Home Inspection Checklist

Buying a house is a significant step in one’s life. Many people spend years searching for the perfect house, as it is a huge financial investment to make. When you’re looking for your own, don’t rush, and only make a decision after serious consideration and deliberation.

One of the most important steps before completing the purchase is the home inspection. This involves inspecting bigger concerns that can affect your living conditions. Finding any serious flaws in the property can enable buyers to either ask the seller to fix them or walk away from the property due to high problem-solving expenses. Visually inspecting a whole house can be overwhelming if you do not know what to look for. Here are some things you should pay extra attention to during a home inspection.

 

Water drainage and leaks

Water can seriously damage a property. It has the potential to affect the foundation too. Check whether the gutters and spouts are functioning properly. Inspect for both external and internal water damage. It is especially important to check for leaks in areas that get a lot of rain. It’s best to deal with any water damage issues before the purchase to avoid long-term damage and costly repair.

 

HVAC system

The HVAC system of a property should be in a good working condition at the time of inspection. It should be cooling and heating efficiently.  If you have a home inspector accompanying you, they can help you determine how long the system will function after you move in. This will help you keep your energy and utility bills economical in the long run. Services like those from 888 Heating can repair and replace any damaged systems.

 

Electrical system

Faulty and outdated electrical systems can lead to dangerous situations. Ensure that you check the circuit breakers, main panel, electrical lines, fans, and light fixtures, among others. The main panel and breakers should not be outdated. All the switches should be in good working condition and the outlets should be tested properly. Also ensure that there are enough outlets in each room for your use.

 

Pests and mold

You don’t want to deal with pests and mold and damage done by them right when you move into your new home. During the home inspection, check for any signs of termites, mold, rodents, mosquitoes and other pests thoroughly.

 

Asbestos and lead paint

If the house you’re considering is old, check for the use of lead paint and asbestos. Asbestos was used for insulation in construction and lead paint was also common in older houses. These both have now been found to be toxic and harmful and should be avoided or removed before moving in.

 

While many home sellers tend to make the necessary repairs on their own in order to make the property more appealing to potential buyers, it is always best to be thorough in your inspections. This will help you negotiate with the sellers for any potential repairs needed and get possession of a house that is truly ready to be made into a comfortable home.