Buyers’ Checklist: Places To Inspect When Buying a New House
Nothing is more exciting than buying a house, but a lot goes into finding the right one. Before purchasing a home, y’all should always hire an inspector to check for possible damage and evaluate the home’s condition. Trust me—repairs get expensive, and when you make a down payment on a house, the last thing you want to do is pour more money into it. I’ve jotted down the top places to inspect when buying a new house so that you know what professionals to hire for a once-over.
The Roof and Attic
While the home may look great outside, you can’t see either of these by simply looking at the house. However, a leaky roof could lead to water damage inside your home, so you’ll have to repair and possibly repaint the ceiling.
Also, have an inspector check the attic for pests and insects that may have made a home in your potential house. Experts also recommend this because the attic could have poor insulation—impacting the rest of the home—or mold. A mold inspection is essential because certain types of mold can make you ill but may go undetected without careful examination.
Plumbing Fixtures
While y’all can easily see whether the plumbing systems appear to work, a professional can test the quality of the water. Doing this is important if you purchase a property that relies on well water, as you may need to install additional filters on plumbing fixtures. An inspector can also check septic systems if applicable to the property, meaning you won’t have any surprises once you move into the home.
Basement and Foundation
Check the house from head to toe, or in this case, attic to basement. In some areas, soil can leak into the basement; if builders didn’t pour the foundation slab correctly, the basement could leak soil or water. One of the best ways to keep water out of your basement is by installing a sump pump, which directs water away from this property area.
The inspector will check the foundation for cracks and other signs of structural damage. These issues can occur due to plumbing leaks, tree roots, settling, poor building techniques, etc. I highly advise checking this area because many of us store belongings in the basement. Y’all don’t want to risk water damage ruining photo albums or other keepsakes if cracks in the foundation let water in.
HVAC Systems
The HVAC systems are the final key to inspect when buying a new house. Talk to the current homeowner about the age of the heater and AC unit and when they last had a professional check the system. It’s always best to get a professional’s second opinion, giving you peace of mind as you decide on your top contenders for a new home. By giving the house a careful inspection before deciding on a bid price, you can ensure that you truly buy your dream home without repairs looming overhead.
