Monday, February 16, 2015

Performing Your Own Home Inspections

By Beryl Dalton


For any house that you are interested in purchasing, it is best that you spend a few hours inspecting it prior to paying for it. Conducting the home inspections by yourself cannot only help you unearth any problems that are present, but it also helps you learn more about the property. It is therefore recommended that you do it as soon as possible.

To make sure that nothing gets left out in your assessment, it will be best to make sure you divide the assessment into categories. In the first category, you can have the exterior aspect. That means that the interior side will take up the second category.

While still outside, also check your chimney. The chimney needs to be straight for its entire length. It also must have all its mortar and bricks in place. There should be no parts that are under threat of coming loose.

Take some time checking out the siding. It is important to make certain that walls are not bulging or bowing in any one place. In addition, there should be no missing bricks. This only applies to houses constructed using bricks and mortars.

The entire weight of a house rests on the foundation area. If the foundation is weak, it will only be a matter of time before things starts falling apart. You therefore have to check for the presence of cracks and shifting.

A door inspection will need to be performed when you are entering the residence. With the door, all you need to do is check for rotting and stripping. Stripping comes around due to exposure to harsh weather elements while rotting is as a result of exposure to too much water.

Windows should be the first thing you examine when inside the residence. In many cases, the windows are left wide open. Move them from side to side without exerting pressure and note down your findings. You should also test all the locks found on the doors and in the windows.

Walk through the property as you check out the different sections of the existing carpet. A carpet that has become worn out is easy to tell. It will have some patches in sections that are over used. In addition to wear and tear, you should also be on the look out for the presence of any odors.

Check out the ceiling by turning your eyes upwards. Look for stain signs that are synonymous with presence of water damage along the ceilings. For houses whose ceilings have been plastered, make sure to confirm that the plaster is smooth in nature all through.

Always complete your assessment in the kitchen area. This is one of the most important areas of a house and you will therefore need to ensure that you spend some time checking it out. Examine all the cabinets, the finishing that has been used and also ensure you check out the counter tops as well.




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