We have all learned the hard way that there a few very important items to be checked before closing escrow on your dream home. Making sure your home inspector is certified is the first part, and then comes your checklist. Sure, you’ve made sure you are clear of termites or any flood damage but there are details to be addressed so you don’t run into costly repairs. Being able to save some extra cash for the design part of your new home is the fun part, so be sure to follow along our top 10 suggestions for a checklist.
1. Check the Drains: Some homebuyers laugh at this but we’ve ran into it a couple of times to help make our clients aware. Somewhere between the house and the sewer line, there can be a backup. Usually tree branches or a collapsed pipes, but either way, it’s hard to spot unless you run a load of laundry, fill up the tub and sinks and let them all drain at the same time.
2. Open all the Windows: Try opening all the windows in the home. Some may get stuck or won’t open at all. Older homes tend to have makeshift windows so it’s good to double check these things. Replacing windows isn’t fun and it isn’t cheap either.
3. Turn on all the Faucets: Although changing out faucets isn’t exactly rocket science it’s always a pain to lay under a cabinet and reach for the sky with funny tools to get things removed. Just check to make sure they all work so you can add it to your list.
4. Light A Fire In The Fireplace: Chimneys are easy to clean and service with just one call to a chimney sweep. However, running into an issue with a non operable fireplace or draft issue can be costly.
5. Taste the Water: This lesson is always learned the hard way. Even if your city has great water, your pipes might be old enough that they’ll send a little extra something out of the tap and into your glass. Knowing up front if you’ll need to install a whole house filter or investing in Brita pitchers is always helpful.
6. Flush the Toilets: Knowing that all the toilets in the home can handle toilet paper is a bonus. Although they’re easy enough to replace or fix, finding ones that flush well are a bonus.
7. Open The Electrical Panel: A clean and labeled panel is a happy panel. Something that looks like rodents got up inside can signal trouble. Look for loose wires or ones that simply don’t connect to anything. It could be helpful to get a licensed electrician to take a second look.
8. Turn on the Heat/Air: Knowing that both of these things work prior to actually needing them can be a serious plus. Check to make sure they blow their respective temperatures in addition to just turning on. Your inspector normally checks this one while they do a walk thru.
9. Pull the Carpet Back: Before you move in, you’ll want to find out if there are hardwood floors and also any mold or mildew under the carpets. Many homeowners will have a section of carpet removed in a closet to allow you to see the condition of the floors below.
10. Basement Moisture: Although most home inspectors will sniff this one out for you, look for signs of dampness. Moisture can lead to issues like mold and mildew so be sure not to forget this one.
I hope this was a helpful list for you. I have found in the past that a personal checklist is nice to have during your home search and inspection. You don’t want to waste anyone’s time or money, especially your own. We have preferred inspectors of all sorts for our home buying process. Call us today and speak with one of our JohnHart agents who are specialized in the details of selling and buying; we have your back throughout the process.
Contributor, designer & admin for JohnHart Gazette.
The inspector should be able to provide you with his/her professional history and have some referrals, or have more experienced inspectors to assist them.
Its good to know there are inspectors like you who are thorough with their services. It would be nice for homoe buyers to know they can trust their inspector and the services.
Here, I think the inspectors should provide this suggestion because they are all responsible for this and our concern is to agree to this suggestion.