2007-01-25 11:24:19 · 10 answers · asked by porkey_jrabbit 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Decorating & Remodeling
Consider the age of the house If old.....
Check for plumbing issues, listen for leaks
Check cabinet and doors for hinge issues, and secure closing
Check floors for damage or poor workmanship
Cleanliness
Last paint job, thoroughly
Check Ceiling for leaks
Look at roof
Check electrical switches and fans for odd sounds or issues
(in older homes it is up to the seller/buyer on what is allowed)
Newer home, Check everything still, mostly looking for workmanship, completion, and agreed upon issues. Do not accept anything, thinking it could be handled later, as it most often is not.
2007-01-25 11:52:58 · answer #1 · answered by ksuetx 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Really, you should pay a professional home inspector to inspect the house. There are too many things that the average home buyer will miss. But here's a brief check list: inspect foundation for damage or signs of past repair, drainage issues (water should drain away from house on all sides), condition of roof, fireplace & chimney, heating and air system, electrical systems, plumbing, condition of exterior walls (siding, brick, stucco, etc.). Superficial cosmetic ideas are what people get caught up in, but the items above are what cost big money to repair or replace. Even new homes can be a nightmare. A man recently showed me his brand new house that was built in the country and didn't have government officials to inspect its construction. Frankly, the house needed to be torn down. It was that bad! But now they're stuck in a lawsuit. An inspection before buying would have saved him lots of money and heartache.
2007-01-25 12:58:33 · answer #2 · answered by Turnhog 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Like Turnhog (answer above) I'm a long term builder with wide experience. His answer is a good one; few buyers know what to look for in the first place. If you haven't had a good inspector or qualified builder inspect the house, I would certainly recommend you do. I do inspections for my customers, and many times I've saved them thousands of dollars or major headaches; usually over problems they were totally unaware of.
As for your walk-through, some other suggestions were good too. Make sure what is supposed to stay with the house is in place, and that no damage has been done since your previous look. If there is anything you want to change or find out of order- that's what you are there for.
2007-01-25 13:23:14 · answer #3 · answered by spiritgide41 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check the doors in the house...do they close, lock? Also, do they align well, if they are off on the top you know the foundation settled poorly. Also, make sure everything you want to keep in the house is on paper. People can take water softeners , appliances , surround sound etc so double check w/ the agent
2007-01-25 11:58:45 · answer #4 · answered by Mona 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hire a home inspector to do it for you. Unless you know what termite damage, dry rot, painted-over mildew and patch repairs of sheetrock look like, then you really aren't the right person for the job.
I know several ppl who did not bother and ended up paying big bucks for repairs- they would have backed off if they knew what they were getting into.
2007-01-25 14:06:40 · answer #5 · answered by CYP450 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
to see how th foundation is firm
TO check for hat see if doors close all the wya without reopening
See if cracks ae in the walls and ceilings
check the niehborhood if you are planng to raise a family there make sure there sint ALOT of crime and make sure its a safe eara. Even if you are going to live alone make sure for that to u dont want to be hurt or killed...........
See if the current owner screwed anthing up like elcetirical
2007-01-25 13:28:36 · answer #6 · answered by Li 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Other than whats been mentioned already....look at the flooring for sags or waves, look at ceilings for water stains or cracks, look at pipes under all sinks for leakages & around toilets, shower or tubs inside & out..look for mold in baths, & if theres a basement make sure it doesn't get water in it too...
2007-01-25 12:03:25 · answer #7 · answered by *toona* 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
when you pull up in the drive, look at the condition of the roof and foundation, those are the two most important things ( is roofing in good shape, are there cracks in the foundation?)
2007-01-25 11:54:23 · answer #8 · answered by mcdougle 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
make sure the owners have not changed anything they are not suppose to , such as light fixtures,ceiling fans,anything thatis a major change not agreed by you.they can not change permanent fixtures or take any.
2007-01-25 11:48:57 · answer #9 · answered by Bobbie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
cracks in corners of sheetrock, drafts by windows and doors, all doors close and lock, corners of all carpet and /or wood and tile floors,make sure it is laid corretly, major cracks in driveway and carport
2007-01-25 11:59:48 · answer #10 · answered by jerry w 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋