If you’re in the market for a new home, you may be eager to move in. Haste, as the saying goes, makes waste.
One of the most important tasks you’ll need to do before signing any document that obligates you to financial responsibility is to inspect the home yourself. Whether you’re purchasing a brand-new home or one that’s had several previous owners, you owe yourself (and your wallet) the peace of mind that you’ve done your homework.
We’ve put together a checklist for you to follow as you inspect the interior of a potential new home before you consider making an offer. It’s important to identify any possible problems with the inside of any house you’re considering making an offer on before you commit to the financial responsibility as a homeowner.
Here’s our list of the most important things to check in the home’s interior.
1. Doors and Windows
Open and close all doors and windows, and make sure they open quickly and fasten securely.
Look at calking and weather sealing and note any cracked caulk or worn weather seals. Take special note of any possible mildew or mold. Examine window sills and look for bubbles or discoloration, sure signs of water damage.
If the home has glass block windows or other window types that don’t open, be sure to check them as well. Pounding rain, freezing temperatures, and heat can crack caulk and sealants even in decorative or fixed windows.
2. Plumbing
Open the cabinets under the kitchen sink and look for discoloration and signs of rust. Using a flashlight, check that drain pipes are securely fastened to sinks and free of any signs of mold, mildew, rust, or hard water stains.
If the drainage pipes are made of PVC, make sure all seals are free of any visible signs of stains.
Move all items from under sinks in the kitchen and bathrooms and look at surfaces. Pay close attention to areas where the area under the sink meets a back wall and take note of any gaps or possible signs of previous water damage that may have been repaired.
Examine each toilet in the house, flush, and wait to ensure the water supply shuts off. Check that toilets are securely fastened to floors. In a multi-story home or townhouse, check the ceilings in rooms below any plumbing fixtures for any possible signs of drywall damage.
Check showers, shower stalls, and bathtubs. Turn on all water supplies, and note how quickly water fills up a tub and drains. A slow drain is a sign of damaged, old, clogged, or worn-out drainage lines.
3. Water Heater
Feel the hot water supply line that leads out of the water heater to make sure it’s hot. If the hot water heater is insulated, feel the insulation carefully to make sure it’s not warm or damp to the touch.
Look at the drainage pan under the water heater to see if there are any signs that it’s ever contained any water (it shouldn’t).
If the home has a tankless water heater, check that the system is operating correctly.
Turn on hot water faucets and note how long it takes for hot water to flow. If the home has more than one shower or tub, turn several on simultaneously to see if there is a sufficient supply of hot water.
4. Kitchen Appliances
Dishwasher
Check that it runs and is quiet enough for your preference.
Refrigerator
Open the fridge and note the temperature, the make, and model, and be sure to ask about its age. Check the manufacturer’s product label on the inside of the fridge and write down the make and model. The average lifespan of a home refrigerator is 13 years. If the fridge is nearly that old, chances are you’ll need to replace it soon.
Stove
Make sure gas supplies work for gas ranges or ovens, that there is no scent of gas when the appliances are off, and open doors and inspect under gas cooktops to make sure there is no odor.
Other
Turn on the kitchen disposal, under counter lights, and open and close all cupboards and drawers. If the kitchen has a food pantry, look for any signs of pests such as roaches, rats, mice or other predators.
Next Steps
If the home passes your inspection, it’s time to call in a professional to do a more thorough examination before making an offer. Contact the American Society of Home Inspectors to find an expert in your area.
Need help with your move? Browning Moving & Storage Moving Systems is committed to providing outstanding customer service and is ready to help you move to your new home. Contact us today for a free quote.