Ordering a home inspection on a house you’re about to buy makes it easy to assess if the property is worth your investment. It can save you from making a costly mistake and prevent you from buying a house that entails major and expensive repairs.
If you follow these tips for buying a house, they will enable you to determine the true value of the property that you intend to purchase.
Carefully evaluate the quality of construction of the property and see if there is any maintenance work that needs to be carried out. Check for elements that could pose a risk to you and your family, especially during extreme weather situations.
Caulking is needed to seal a home from the outside elements and to prevent water from entering the house. It is important to see if there is cracked caulking around doors, windows, and water areas.
Take note that smoke detectors are installed inside the house. These devices are required inside each bedroom as well as in the hallway of bedrooms. There should at least be one smoke detector on every floor of the house.
If there is a basement, check for signs of seepage around the foundation. Be wary if there are cracks in the basement since they could be an indication of a shifting foundation that could lead to various issues such as flooding.
Look around for signs of pests and insects, such as mice, termites, and cockroaches.
Ask the previous owner if the roof has leaked in the past. If it did, ask how and when it was repaired. Check the ceilings and dormers for signs of leaks. You can also look for signs of former leaks under the sinks in the bathrooms and in the kitchen.
Houses with low ceilings, new windows, and a smaller footprint are more likely to keep heating and cooling bills low. You could request for previous utility bills so you can estimate heating and cooling costs.
The checklist that follows will help you assess whether or not the house is worth fixing or if you’re better off walking away from this real estate deal.
Here are some questions to consider when you are evaluating homes for sale in South Orange county:
I. Condition of the Exterior
A. Roof
- Ask for the age of the roof and if there are any warranties.
- When was it last inspected?
- Are the shingles of the roof curling up?
- What is the condition of the gutters, downspouts, and roofline?
- Do the downspouts extend away from the foundation?
B. Structural Integrity
- Is the foundation in good condition and without any cracks?
- Do the walls have cracks or do they seem uneven?
- Are there spaces or cracks between the window and caulking? This could indicate foundation settlement, which can lead to sinking.
- Is there any evidence of termite damage or is there any rotting wood?
- Is there proper insulation?
II. Condition of the Interior
A. Plumbing
- How long does it take hot water to reach the shower?
- How’s the water pressure in all of the bathrooms?
- Are all the faucets in the bathrooms and the kitchen working?
- Are all the toilets working and draining properly?
- Are there mold and mildew in the bathrooms?
- Are the water pipes old? Does the water come out rusty when you turn on the faucet?
B. Electrical Systems
- Are there fuses or circuit breakers in the box connecting your house to the electric line?
- How many electrical outlets are there and are they all working?
- Are the electrical sockets grounded?
C. Inside the home
- Can the doors and windows seal out the weather? Are the windows insulated?
- Is there sufficient air ventilation inside the building?
- Are all the locks working and do they all have keys?
- What are the floors made of and how sturdy are they?
- Are the countertops stained, chipped, or scratched?
- How old are the gas pipes?
- Is the garbage disposal working?
- Are the heating and air conditioning units working?
In summary
Before purchasing a new property:
- Evaluate it thoroughly
- Take down as many notes as possible
- Take pictures as well to serve as documentation
- Inspect the exterior and interior of the home to help you determine whether or not the house requires upgrades, repairs, or a face lift
Understanding these flaws will help you prepare financially for the final budget and the offer you will make for your dream home.
You can follow these tips in choosing condos or townhouses for sale in Orange County, CA.
Need help evaluating luxury homes for sale in Orange County, CA? Get in touch with the Cordova Real Estate Group today at 949.858.0405, or send an email to marianncordova(at)gmail(dotted)com.