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Home inspection: how to check everything in no time

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Real estate inspection is a crucial step when buying property. It involves checking the overall condition of the house and its equipment to identify any potential problems or necessary repairs.

In this article, we will discuss the exterior and interior elements to inspect, the benefits of hiring a professional, and tips for conducting an effective personal inspection.

Interior Elements to Inspect

For an informed real estate purchase, an interior inspection is essential. It allows you to evaluate the condition of various property components and uncover potential problems:

Plumbing and Electricity: Pipes, faucets, electrical wires, outlets

Interior elements such as plumbing and electricity are crucial during a real estate inspection. They directly affect the occupants' quality of life and can represent significant repair costs if in poor condition.

Plumbing is a key element to check during the inspection. It's essential to examine pipes for leaks, rust, or scale, and ensure that the drainage system works correctly. Faucets should also be tested for proper operation and tightness. Don't forget to check water pressure, hot water quality, and central heating installations, if present.

Electricity must be inspected carefully for safety and compliance with current standards. Electrical wires should be in good condition, with no signs of overheating, deterioration, or exposure. Outlets and switches should be functional and burn-free. Ensure that the electrical panel is up to code and that there's no electrical overload in the network.

Make sure to check for differential circuit breakers and smoke detectors to ensure the house's safety. If you're not familiar with electrical installations, don't take unnecessary risks and seek a qualified professional to assist you.

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Kitchens and Bathrooms: Condition of appliances, sanitary installations

Kitchens and bathrooms are key parts of any home and deserve special attention during a real estate inspection. Their condition and that of their equipment are essential for occupants' comfort and to avoid additional renovation expenses.

In the kitchen, appliances play a central role. Ensure their proper functioning and regular maintenance. For example, in a furnished apartment, check that the refrigerator, dishwasher, and stove work correctly without abnormal noises or malfunctions. Equipment such as extractor hoods, ovens, and microwaves should also be inspected carefully.

Sanitary installations in bathrooms must be in perfect working order to ensure occupants' comfort and health. Test faucets, sinks, showers, and bathtubs for leaks or water pressure issues. Also, check toilets to ensure they function correctly and the flush mechanism is operational.

Moreover, don't neglect the quality of seals and the watertightness of installations to prevent humidity and mold issues. These can have detrimental effects on occupants' health and the house's integrity. In short, take the time to meticulously check each sanitary installation to ensure a healthy and comfortable home for everyone.

Real Estate Inspection: Exterior Elements to Inspect

When conducting a real estate inspection, don't overlook the property's exterior elements! They can provide valuable clues about the overall condition of the house or building. By examining these elements carefully, you'll be better equipped to assess the property's overall condition.

General Condition of the House: A Key Element in Real Estate Inspection

The house's general condition is a crucial aspect to consider before buying real estate. The roof, essential for protecting the house from weather, must be inspected for leaks, damaged tiles, or insulation problems.

Don't underestimate checking the walls and foundations for cracks or humidity signs, which could indicate serious structural issues. Be vigilant about the condition of windows and doors. Insulation defects can be costly in energy bills. Take the time to inspect them thoroughly to ensure their good condition.

Finally, the external cladding, whether wood, brick, or plaster, must be inspected for possible degradation or insulation issues. A satisfactory overall condition guarantees a healthy and durable house.

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House Environment : Garden and Land, Pathways, Stairs, and Terraces

The house's environment plays a key role in the quality of life offered by the real estate. Several elements must be considered during the inspection.

First, the garden and land require special attention. A well-maintained area without debris or invasive weeds indicates a healthy and pleasant environment. It's also crucial to check the soil's quality, drainage, and slope to prevent water infiltration or terrain instability.

Pathways should be examined for proper maintenance and safety. A poorly maintained pathway can cause accidents or vehicle damage.

Inspect external stairs for degradation, like cracked steps or unstable railings, which could be hazardous.

Regarding terraces, these relaxation and social spaces must be in good condition. Check the stability of the structure, the quality of the flooring, and the absence of waterproofing issues. Regular terrace maintenance prevents degradation and ensures a pleasant outdoor living space for future house occupants.

Professional Inspection vs Personal Inspection

When buying a house and assessing its condition, you have two options: hiring a professional inspector or conducting the inspection yourself.

Choosing a professional inspection means a qualified inspector will examine every house detail thoroughly.

However, if you prefer to inspect yourself, you can save money but risk missing important issues and not getting a comprehensive property condition assessment.

Benefits of Hiring a Professional Inspector

Hiring a professional inspector for real estate inspection offers many advantages.

Firstly, a professional inspector has the expertise and experience to detect hidden problems or defects that could be costly to repair. They know the current standards and can assess the installations' compliance.

Secondly, a professional inspector provides a detailed and comprehensive inspection report that will help you make an informed decision about purchasing the real estate. This report can also be an asset in negotiating the purchase price by highlighting necessary repairs.

Thirdly, using a professional gives you peace of mind and objectivity. The inspector is not emotionally involved in the purchase and can thus assess the situation impartially. This allows you to have a clear view of potential defects and needed repairs.

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How to Conduct an Effective Personal Real Estate Inspection

If you decide to conduct the real estate inspection yourself, here are some tips for doing it effectively:

  • Inform Yourself : Learn about the elements to inspect and common problems to watch for. Consult guides, articles, and videos to better understand the stakes involved in real estate inspection.
  • Prepare : Bring a checklist, flashlight, tape measure, spirit level, and camera. These tools will help you inspect the house effectively and document your observations.
  • Take Your Time : Don't rush the inspection. Allow enough time to thoroughly examine each house element.
  • Note Your Observations : Take detailed notes and photos of problems you encounter. This will help you keep track of points to address during negotiations and repairs.
  • Ask for Help : If you're not comfortable conducting the inspection alone, don't hesitate to ask a friend or family member with experience in the field to accompany and advise you.

Conclusion

Real estate inspection is an essential step to ensure the quality and value of a property. Whether you choose to hire a professional or conduct the inspection yourself, it's crucial to take the time to thoroughly inspect the house's exterior and interior elements.

By following these tips, you'll be able to identify potential problems and avoid unpleasant surprises during the purchase or sale of your real estate.

Salima Hamrini Salima Hamrini Editor and journalist specializing in real estate.
22 Nov 2023
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