While it may sound daunting, a home inspection is actually one of the best safeguards we can take before buying a used home. The home inspection process can protect you and your wallet from unpleasant surprises later on. Used house inspection before buying a new house. So, what do we need to pay attention to when doing a home inspection?
1. Foundation, structure & exterior
Checking the foundation and structure of the house does require extra foresight, but as the name implies, these two things are important components that determine the robustness of a house.
Is the foundation visible in good condition?
Are there any cracks in the lower wall or floor?
Are there any indications that the structure of the house has shifted? (Color difference, out of sync lines)
Are there any indications that the house has ever been flooded?
Is the septic tank in good position and condition?
Any indications of termites or rotting wood structures?
Are the door and window frames still sturdy?
Are the ceilings and roof in good condition? (Not leaking, peeling, or rotting)
Is there a patched roof?
Does the house have enough ventilation?
How is the condition of the gutter in front of the house?
2. Interiors
Checking the state of the interior of a house is the easiest thing on this list, because most of its components can be seen easily. Here is a list that we must pay attention to:
Does the house have a strange smell? (musty, rancid, or other unusual odor)
What is the condition of the equipment that comes with the house (taps, sinks, air conditioners, wall shelves, sinks, toilets, etc.)
Does the house get enough natural light and air circulation?
How is the condition of the wall paint, wallpaper, and floor tiles in each room?
Are there any stains to question? (water seepage, burn marks, etc.)
Are all doors and windows working properly?
3. Waterways
Nothing is more annoying than poor water quality and a leaky faucet. Therefore, the next thing we need to check when conducting a home inspection is the water line. So, what needs to be checked?
All water taps, whether in bathrooms, kitchens, courtyards, and other spaces, including showers, jet showers, and flush toilets.
Is the running water clear enough?
All drains such as sink holes, toilets, bathtubs, etc.
Is the existing water pressure strong enough?
Is the water pump available? If so, using a jetpump or well pump?
How about a water heater? Is it available and working properly? What types of heaters are available (gas or electric, what is the capacity?
Does the house use a torrent (water tank)? If yes, how big is the capacity?
4. Electricity
Electricity is certainly one of the essential facilities in our daily life. From turning on lights and refrigerators for everyday use, to recharging mobile phones and laptops that support our productivity. Pay attention to the following to make sure you can carry out activities comfortably
Pay attention to the position of the light switch in each room, is everything working properly?
Count the outlets in each room, are they sufficient and functioning properly?
Is the electrical panel in an easily accessible place?
Are the existing cables and connections still solid and not peeling?
used house inspection before buying a new house
Home Inspection Tips for Beginners
Even though we already have a list of things that need to be inspected, the reality is that we can still feel intimidated when inspecting a second home. To lighten the load, here are some tips from Localist for first-time home hunters.
Invite friends or relatives who are more familiar with the intricacies of buying and selling used houses
Do the calculation of what important things we need in the new house
Make a list of any questions you want to ask the seller
Get to know what is our deal-breaker
Most importantly, we must be present ourselves during the home inspection