If you find a house that seems like it has possibilities, we recommend doing your own inspection,moth inside and out, before you make an offer. Your intention now is to be alert for obvious deficiencies. This, of course, is assuming you are not looking for a fixer upper, too many of these issues may be a reason to eliminate that house from further considerations.
NOTE: This is in now way, shape or for, meant to replace a professional Home Inspection. Once you make an offer on a house, you will definitely want a licensed/certified Home Inspector to go over the entire property with a "magnifying glass".
Your Initial Inspection:
Foundation: Look at the base of the walls and ceilings in each room. Are there obvious cracks or apparent shifts in the foundation? Do the same around the outside. Are there any trees encroaching on the foundation?
Lot: Does the drainage appear to be away from the house? Are there any obvious saggy areas?
Roof: What is the overall condition? When was it last replaced? Are there any trees encroaching on it?
Exterior: Does the house look like it will need repairs or repainting soon? Are gutters and downspouts firmly attached? Are there loose boards or dangling wires? Is there asbestos in the exterior material, which would require added costs if it needed to be repaired or replaced?
Attic: How does the interior of the roof structure look? Are there any signs or leaks?
Interior Evidence Of Leaks: Check ceilings and around windows in each room.
Basement: Is there dampness? Adequate insulation? If the home has a crawlspace instead of a basement, you should leave this area for the professional Home Inspector.
Electrical: Do the switches work? Are there any obvious malfunctions? Have the outlets been grounded? Is the panel updated and expandable for additional appliances or a potential remodel?
Plumbing: Any unusual noises or malfunctions? Has the sewer line been scoped to check for potential cracks?
Appliances: If these are included, what is the age and condition of the stove, dishwasher or refrigerator?
Heating/Cooling System: Does it seem to do the job? How old is the furnace? If the system has been converted, are the old systems or tanks still in place?
Odor: Is there an odor in the house? Can you detect what it might be and whether it could be fixed? Beware of musty odors which could signal a wet basement.
As mentioned before, we recommend always hiring a Licensed/Certified Home Inspector to further evaluate your home once you have made an offer.
If you are in the Fresno, CA area, we strongly recommend you contacting EC Home Inspections
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