Home inspection checklist: 10 things to know before buying a home
When considering purchasing a property, it's important to remember that a beautiful interior design is not the only factor to consider. Conducting a thorough evaluation is crucial to making an informed decision.
Taking the time to perform routine home inspections can make the difference between buying your dream home or facing a financial nightmare. With careful attention to detail, you can avoid costly surprises and ensure your investment remains secure for years. Let's explore some checks to look out for before buying property:
1. Check the floor and walls for large cracks
Deep cracks in a building's floor or walls might indicate catastrophic structural deterioration. Because of the damage, the building's foundation may become unstable, threatening anyone residing within. Concrete floors can crack for various causes, including faults with the building materials, construction flaws, and ground preparation. Having a trained expert review your building might help you see potential issues before they become major crises after purchase.
2. Ensure that all appliances are in proper working condition
Keeping your appliances in excellent working condition is essential, so checking for any signs of trouble is crucial. If necessary, check that the stove, oven, dishwasher, washing machine, and dryer operate properly. Turn them on and off while checking for damage.
3. Examine the plumbing system for leaks and blockages
Water damage from leaking pipes is a common problem that can cause severe damage like mould growth in your house. Turn on all the water sources (including the sink, the bathtub, and the shower) and let them run for a few minutes to check for leaks and obstructions. Pipes should be inspected for corrosion or other indicators of deterioration to spot issues before they become serious.
Taking these preventative measures can save you from costly repairs and headaches. To check the plumbing system's condition, use a qualified plumber.
4. Look for damage on walls and ceilings
Check the walls and ceilings for damp spots and musty odours, all indicators of water leaks caused by a roof leakage or pipe problem. Make sure there is no water seepage through the windows and doors. Mould and water damage are expensive to repair since they can lead to health concerns and even structural collapse in a new home.
5. Check the roof for signs of wear that could affect the property
Careful inspection of the roof before buying it is necessary for spotting any early signs of deterioration or decay. When a roof decays or breaks, it can cause leaks that can severely damage a building/ It is recommended that you examine the top for missing or broken shingles, cracks, or other signs of wear and tear. Inspecting the gutters and downspouts for clogs or debris that might cause poor drainage is also critical.
6. Check for problem soil in the property
When evaluating property in South Africa, it's essential to factor in the prospect of soil expansion. Damage to buildings and structural concerns with foundations might result from problematic soil. Risks of soil movement and floods could be amplified by the presence of sandy soil and by poorly constructed foundations. A thorough examination is required to ensure the building's stability and safety.
7. Look for signs of unwanted infestation
One of the easiest ways to spot a pest problem is to look for signs of entry, such as holes or insect droppings. By living in a home infested with insects, homeowners risk experiencing health problems and damage to their belongings. So, it is critical to thoroughly search the premises for any evidence of pest activity, mainly where pests are prone to live, such as attics, basements, and crawl spaces or small spaces.
8. Test the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system
It's crucial to thoroughly inspect the ventilation system because if there are any issues with this system, it could greatly impact the indoor environment, resulting in discomfort. HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) systems must be monitored for efficiency and look for damage and obstructions. The thermostat should also be checked to make sure it is functioning perfectly.
9. Doors and windows must be checked
Windows and doors are vulnerable points in the home, and it's important to watch them, as you might identify rust and something broken, which perform a crucial purpose in giving security, insulation, and ventilation. Hence, inspecting the doors and windows for signs of wear and tear or sloppy installation is wise. Cracks, leaks, and damaged glass should be inspected. And also, see if the windows open and close smoothly by checking the frames and sills.
10. Check security, safety, and fire protection
Make sure that the property has all the necessary safety features, from locks and alarms to smoke detectors and sprinklers, to ensure the building's security, safety, and fire protection of the property. From locks and alarms to smoke detectors and sprinklers, these features will help protect the people in it. The things that might be looked at during the inspection are exits in case of emergencies, fire extinguishers, alarm systems, security cameras, and other forms of access regulation.
Are you interested in buying a new home? Get all the information you need to buy a house and what red flags you should look out for. Reach out to our real estate practitioner at Tshenolo Properties for more details.
