You will hopefully hire a professional to conduct a thorough home inspection before firming up on an offer but why not keep an eye out for potential problems when visiting a potential home for the first time?
You could save yourself time, money and potential heartache by identifying problems upfront. Although I am not a home inspector, I can help you search for and identify potential red flags during our showings.
Here are some of the items I can investigate with you.
Exterior of the house
- Gutters, Downspouts and Sidings
Do the gutters and downspouts have the necessary connections and do they direct water away from the house? Check the condition of the siding/brick and also note if the ground slopes away from the home or toward the home.
- ROOF
Are there any stains, dark areas, or even moss? Do any shingles or tiles need replacing? Ask for details about when the roof was redone.
- FOUNDATION
Any noticeable large cracks? Are there any large trees near the foundation? Is there any damp, mushy, or sinking earth around the foundation?
- WINDOWS
Do the gutters and downspouts have the necessary connections and do they direct water away from the house? Check the condition of the siding/brick and also note if the ground slopes away from the home or toward the home.
Interior of the house
- SMELL
Do you detect any odd smells? Mould and mildew odours are indicative of water problems. Pet and smoke smells are extremely difficult to remove and remediation costs should be considered.
- WATER STAIN
Check ceilings, floors and walls in each area for any indication of water marks or damage.
- HEAT AND COOLING
Check the age and condition of the furnace and air conditioner. Note whether each item is owned or rented.
- PLUMBING
Is the water pressure okay? Do the fixtures function? Any indications that the under-sink cabinets have leaks? Check for old pipes.
- ELECTRICAL
Check the electrical panel. What is the amperage and is it sufficient for the size of the home? Is there any old wiring such as knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring?.
- MAJOR APPLIANCES
Check the age and condition of any included equipment, such as the oven, refrigerator, washer, and dryer.
