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5 Most Important Things to Check During a Home Inspection

Written by Posted On Thursday, 07 June 2018 12:49
5 Most Important Things to Check During a Home Inspection

When surveying homes potential buyers want to ensure they don’t end up with the short end of the stick. Their concerns, naturally, lie towards securing a good bargain. In order to achieve this, it's best to follow an expert advice from home inspectors who know their drill. Any skilled and well experienced home inspector would point out the areas you’d want to pay special attention to, because if these areas are badly neglected they’ll require work worth thousands of dollars. If you don’t factor in this aspect it’ll add to the cost of the home. So, be proactive in detecting red flags whenever you visit a home next: 

Basement 

If you see water in the basement you must take a thorough look around it. Pay close attention to the landscaping around the house, and if the gutters are properly functioning. If it appears that the water has flown in towards the foundation - it would indicate a landscaping problem in which the ground around the house is not sloped. When the ground next to the house slopes away, it helps any water around the house flow away. 

Next, you should look out for an efflorescence problem which is basically a moisture problem. It occurs because concrete is porous and allows moisture to pass through them. When water seeps through it, a white chalky substance is created. If you smell whif in the basement, it’s an indication that there is a large amount of efflorescence present, which may very well be a continuous problem. 

Electrical Wiring 

This is usually something that doesn’t cross the minds of many of you. With evolving technologies it has become ever so important to have efficient wiring systems installed. Most of your electronics are sensitive equipment that require optimum current and voltage, so you should use a multimeter to check that all electrical outlets work as intended. If it is an older home, you should check to see if the electrical outlets need to be upgraded. 

Plumbing 

Plumbing is one of the most important factors to look out for. If you notice stained floors and rotting wood, it is a sign that the house hasn’t undergone proper pipe replacement. Plus, stains are primary signs of leaks. If you notice them on the walls, it could indicate leaked pipes or poorly functioning roof gutters. 

HVAC 

If the house includes an HVAC  you should inspect its condition by evaluating the furnace and air conditioning system. If you notice a forced air furnace, check for signs of corrosion on the exterior. This can signal the presence of flue gases outside the furnace. Moreover, you should also check to if the flames are orange instead of blue. If so, this is an indication of a problematic HVAC. 

Structure 

If you’re buying an old house it is a good idea to inspect its structural integrity. 
You should observe if the paint is chipping, or peeling on the walls, if the shingles are cupping, if the windows and doors are intact and whether the windows and screens have storm panels. You should also notice if there is rot and mold on the windows, walls and and the ceiling. If the exterior doors have loose thresholds and the plaster is loose with cement chipping off, it is a sign of the supporting walls being weak. Also, notice if the interior trim moldings are damaged or splintered. 

You should bear in mind that all previously owned homes come with their little issues and defects. So don’t just blow the deal off if you come across nominal issues. However, it is best to be aware because keenly observing flaws and defects allows you to be disciplined in the deals that you make, with an added benefit of negotiating realistically to your advantage.

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David Barker

I am an experienced handyman who loves to share his expertise about woodworking and all do-it-yourself projects. I work a lot of home renovations before they are being sold or after they are purchased. I also contribute to Tools Critic in my spare time.

 

https://toolscritic.com

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