Home Inspection Checklist for Buyers In 2020

By Admin Wednesday July 14, 2021

When looking to buy a new house, you are going to tour it before purchasing it. Home tours are designed to attract and detract your attention from different parts of a property. The uninformed may begin ogling at the attractive aspects of the house and ignore the bad omens. That is a major mistake. Regardless of how great a house looks, make sure you pay attention to the following before making this significant investment.

Infrastructure Quality

The most important part of the structure is the home’s foundation. If you notice cracks in the home’s drywall or the house feels like it’s sinking, there’s likely a problem with the home’s foundation.

Other than the foundation, you should hone in on the roof, attic, basement, and exterior. Make sure the roof has all its shingles, the shingles are sealed, and that there is no moss. You should also make sure the gutters are correctly attached to the roof. Check your basement and attic for moss, stains, and growth as well.

If your basement has mildew growing, it suggests there’s a foundation problem that is leaking moisture into your basement. Similarly, if your attic has a similar fungal problem, it means your roof is not secure. Lastly, make sure your windows and doors are aligned and open and close easily.

Plumbing

Plumbing issues can be a nuisance to deal with for new homeowners. Check all the faucets to make sure they are not leaking or dripping, since this can unnecessarily raise your water bill. Make sure the water pressure is up to your standards as well. Low water pressure suggests that your pipes are clogged.

Heating and Cooling

You should examine the house’s heating and cooling systems as well. In particular, assess if all the systems work as they should.

There are a few clear-cut signs that a house’s heating and cooling systems aren’t working. Age is a good indicator, so examine the system’s manufacturing date.

Electrical Work

Check the home’s main electrical panel to assess its age by seeing if it is outfitted with circuit breakers (new) or fuses (old).

Additionally, check all the light switches to make sure the lights are working and that there isn’t any fluctuation. Lastly, if possible, check out the home’s wiring. Chaotic and outdated wiring can become a fire hazard.

If this checklist has alerted you to the array of problems that may be present in a new home, do not fret. Contact us, at Clear Sight Inspections, for professional pre-purchase house inspections in Brooklyn, Queens, and New York City’s other boroughs. Get in touch, and we will make sure you don’t make a bad investment.