A home could be your most precious investment, a reward for all the hard work you’ve put in for years. Thus, it’s vital that you get your money’s worth.
This underscores the value of home inspections. It lets you and an expert examine a house’s condition, and pinpoint areas needing immediate repair and maintenance.
Before asking a professional home inspector to look over the house you’re about to buy, you and your agent may want to get a head start by examining the property yourself. Take notes and photos, so you can compare them with the results of the professional.
Here’s a checklist of areas to look into.
Exterior
- The foundation should have no cracks or shifts at the base of the walls. Cracks can grow worse and become more expensive to fix. They can cause water damage, let moisture seep through and breed pests.
- There should be drainage to carry water away from home. Otherwise, water can collect around the foundation and weaken it.
Landscaping must have no soggy spots. - The septic tank must have no leaks. Leaking septic tanks lead to gas buildup, depleted oxygen levels, driving dangers, and contaminated drinking water.
- Is there termite damage or rotted wood that could make the entire structure collapse?
- Doors must easily open and close. Check clearances between the door’s edge and the frame.
- The stucco must have no large cracks that allow water and moisture to seep into the walls and weaken or destroy them.
- The roof must have no leaks and show signs of decay.
- The chimney must be free from cracks and obstructions.
- The gutter must be clean and debris-free.
- Check for cracked, loose, rotting, or decayed sidings that can lead to high energy bills, fungus, mold, and mildew.
Interiors
- Be wary of strange odors.
- Windows should be easy to open and close.
- Electrical outlets must work and are sufficient in number.
- Floors must be free from stains, cracks, and other kinds of damage.
- Window frame joints must be caulked to prevent cracks that bring drafts, mold, and heat loss in winter.
- Sinks must not leak, leading to water wastage, rust, rot, and mold.
- Water pressure must meet sanitation needs.
- There must be ventilation to allow air to flow freely.
- The toilet flush and exhaust fan must function well; the bowl must be free from stains.
Plumbing
- Reject leaking, rusty, and broken pipes.
- The water pump must work.
- Hot water temperature must be over 125 degrees Fahrenheit.
Electrical systems
- There should be no exposed splices that can cause fire and shock.
- Cables must be secure to prevent accidents and injury.
- The local service panel must be easily found.
- Fuses must not be overloaded and prone to overheating
We at Coldwell Banker Cascade Real Estate can find you a home that meets home inspection standards. We have over 40 years of experience in Wenatchee, WA real estate. We have Premier Office Gold designation and International Sterling Society Office awards to our name. As such, we are recognized as one of the top-performing real estate units among Coldwell Banker’s over 3,300 offices worldwide.
Call 509.888.8887 or drop us a line at info(at)cbcascade(dotted)com to get started on searching for your dream home in Wenatchee, WA.