How to Inspect a Home Before Buying
A home is one of the most important purchases you can make, so don't be sucked in by a fresh coat of paint and nice carpeting! Keep a sharp eye and consider the details.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
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1
Consider the house's general layout. Is it big enough for your family and belongings? Does it have enough storage space? Is there adequate parking/garage space? Is there room for expansion - and how much would adding on cost?
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Look for amenities such as built-in dishwasher and washer/dryer hook-ups. Will these be easy to add?
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Consider the yard. Is the lot big enough for your outdoor activities? How difficult will it be to maintain?
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4
Look for cracks in the driveway. Wide or extensive cracks could indicate a drainage problem in the yard.
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Look for cracks in the foundation, ceilings and walls, which indicate movement of the structure caused by settling, soil expansion or earthquakes.
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Check walls and ceilings for signs of water damage.
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7
Inspect windows by opening them, both to check condition of their hardware and to make sure they aren't painted shut. Bedroom windows should be large enough to escape through in a fire.
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8
Examine both interior and exterior doors: open and shut them to see whether they are level and in working condition. Inspect sliding doors for energy-efficient insulated glass. Check for weather stripping and thresholds.
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9
Look at the number, condition and size of closets.
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10
Be sure that the fireplace has a working damper and is lined with terra cotta or firebrick (as opposed to common brick, which eventually deteriorates from intense heat).
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11
Inspect floors and carpet for wear and tear as well as for moisture damage.
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12
Determine if the walls, ceilings and floors contain asbestos, which is a health hazard.
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1
Tips & Warnings
It's always best to hire a professional housing inspector to thoroughly check out the home before you buy. An offer to buy a home can be contingent upon a favorable inspection report.
If any of the above issues are unsatisfactory, ask the seller to repair the problem before you move in, or use it as a point in negotiating price.
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Comments
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Nov 22, 2005
Confirm good water pressure on both the hot and cold side. Old galvanized pipes get clogged! -
Nov 22, 2005
Look for signs of unfinished remodeling to save future headaches: - Is there grout between floor tiles? - Is there too much space between woodwork sections (cabinetry and wall)? - On hilly grounds, check the condition of the garden soil to make sure poor soil wasn't dumped in order to level or fill the ground.
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Nov 22, 2005
Look for signs of unfinished remodeling to save future headaches: - Is there grout between floor tiles? - Is there too much space between woodwork sections (cabinetry and wall)? - On hilly grounds, check the condition of the garden soil to make sure poor soil wasn't dumped in order to level or fill the ground.
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Nov 22, 2005
Even the most experienced builder or home owner lacks the knowledge and expertise of a professional home inspector. Home inspectors are familiar with the critical elements of construction, with their proper installation and with their interrelationships.
