It’s easy to get blown away by a property that looks impeccable from the outside. You may fall in love with the picturesque landscaping, the beautiful architecture, and all of the amenities that come with it.
But before you get too far ahead of yourself, it’s important to remember that many factors can affect your home’s value in both good and bad ways. For example, while the fireplace may look polished and pretty on the outside, it could be poorly insulated and a waste of space. Or maybe the granite countertops look gorgeous but are actually made of low-quality materials that will wear down easily over time.
So does this mean no property is worth buying? Certainly not. All you need is an open mind and consider a home inspection before buying the property. We have discussed various property aspects to focus on before deciding. Take a look.
The Roof
The state of your roof will directly impact your energy bills, so it’s important to ensure that it’s in good condition during the home inspection. Check for cracks or leaks. Suppose you find any areas where water appears to be leaking through the ceiling (which could indicate problems with flashing or ventilation). In that case, it’s probably best to re-assess your property choice.
Chimneys and Fireplaces
The chimney should be clean and free of debris, and the fireplace damper should open and close easily. If it’s stuck or won’t stay closed, this could indicate issues with the flue (a pipe that runs through your chimney). Some older houses don’t have a flue at all—these need to be checked by a professional.
Attic and Insulation
The attic is the ideal place for mold to grow, and if you don’t know what you’re looking for when you inspect it, it can be hard to tell whether there’s a problem. Look for signs of moisture (dark stains on wood), excessive dust or debris buildup, and insulation that looks old and dirty. Also, check your attic’s ventilation—it should have vents that allow air in but keep out rodents and insects.
Basement, Crawlspace, and Foundation
If your basement has a dirt floor, it’s important to check for signs of moisture. If you see mold growing on the walls or ceiling, this could indicate water damage. Also, look for cracks in the foundation and leaks around pipes that run through it—these can indicate structural problems in the house.
Moreover, the crawlspace under your house can also be a source of moisture and, therefore, mold growth. Look for signs that water has leaked through the roof and into the crawlspace—this can be seen as stains on wood or insulation.
Don’t forget the foundation – it is a good idea to check the outside of your house for signs of water damage. If you see cracks in the foundation or dirt around it, this could indicate that moisture has seeped into the house and caused problems.
If you see any signs of mold growth on your home’s walls, floors, or ceilings—or if you notice a musty odor—contact your seller to fix this issue as soon as possible.
Heating and Cooling Systems
No matter the property age, get the heating and cooling systems inspected by a home inspector.
They will look for issues such as:
- Missing or damaged insulation
- Leaks in the ductwork
- Dirty filters
Furthermore, if you find that the HVAC system is more than five years old, it’s a good idea to have it replaced before you buy. Contact the seller to check for the replacement expenses.
Plumbing System
Call a plumber to assess the problem if you notice any leaks or drips. This could be due to a simple fix, such as a clogged drain or leaky faucet. But if it’s something more serious, like a broken pipe that needs repair or replacement, this will cost you money—and time.
It’s best to contact the seller and inform them of the problem. If it’s something you can fix, ask for permission to do so before getting started. If it’s not a simple fix, ask the seller if they’re willing to pay for repairs and how much they’ll contribute.
Electrical System
If you notice any flickering lights or blown fuses, this could be due to a problem with the electrical system itself. Check your circuit breaker and outlets for signs of damage. If there’s evidence of wear and tear, ask the seller if they’ll cover the cost of repairs.
Doors and Windows
If the doors and windows don’t close properly, this could be due to several issues. Check the weather stripping around each door and window to ensure that it’s not worn or damaged. Next, check for rot around any wood components (such as window frames) and use this information to negotiate the price with the seller.
Walls, Floors, and Ceilings
If there are holes in the walls, see if they’re large enough for insects or rodents to enter. If so, this could signify termites or other pests that may have infested the property and caused damage elsewhere.
Use the same process to check for rot in the floors as you did for doors and windows.
If there’s rot, it may mean water damage elsewhere in the house. Also, look at the ceilings to determine if they’re cracked or warped. If they are, it means that there could be water damage in the roof or attic, which can lead to mold and other problems.
Porches, Decks, and Railings
If the property has a porch or deck, check for cracks in the wood and see if all of it is still intact. If there are areas where pieces are missing or rotting away, this could mean that water could seep into the property through these holes. Make sure that all railings are secure by checking them from top to bottom and ensuring that they’re not coming loose.
Grading and Drainage
If the property has a yard, check to see if it’s level. If it isn’t, there could be problems with drainage that cause water to pool on one side and rot away at the foundation of the house. Also, check around the yard’s perimeter for any gaps or holes where water might seep in and begin damaging the structure.
Backyard
The backyard is one of the most neglected areas of a home, but it’s also one of the most important. You should check for any signs of erosion or mold growth on the ground. If there are any cracks in the soil, these could indicate that there’s been some water damage to the foundation of your house.
Make sure your home inspector documents these areas and suggests ways in which you can deal with them. The backyard is also an excellent place to check for any signs of termite damage. If there are any gaps or holes in the ground, these could be an indication that your home has been invaded by these destructive pests.
Takeaway
Buying a new home is a big undertaking. And if you are purchasing a big property, like a multi-family or commercial property, the process can be even more daunting.
We have discussed various property aspects to inspect with the help of a home inspector before signing the dotted line. Take cues from the above tips and make an informed decision.
If you have any questions or concerns about your home purchase, feel free to reach out. We are happy to help!
