14 Things First-Time Homebuyers Must Inspect

For most Americans, purchasing a new home is a life-changing, once-in-a-lifetime decision from both a personal and a financial aspect. As such, it must be approached with utmost care and deliberation to ensure your desired property is free of serious defects and other problems that can result in expensive complications down the road.  

Even if you’re a lifelong do-it-yourselfer who has first-hand experience with all sorts of household issues, a buyer’s home inspection in San Diego, CA, can still identify severe structural problems and other issues you’d otherwise miss.

In order to help you make the process of purchasing or selling a home as straightforward as possible, we’ve prepared a list of the 14 things first-time homebuyers should examine when inspecting a home. Keep reading to learn more.

What should a home inspection focus on?

When examining a residential property, your goal should be to detect any issues that can lead to costly repairs or even pose a health hazard to the occupants. Depending on the severity of the problems, buyers should either request repairs from the seller, have the seller adjust the price of the home accordingly, or consider not proceeding with the deal.

Here are the top 14 things homebuyers should look at:

• Exterior surfaces. Are there visible damages or decay on the masonry, siding, stucco, and stains? Are there vines that need to be removed?
• Roofing. Are there any leaks? Are the tiles or shingles, gutters, chimney, flashing, and skylights in good condition? Is there mildew or excessive debris?
• Attic. Are there any signs of roof leaks (eg., stains under the roofing)? What’s the state of the ventilation and insulation? Is there any visible damage or decay?
• Crawlspace. Check for mildew or mold, pest damage, and ventilation or insulation issues.
• Garage. What’s the state of the ceiling, walls, lights, door, garage door opener, windows, roof, and slab?
• Foundation. Are there any cracked walls, sloping floors, or doors and windows that won’t close correctly? What’s the condition of the insulation, anchoring, and underfloor ventilation?
• Heating and Air Conditioning (HVAC). Are there any signs of leaks, corrosion, dirt, and excessive energy usage? How well have the vents been maintained? How old is the furnace?
• Fireplace. What’s the state of its spark arrestor, damper, firebox, flue, and masonry? Is there excessive buildup inside the chimney?
• Basement. Is there moisture? What’s the state of the insulation and the foundation?
• Electrical. Are electrical panels, switches, outlets, receptacles, service equipment, circuit wiring, light fixtures, and exhaust and ceiling fans properly installed and in good condition? 
• Plumbing. Faucets, fixtures, water pump, water heater, water supply piping, and drain piping all need to be examined. Are there any leaks under the sink, dishwasher, or toilets? 
• Grounds. Make sure to check the condition of the patio or deck, sidewalks, driveway, stair railings, standing water, drainage or grading, and exterior structures.
• Interior spaces. Make sure to inspect cabinets, appliances, doors and windows, stairs, floors, as well as any water stains and wall or ceiling cracks.
• Miscellaneous. Are there signs of a mold or mildew infestation? Is asbestos, lead, or radon present? 

Where can I schedule a reliable buyer’s home inspection in San Diego, CA?

If thoroughly inspecting all of the above sounds extremely complicated, that’s because it is. The reality is that most people simply don’t have the requisite knowledge to perform a professional-grade home inspection. 

Luckily, Inspectors Company specializes in providing the good people of San Diego with top-of-the-line home inspection services. Whether you’re looking to buy an apartment in Rolando, or you’re planning to prepare your property for the real estate market, our experts will be happy to provide you with the crucial information you need.

Call us today.