When looking at a house you are thinking of buying, please check the following items CAREFULLY!
EXTERIOR
Porches:
Roof:
Structure/Paint:
Gutters (Down Spout):
Siding (Clapboards,shingles,etc.):
Foundation:
INTERIOR
Basement:
Furnace (Heat):
Plumbing:
Electric:
Hot Water (Heater):
Floors:
Windows:
Doors:
Kitchen:
Bathrooms:
Don’t be afraid to ask questions about anything! Remember no house is perfect - many city houses may need some work, but be sure you can afford to maintain a house and that it is safe and comfortable for your family.
If the seller has to do repairs to the house as a requirement for your getting the loan, be sure that you inspect before settlement.
Always reinspect the property 24 - 36 hours before settlement.
Do they sag? Are the boards rotten or warped? Does the roof leak? Is the paint peeling? Are the supports strong? Look underneath porches - is the wood soft or mildewed? If concrete or brick, are they cracked or broken? Is there a stair rail?
Is it cracked or smooth? If asbestos shingles, is the mineral covering worn off? Is there a written guarantee? (New roof 10 years). Brown spots on ceilings indicate leaks.
Is the mortar crumbling? Is paint peeling? Are there gaps between bricks?
Are any missing? Are rust spots appearing on the bottoms? Are they firmly attached? Do they carry water away from the foundation?
Look missing pieces, lifting or warping, for loose or missing pieces, lifting or warping.
Check for holes, cracks, and unevenness.
Is the floor wet? Is the foundation crumbling or cracking? Are the beams (joists) damaged or patched in any way? Is there enough lighting?
Is it oil or gas? Any signs of oil leaks or smell of gas? Has it been serviced each year? (Look for service tag on it). What was last year’s heating bill? (You can call the fuel supplier for this figure). Where is the thermostat? Are there radiators (steam or hot water) or air vent?
Test all faucets and flush the toilet at the same time to see if the water pressure is good. Do any drains not drain properly or do they leak? (Especially under the sink) check the pipes to see if they are galvanized (silver) or copper (brown) are they corroded? Do they leak? Are there shut off valves to the water heater and stove (if gas) and the toilets.
Are there at least two baseboard outlets in each room? (No extension cords) does every room have any overhead light fixture operated by a wall switch (no pull chains)? Is the electrical wiring anywhere in the house exposed, untidy, or in bad condition? Remember: Bad wiring can cause fire. Is the service 100 AMP? Circuit breakers or fuses? Turn on light switches and lights that are permanently attached to walls.
Check for signs of leaking or rusting. What is the capacity or recovery rate"? (Should be a minimum of 30 gallons for family or 4; more for larger families). How old is it? Is there a shut off valve?
Do they sag? Are there soft spots? Are there metal or other patches? Wall to wall carpeting can hide bad floors.
Walls:
Are walls and ceilings soft and/or cracked? Do they bulge? Are they stained? Are paint and wallpaper peeling or loose? New wallpaper often hide bad walls. Check behind the dropped ceiling.
Is the paint cracking? Is there putty to hold the glass in? Do they open and close easily? Do they close tightly? Are the sills rotting? Are there storm windows?
Do they close properly? Are they good locks?
What appliances are included (stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, and garbage disposal)? Check for age workability. Are there enough electrical outlets? Are there leaks under sink?
Are there enough for your family? Check for cracks in tiles; signs of leaks; how long it to get hot water; proper ventilation (window fan)?