Buying a house is a milestone everyone aims to cross once they’re established and ready to settle down. It’s the start of a beautiful journey into the future, and for many, it is a big, one-time investment. Therefore, it is very important to look at every little detail before making the purchase.
When making a deal with a real estate agent, it is ideal that you know exactly what you are getting yourself into. The most important part of the process is the home inspection.
Inspecting the House – All You Need to Know
Most people prefer hiring a professional to get the job done. It’s a good option because they know the job well and can also explain everything to you in detail.
The more informed you are, the better and more thorough your decisions will be. You should think about hiring a licensed and qualified inspector to provide you with a detailed home inspection report, not just on the interior but the exterior as well.
You also have the option to personally inspect the house, especially if you don’t wish to pay a professional and you have the knowledge and expertise to do the job.
Here are six things you must inspect to save yourself the trouble and extra expense
1. Mold
One of the first things a home inspector searches for is signs of mold. Any place that has moisture is bound to breed mold. Almost every home is susceptible to mold, and it is extremely common to have mold growing in cracks and crevices of the house. However, the problem arises with the type and severity of the mold. Toxic black mold can pose a health hazard and would need to be taken care of immediately. Mildew stains and odors are signs of the area being too moist.
2. Dampness
Dampness and moisture are breeding grounds for insects. Plus, it can also weaken the foundation of the building, which can lead to serious problems later on.
Though moisture and mildew may seem inconsequential in the larger scheme of things, they must not be taken lightly. If there’s leakage, for example, it should be taken care of as water can seep into the ground and weaken the structure.
You can hire a company to take care of things. Just make sure to look for one that’s affordable and uses safety measures, such as PowerJackMotion linear actuators, so that the job can be done in a proper manner.
3. Electrical Problems
Are there any malfunctions in the switchboard, and are all the switches functional? Have the outlets been grounded? It is important to note whether the house has functioning receptacles to avoid short-circuits and potential fires.
If the electrical panels and circuit breaker configurations are not adequate according to the needs of the house, it must be sorted before you decide on buying the house as they can pose long-term problems.
You must also make sure the heating and cooling system are in working order and up-to-date. Old systems can be inefficient and also result in a loss of energy.
4. Plumbing
Check for leaks and potential cracks. If the pipes are too old and rusty, they are most likely to leak and damage the foundations of the house. The moisture can lead to other problems such as pests, mold, insects, etc.
The most efficient way to check if the water system of the house is fully functional or not is to turn multiple faucets on and flush several toilets at the same time. This will give you an idea of how well the water system can function under optimum load.
It is also recommended that you check the septic system to avoid drainage problems in the future. Excess disposal in the septic tank show signs of neglect and carelessness, and you want to take care of your waste disposal system before you move in.
5. Structural Issues
Make sure all windows are intact, the roofing is solid, there are no cracks in the walls and ceilings, and the structure is concrete enough to withstand harsh weather conditions.
If the walls are weathering, you might want to make note of that. Check for loose wires and boards, and unhinged doors or windows as well.
6. Infestation
Old homes generally have a problem with insects and pests, but you should always do a sweep-over regardless of how old or new the house is.
Check for bats in the attic, mice in cabinets and floorboards. Also, pay attention to termites as they can cause long-term damage.
There is also the potential threat of toxic materials, such as lead paint and asbestos, which is commonly found as insulation material in old homes. Make sure to ask your inspector to keep an eye for any such toxins.
You must make sure to cover all areas and potential hazards before buying a house. Many sellers sell their homes on an as-is basis, which is why it is very important to be careful.
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