No house is perfect. Not even the brand-new ones. To avoid selecting a property with issues, looking for big-ticket items when previewing properties with your agent is important to make the investment worth it.
A home inspection checklist is a valuable tool to help look at and document certain home features when previewing. Note that a home inspection checklist should not be mistaken as a report, nor should it substitute for a professional home inspection. Rather, it is a way to document features and issues of the homes you are considering to help you compare them at the end of the day.
Here’s an example of items that should be included in a home inspection checklist that you can take when previewing homes:
THE BIG PICTURE
Take the time to check out the homes in the neighborhood that were constructed around the same time as the home you’re previewing. This will give you a general idea of the condition of your house. Pay attention to big-ticket items like the roof, siding, and foundation. The severity of major issues that can be seen are items that can be deal-breakers.
ROOF
A simple visual evaluation of the roof should be good but pay attention to the following:
SIDING
There is a lot of siding on a home, and we recommend taking a pen and pad of paper with you to log any damage you may see as well at its location.
Depending on the type of siding, you could be looking for wood rot, nail pops, cracks, open joints, bricks falling away from the side, peeling paint, loose boards, or panels. Anything that doesn’t look correct needs to be noted.
FOUNDATION
FLOORS
WALLS
CEILINGS
WINDOWS and DOORS
KITCHEN AND BATHROOMS
ELECTRICAL
When testing electrical elements, make sure that all necessary safety measures are taken.
HVAC SYSTEM
Inspect and determine if the system has been serviced lately. Look for upkeep by the owner.
WATER HEATER
The water heater is one of the most important appliances in your home and is often taken for granted.
For many good reasons, a home inspection checklist can be a valuable tool to help you preview properties more systematically so you know what features and issues went with which home. This information may later help you decide which home to choose to make an offer on, likely preventing a lot of stress.
Click here to download and print our Raleigh NC Home Inspection Checklist. Print and take one to each home you preview so you can jot down the things you find during the home visit. This way, you can track and know which home has what features and/or issues.
If you or someone you know is looking to buy or sell and needs a home inspection, please be sure to consider Due Diligence Property Inspections. In addition, you can call at 252-436-8392 or visit our website for more information or schedule your inspection services today.
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