirring: if the home was built more than few decades ago, the whirring could be outdated and be replaced which could cost a lot.
The Breaker: Every home has a breaker box that controls the home’s electricity, if it is mislabeled or cluttered, it could cause problems.
Outlets: Outlets inside and outside the home have the potential of not being operational, you need to check each outlet by plugging something in. However if there is a burn mark or and sign of damage on the outlet then there is a high chance the outlet is unsafe.

Kitchen appliances

Appliances in a home are big sellers and should be well maintained.

Appliance functionality: while the appliance may seem in good shape there is chance that it cant work, test the appliance.
Cabinets and drawers: See if the draws and cabinets open without any problems, for instance the draws don’t scrap or if the cabinets squeak or fall off just from opening them.
Countertops: countertops can be prone to damage, and while the damage may not pose a significant problem, it can expensive to fix or replace.

Basement's and/or Crawlspaces (if applicable)

Some homes might not have basements or crawlspaces, those that do should should be looked at to see if there are any problems.

“Unwanted visitors” in the basement: Like a racoon in the trash, the basement can also harbor so undesired guests like rats, bugs, or some other kind of critters. To see if you basement has any look for chew marks or droppings.
Cracks in the walls: If the walls have large or any obvious cracks it could be sign of structural damage.
Poor Insulation: if there is any poor insulation could lead to high temperatures, which means you home will have to go into overtime to keep a nice temperature which could cost a lot, and poor insulation could also lead to mold growth.

Heating and Cooling

Energy efficiency as well as cool and and heating all rely on an adequate and efficient HVAC system. If you don’t know what an HVAC system is; its different systems that helps regulate the temperature and air quality in your home.

The age of the system: HVAC systems don’t last forever like most people wish, your the system is older than either 15 or 20 years it needs to be replaced.
Air filters and vents: if there dust or debris collecting in any of these areas it could cause air quality problems.
Ask for maintenance records of the home as means to gather insights as to what as has been fixed and what has not been looked over.

Certain HVAC systems that aren’t the right size for the homes can lead to high costs.

Bathrooms of the home

While bathroom is the most private area of your home, even it is prone to problems.

Ventilation: if there is inadequate ventilation inside the bathroom, then it wont be able prevent mold, look for a fan or vent inside the bathroom for where steam can escape.
The bathroom walls and floors: cracks, mold, and broken tiles can be signs of possible problems.
Check the tubs and toilets: proper draining of the water and flushing is important, if you notice any cracks the possibility of stability in these appliances could be in jeopardy.
Stains: water stains on any surface of the bathrooms are red flags, because these can cause damage to the walls and be prone to mold growth.

Uninvited/Unwanted Guests

Don’t just assume your home is free of all pests until you see one scurrying across the floor or just in plain view, notice all the evidence the pest may leave behind.

Dark spots on surfaces: Dark spots on surfaces could be black mold, in which case can lead to health problems.
Warped wood: wood that looks damaged or soft could also be a result of termites.
Musty Smells: smells could be a sign of infestations.
Nests: Nests can mean there is a family of rodents living in your home already.

If you want to know what other signs there are that can be related to infestation head here.

The look of the roof and attic

One of the most important things to look for is the condition of the roof and attic.

Roof’s age: Its important that you ask the seller of the home how old the roof is, because most roofs last 20 to 30 years.
Water Damage: roofs can be prone to leaks and water stains which can be signs of bad ventilation
Insulation: Good insulation is crucial thing to look for when inspecting the roof and attic
Proper Ventilation: good ventilation is needed to prevent build up of mold, mildew, and heat build-up.

If you see any mold in the attic, then there is possibility there is some bad ventilation. If you want to know about what are other hint at the roof needing replacement head here.

Safety and Compliance

Its best to see that the home is up to code in regards to safety standards.

Smoke detectors: Make sure all the smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are properly installed and aren’t damaged.
Stair railings: Check the safety railings of the home are in good condition, if not it could lead to a lawsuit if someone hurts themselves
Escape areas: Its important that there is any easy locatable exit in case of an emergency.
Garage door sensors: It’s required by law to have garage door sensors operational.

To learn more about the safety guidelines of a home head here.

Conclusion

While you may seem confident in how the home looks just based on what you see, its the small things that aren’t always seen that can matter just as much. Cracks can lead to foundation damage, bad venting can lead to mold and bad air quality, and animal “leavings” can be signs of infestation. Its important to look over every aspect of the home to make sure it is in good condition.

This Blog was inspired by ChatGPT.