Buyers Guide to Home Inspection
Are you looking for a house to buy? I am sure you’ve done thorough research in the market, but wait..
Before deciding, there are things that you must know before buying a house. For that, we have prepared a buyer's guide to home inspection. Let's take a look at that.
What is a Home Inspection?
The aim of a home inspection is to look over a newly purchased property and find any problem that can become a future liability. Home inspections are usually performed by a professional who thoroughly inspects the property.
How to prepare for a home inspection checklist?
It is better to hire an inspector who is professional enough to know the problems that can be detected. The inspector will provide the homeowner with a detailed report on the property. The primary goal of a home inspection is to identify and highlight any potential problems before the closing process.
Home Inspection Checklist for Buyers
You think thousands of times before buying anything in the market. When you get to know it, it's worth spending your money. What about a new house that will be your asset in the future? Yes! You must examine that before signing on a dotted line.
Check the Exterior
The exterior includes the roof, driveway, walkways, doors, decks, and siding. You may have a bird's eye view of the whole building while standing outside. We always say that "The first impression is the last impression", and that's very true. An experienced person can tell about the complete condition of a house just by looking at its exterior.
Foundation and Framings
The foundation and framing of the building are other vital aspects to know because the foundation matters a lot. Nothing stands if the structure is weak. So, you must see whether the foundation and framing are sound and whether the building's skeleton is weather-resistant.
Plumbing
People buying their first home are often unfamiliar with how plumbing and HVAC systems work and how to maintain them properly. The following are some points to keep in mind when looking at the house's plumbing.
If you detect the smell of gas from any corner, you must know that there is something problematic that requires your attention.
Walls with Stains
Moisture seeping through the walls causes mold. This causes black or brown coloured stains on walls that are old and faulty. Chipped or easily peelable paint can also indicate moisture problems or the use of low-quality building materials. Cracks in the wall paint can indicate structural damage. When inspecting a home, pay close attention to these and similar issues so you can quickly determine the repair costs.
Check the Condition of the Roof
Roof repair is required for sloped roofs with missing roof tiles and shingles. Several other minor signs indicate the need for roof repair, and the majority of them can be detected early on. Remember that intelligent investment decisions are based on facts rather than assumptions. Flat roofs and improper drainage cause seepage. As a result, make every effort to thoroughly inspect the roof and look for any signs of water stains caused by standing water.
Exposed Electrical Wiring
The house's electrical supply is the next big thing in home inspection. The list below will assist you in conducting a thorough supply inspection:
Clogged Gutters
If there is a clogged sewerage system in the street outside your house, you should consider it a clear warning sign that your house's drain will overflow or backflow into the house. To see this, run a tap and notice slow drainage, which can surely indicate a clogged drain.
Check the Condition of the Yard
When you buy a house in Pakistan, especially in an older area, there may not be much garden or yard to maintain. However, many new housing developments include beautifully landscaped public spaces and private backyards or gardens that are the responsibility of the homeowners.
Only choose such a home if you enjoy gardening or can afford to hire a professional to maintain it. Even if this is the case, inspect the yard during the house inspection to see if it has been well maintained in its current state.
Hire an Inspector
You must choose a home inspector before the process so you may have a thorough discussion with him about the deal. Sometimes it becomes difficult to find an inspector, but you can contact a trustworthy real estate marketing company. Agents can help in finding a licensed inspector who can be trusted.
Do your Research
Before you hire an inspector, do your research too. It will give you an advantage. You can make a list of questions for your inspector. No doubt, the inspector knows better than you, but the property is yours, so is the responsibility.
First Time Home Buyers Questions
For an excellent and smooth home inspection process, it is necessary to ask questions. You might ask the inspector how much the inspection will cost, a summary of what it will cover, stages, timings, and so on.
Make sure your contractor is available on a specific date and time to meet the deadlines. Remember that the inspection itself is only one step in the process, and receiving the report with the results can take several days. Examine the inspector's credentials to ensure that they are properly qualified.
Using Home Inspection Report
After you have gone through all the significant steps included in the buyers guide to home inspection, you must have a detailed report. It is time to see what significant problems are detected. If there are any, you must reconsider buying a house.
Check the Documents
One of the most important steps is to check documents. Make sure that the documents are complete. You may get any legal help before you take any step forward. This will save you from future liabilities.
