Before you get to the closing table and make the home officially yours, you as a homebuyer will want to do a home inspection so everything “under the hood” looks good and there aren’t any unexpected surprises once you take the keys. While hiring a professional inspector is highly recommended it is also a good idea to do an inspection yourself.
So, what are a few things to look for? Here’s a quick suggestion list:
Outside The Home
- Are the gutters properly attached and do they drain away from the home?
- Do you notice any stains or dark spots on the roof and do you notice from your viewpoint any missing shingles or tiles?
- Check the foundation carefully. Are there any noticeable cracks and are there any big trees near the foundation?
- Inspect the windows and doors by checking if they open and close properly and check if there is any moisture around the frames.
Inside The Home
- Check for any unusual scents and smells. Unusual odors may mean there is mold or mildew.
- Head up to the basement and check for any moisture or water. Also, when you are up there check to see if there is insulation and if it is in good condition.
- Check to see if the HVAC system is running smoothly and look to see the date when it was installed. It may look new but it could be a unit from 20 years ago.
- How does the water pressure seem on all the sinks, showers and toilets? That is something important to look at.
- Check all the outlets and light switches. You will want to make sure they all work properly and the outlets are grounded.
While any resale will have wear-and-tear in it, you may not notice or look for many of these things when you first look at a home. That’s why a thorough inspection is necessary once you sign the contract so everyone knows who is responsible for what.
If you have any questions or need help looking for a good inspector contact Alliant Title & Escrow at 561-912-0922 or visit AlliantFL.com.