What Should be Inspected Before Buying a Home?

Buying a home is a big investment, so it’s important to do your due diligence before finalizing a deal. Regarding home inspections, potential buyers should understand that inspecting a house is similar to evaluating any other investment opportunity. As a result, house inspections can lead to major discoveries and help prevent potential problems down the road.
Even for new homes, industry professionals recommend certain checklists before buying the property. These checklists are important because they allow home owners to find out if certain repairs or corrections are needed. In a nutshell, an inspector should be able to determine any additional costs of repairing structures of an old or a new home. Here are a few of the most important inspection factors to consider:

1. Ventilation, Sanitation and Plumbing

Since heating and air conditioning units are important for maintaining a comfortable home, it is crucial to inspect the HVAC unit and ventilation ducts. For new homes, anyone can inspect these units easily, but for older homes, it is recommended to hire an inspector before sealing the deal.
Even in new homes, the water filtration and drainage can cause issues due to uneven ground symmetry. Even if the water system seems reasonable, water pipes in older homes are prone to rust. One of the simplest methods to inspect water systems and pipes is to look for signs of rust and open-joints in the exposed pipes. Also look for water leaks in the septic system.
Another extremely important step is to inspect the wiring. The simplest method is to view the circuit breaker panel ensuring that wires are properly installed and all switches leading to that circuit breaker are working properly.

2. House Foundation

House surfaces are easy to check, therefore the first place should be the corner of a floor structure. Weak structures will show signs of dampness, rotting and even insect contamination. Likewise, the first hint of a weak roofing structure are cracks and heavy dampness, which are mostly evident in the pipes leading to the surface from the roof.
For deck and porches, it is wise to look for rot or damage to the structure. The driveway is also an area that is often overlooked. Be sure to check that the pavement is in good condition for the driveway.

3. Structural Damage

Check the condition of areas around windows for another hint of structural strength. Termite infestation and dry rot around the windows can be a sign of long-term structural problems.
If defects are found, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the deal should be called off. In such cases, the buyer can request a contingency clause asking the seller to fix certain defects before finalizing the sale to try and reach an agreement. Another viable option is to offer a lower sale price to accommodate additional expense needed to fix the structure.
If you’re looking for San Marcos real estate, please browse our site and contact us if you have any questions. We have what it takes to help find the perfect home at the perfect price for you!


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