A big step in any person’s life is choosing the right home. Your home is not only the place where you will probably spend the rest of your life, but also the place where you will build a family and raise your children in a safe environment.
However, this might not always be an easy decision to make. Certain things should definitely be checked when you are purchasing your home. Here are ten things to inspect.
- Water stains or corrosion in the bathroom
Even though this is not something that should create panic, water stains or corrosion in the bathroom can cause a lot of worries for you. It is usually a big job to fix and could cost you a lot of money in the long run.
- Check for sagging ceilings
Shine a torch across the ceilings to make sure that they do not create a ‘parachute’ effect. The more it is sagging, the more it still can sag and eventually the roof might just cave in completely, causing terrible damages.
- Check cabinets in wet areas
You should open all the cabinets in places like the bathroom and the kitchen. Check for mould, mildew, or any smells of dampness. Any of these things might indicate water leaks or problems of rising damp.
- Check all the walls for big cracks
Check all the walls on the inside and the outside to determine whether or not the structure is stable. Cracks that are larger than 2 MM in thickness should be inspected by a qualified building inspector to determine the cause, the treatment, and whether or not it can be effectively treated.
- Ask about the gas pipes and the gas plan
This is especially important when you are going to use gas on a regular basis. You would want to know everything about the house’s pipes and the way they are laid out so that if you need to check them, you can.
- Ask about the air-conditioner
You will need to be 100% sure about the house’s regular temperature, so make sure that you know all there is to know about the aircon system. You can ask about its age, when it has been serviced recently, as well as how strong it is.
- Check electrical outlets
There is nothing worse than trying to make food for the first time in your new home and discovering that the electricity outlets aren’t working. Check these before purchasing. Inadequate electricity outlets could also lead to damaged appliances.
- Check the water flow
Turn on the faucets and try flushing the toilets to make sure that the water flow is working properly. It will also determine whether or not you should call a plumber to inspect the house.
- Inspect the sewage system
This is critical when you are purchasing an old home. A good idea would be to get an independent sewage company conduct a search around the home to detect any irregularities.
- Check the roof
Let an inspector check the roof for any broken or cracked shingles. You should also check the eaves for decay. A nice idea would be to ask the owner when the last upgrade on the roof was and what the cause of the damage was.
Your home is probably the biggest purchase you'll ever make. Hence, it is recommended to be sure about everything!