How To Do Your Own Little Preliminary Inspection

To avoid surprises before you buy a new home look at the following:

• General structure: Is the house tilting to the right or is it nice and straight?

• Roof line: Is it nice and straight or do you see the roof “sinking” at places?

• Foundation: cracks in the foundation can be fixed fairly easily.  However, you should look for bulging foundation walls. Bulging is a possible sign of major repair (costly one).

• Water pressure: The pipes could be clogged and old or maybe you need to upgrade the water service.

• The sump pump: Is there a sump pump in the basement? It is good to have one, and if it is not there you might want to install one. And it’s not just a sump pump, you need to dig concrete around the perimeter of your house – that is a bit extra money you will have to shell out.

• If it is a brick house take a close look at the tuckpointing.

• If it is a frame house, check for sign of termites, if you see any do a termite inspection.

• Electrical panel: does it look like it is old? If yes, most likely it needs to go.

• Windows

• Gutters

• Drains: Fill up a tub and see how fast the water drains

• Heating system and AC