Tick it off: making a home inspection checklist

It’s important to know everything about your potential home before signing the agreement of purchase.

Purchasing a home can be one of the biggest investments of your life, and it’s important to know everything about your potential home before signing the agreement of purchase. Creating a home inspection checklist is a very crucial part of the entire purchasing process. Understanding the things that you need to search for when looking at a home will make sure that you know what are you are getting. What should be included in your home inspection checklist?

You can start by turning on all of the taps in the bathrooms and the kitchen in order to make sure that everything is in order. You may also want to check that the drainage, including the water pressure, to make sure it meets your standards. Listen to the running toilets and shake them a bit to see if they wobble. Any signs of water stain on ceilings and walls may be an indicator of a leaky pipe somewhere.

Another part of your home inspection checklist should include inspecting the foundation. Little cracks happen and they shouldn’t be a major concern. However, cracks that are both vertical and horizontal may need professional assistance. You may also have to search for gaps that are located along windows and doors, which can be a sign of a shifting foundation.

Opening and closing various doors, windows, and cabinets can help you make sure that they're in good working condition. Check to see if any windows stick and may need to be replaced or if screens are missing. Cracking paint on windows should also be checked and if wood feels soft after pressing, it may already be rotten under the paint. Discolouration and moisture inside cabinets are also red flags that should be considered.

Take a walk outside and carefully inspect the grounds. Dead trees outside might turn out to be problem in the future. Everything else outside your home should be aesthetically in good shape, including the grass, decks, and walkways.

Also, always check the electrical connections as well as the switches. See if there are enough plugs in every room, and ensure that they're located in convenient places. Old switches can be an indication of old wiring and maintenance required in the near future.

Preparing a home inspection checklist will allow you to consider the overall liveability of your new home. It pays to check your home before you buy to avoid potential problems down the road.