Inspecting a House Before You Buy

See Also: Preparing You Home For Sale

There is more to buying to a house than signing papers at the closing. This is only a brief summary of some of the things to look for when buying or in some cases not buying a house. Some of the sections that must be looked at are the yard, electrical system, foundation, basement, roof, kitchen, attic and plumbing.

When looking at a potential home there are many things to consider before walking in the door. What kind of neighborhood is the house located in? You should find out if the house is in an industrial area, has heavy traffic, or crime.

Check the exterior of house first. Look at the front yard, the landscape and trees. Check windows and doors. Replacing widows is expensive, so make sure they are in good condition. Another important area that needs to be looked at is the roof. Examine the shingles. How many layers are there? What is the flexibility of the shingles? Are there patches on the roof? Also check the outer walls, looking at window connections and for dry rot. On the exterior there may also be an electrical box with circuit breakers. If you have any doubt about the electrical system and it's ability to handle your needs, hire an electrician. Finally don't forget the foundation. Check the sill plate for any cracks.

Moving inside the house some of your main concerns are major cracking in walls or ceilings, water damage, insufficient electrical outlets, no wall insulation. Starting in the basement check for moisture, the wiring system, the insulated vent and ducts. Turn on the heat and air conditioning. Ask the owner and about the climate control costs. Next check the house's interior walls. Is there fuzz, water damage, discoloration, bulges or bubbles? It doesn't hurt to feel the wall either.

Moving on to kitchen, some areas of concern dust, dirt, undrinkable water, insects, rodents, appliance problems, floor problems, and future remodeling considerations. When in the kitchen check the pump and tank. Open cupboard doors to see any signs of roaches or rats. How many appliances are there and are there enough hookups for your appliances. When walking on the floor does it shake? How is the pitch? Is the floor level? These are all questions you need to answer before moving on.

Another important area is the plumbing system. Some of the concerns involved are insufficient water pressure, drainage, corroded pipes, water damage, and further remodeling consideration. See how the water runs. Turn on the shower flush the toilet. Hire a plumber to look things over if you are still concerned.

Move up to the attic. Look around but be careful. Walk only on the joists. Look for ventilation, water damage and structure. Check for the amount of insulation, leaks, and weak floor joists.

We hope this list of things to look for will aid you in your next home buying experience. And remember it's not just a purchase, but a life long investment.