When buying an older home, it is important that have the property thoroughly inspected before making your final decision as to whether or not you will purchase the property. While it is recommended that you hire a professional to do the inspection, there are a few things that you can do to get a general idea of what the inspector will tell you. Below are 20 things to look for when inspecting a house. Before you spend the money on a professional inspector, inspect the home on your own.
• General overall condition of the house. When inspecting a house, be sure to get the general overall condition of the house. Realize, however, that this will come from a thorough inspection of the every detail of the home. This includes parts of the home that you may not be able to visually see.
• Do the appliances work? Check and see if the appliances that come with your home work. If not, you will have to make a purchase.
• How old is the air conditioning unit? Look for a date on the air conditioner. How many years do you have until you need to replace it?
• Check for signs of mold in bathrooms and kitchen area. You can usually smell mold but some can be hidden from view.
• Do door and windows close right? Open and close the doors and windows to help determine whether or not the house is level.
• How old are the windows? The age of the window is also important to know. Older windows are not as energy efficient.
• Does the fireplace work? If the home has a fireplace, be sure to inspect this area thoroughly. Can it be converted to a wood burning fireplace?
• Beware of cracked ceramic tile. Cracked ceramic tile can mean that there is a problem with the foundation.
• Will the home need to be rewired? Older homes may need new electrical wires. This can be very expensive to replace.
• What’s the condition of the carpet and other flooring? If all of the flooring in the home needs to replaced, this can also be a major expense.
• Are their signs of water leaks? Look for signs of water damage in the home. Water damage can also mean that you will have mold issues to deal with.
• Is the home big enough for your family? When inspecting the home, try to visualize your family in the home. Will you all fit comfortably?
• Does the yard have enough space for your daily activities?
• Is their ample storage? Older homes have smaller closets. Is their ample storage to meet your needs?
• Get a general idea of how much it will cost you to heat and cool the home. Ask for information about heating and cooling of the home. This can give you a good idea of how much money you will need to allot each month to pay the bill.
• Is the home in a flood area? Flood insurance on a home can be very expensive. Ensure that the home is not in a flood zone.
• Is the home a bank property? Bank properties are often sold “as is.” You will without a doubt want to get a professional inspection.
• Will the home need to be completely updated? If the home will need a complete update, you will need money to make the changes. Can you afford to completely update the home?
• Will the sheetrock need repairs? Holes in sheet rock can be easily repaired but will add to your “to do” list if you decide to buy the home.
• Does there appear to be any leveling issues with the home? Sloping floors and doors that won’t close can be a good indication that the home has problems with the foundation. It may need to be leveled. Is this a task you can complete on your own or will you have to hire someone?
Use the checklist above to help you get a general idea of the quality of the home that you are considering for purchase. It can help you make a smart buying decision.
Marina is a home decorator and helps her clients in getting more by spending less. She enjoys collecting vintage products like tiffany floor lamps, vanity mirror, German Beer steins and lot more.