Most sellers spruce up the house before they list, but if you’re not careful, you might be looking at the lipstick on a pig.
Problems in an existing home can be hiding all over the place. Looking at the home on the surface is not enough. A buyer’s home inspection is essential to uncovering any issues with the home before you sign closing documents and officially purchase the home.
Here’s what every buyer should look for during a home inspection:
- Landscaping – check for proper grading away from the house and make sure there’s no standing water or leaky pipes. Make sure the landscaping is well maintained with no trees or branches reaching over the roof of the house.
- Exterior Structures – inspect sidewalks and driveways. Also, examine fences, decks, sheds, and steps and check for rotting wood, termites, or other damage.
- Home Structure – straight lines in the foundation and structure of a house are a good thing. If you note any sagging or bowing in the foundation, windows or roof, the house is in need of some major repairs, and you should proceed with caution. Also, check for any major cracks in the foundation.
- Windows, Doors, and Trim – broken glass is an obvious problem, but also ensure that the windows are caulked and sealed, and the trim and doors are in good condition.
- Roof – many roof issues are easy to identify by looking at them. Cracking, splitting, or blistering are problematic, as are missing or curling shingles. Part of the roof inspection also involves checking that the chimney and the gutters are in good shape.
- Attic – most buyers don’t think to stick their head in the attic during a buyer’s home inspection, but it can be revealing. Look for stains on the roof, ensure the insulation is adequate, and make sure there’s no plumbing or hot electrical wires hiding up there.
- Floors, Walls and Ceiling – these should be level, free of cracks and stains, and in overall good condition.
- Lights and Electrical – light and switches must operate properly, and there should be a sufficient number of electrical outlets in each room.
- Kitchen – check that the appliances are in good working condition, outlets near the sink have GFCI protection, there are no leaks, and the cupboards are in good shape.
- Bathrooms – make sure the fans work and lead outside instead of to the attic. Also, check water flow, drains, and under sink plumbing. Look for a working, stable toilet and bathtub/shower in good condition.
- Miscellaneous – don’t forget to check the smoke alarms, stairs, garage doors, and HVAC system.
Call Your Home Inspection Pros
The buyer’s home inspection is a big deal, and an untrained eye can easily miss some major problems in a home. Your Home Inspection Pros have years of experience, so you can rest easy knowing your future home has been thoroughly and professionally inspected. We also include thermal imaging with every complete home inspection.
We serve clients in Utah throughout Salt Lake, Davis, Wasatch, Tooele, and Utah Counties. Call us today to schedule your inspection!