With real estate prices skyrocketing all across the country, it’s difficult for home buyers to make inroads into the property market today. Even if you’re able to cough up enough money for the initial deposit, there’s the chance that you have to make drastic modifications to your lifestyle to fund this financial encumbrance – that’s why when you’re house hunting, you’ve got to make sure that you’ve made the right decision. The property market is a large one, so you have the opportunity to inspect several different homes before making the decision to buy. Here are 3 easy tips that all homebuyers should follow when completing a property inspection and their due diligence.
Structural Integrity is of Utmost Importance
Keep in mind that homeowners want to do everything in their power to achieve a sale – it’s possible that they will hide flaws in the home in the hope of getting rid of it. That’s why you must closely inspect the walls in each room in the house. Look for visible cracks – this could mean that the home is set on a poor foundation, which could compromise its structural integrity. Here’s something that every homebuyer should keep in mind – freshly painted homes could be a ruse to mask cracks. Wall cracks aren’t something that just passes away with time – make sure you get more details from your real estate agent about the home.
Water and Electrical Appliances Must Be In Sound Working Condition
It’s always worth noting the condition of water appliances like taps in the kitchen and bathrooms when completing a property inspection to check for water pressure and quality. Poor water pressure is a sign of faulty plumbing, while discoloured water is a sign of old and rusty taps. The existing hot water system should also be able to meet your needs – unless you are willing to spend a few extra dollars on installing a whole new hot water system. It’s equally important to inspect the state of the electrical appliances in your home to make sure that all the electricity points are working well. By inspecting these details before buying a home, you will save yourself a lot of money in the form of expensive repair costs.
Dampness Is a Strict Warning Sign
Flaking paint and water trickle spots are clear signs of damp walls when completing a property inspection. This can easily occur when rainwater seeps through walls or excessive moisture in the air. It may also be an indication of a faulty plumbing system. When you’re buying a home for the first time, the last thing you need is an expensive fix for damp walls. The repairs itself will set you back tens of thousands of dollars. You might want to inspect the home on a rainier day to check for dampness warning signs.
Remember that when you’re purchasing a home, you need to be judicious with your inspections – so you don’t end up spending exorbitant sums of money on repairs – not to mention the fact that you’ve already spent close to a fortune on buying the home itself.