When walking through the home you are thinking of buying for the first time, whether it's brand new or used, here are a few things to check.
Drywall - Make sure you check this well. Look for uneven bumps and texture; tape joints should not be visible. Look for marks made by doors
Paint - When checking the paint look for uneven coloring and chips caused during construction. Make sure your baseboard does not have and wall paint on it as well as wood handrails, counter tops, tubs, cabinets... etc. Look for any stains in the paint, especially on ceilings – this can be an indication of water damage.
Baseboard - Baseboard is located at the bottom on the walls and surface of the floors. Check for damage such as scrapes or cuts in the baseboard that is often caused during carpet installation. Make sure it is painted accurately and that all nails have been puttied so as to not be visible.
Light Fixture Locations - This is more common than one may realize and, unfortunately, not caught on many walk-thrus. Where ever there is light fixture, check to make sure cabinets and doors do not hit it when opening. Check to make sure all light fixtures are in the correct location and height. For instance, your dining room table, if too high or low it will not look good, the same is true if the fixture is not correctly centered.
Carpet - When checking your carpet look for stains that may indicate flooding may have. Check for stains caused by excessive amounts of traffic or pets accidents. Make sure the carpet is all going in the right direction and that there are no gaps between baseboard and carpet. You may also want to check closets to make sure the carpet was completely installed and that no corners were cut.
Roofing - Check for broken, missing or discolored shingles. Check the gutters for excessive granules from the shingles. All vents and chimneys should be caulked.
Windows - Make sure they are sealed well. Check for cracks and moisture between panels and by sliders. Look for any stains on the window sills. This may be an indication that the windows were not sealed correctly, and, in cold weather, the windows may “sweat” on the inside.
Doors - All doors should be painted on all sides and there should be no obvious drips. Open and close doors to check for correct adjustment and alignment. Make sure all door knobs and locks are working correctly.
Tile - Check for uneven, loose, chipped or cracked tiles especially in corners where is can easily be disguised. Make sure grout is to your liking or within industry standards. Also check for cracks in the grout, which may be an indication that the tile was not laid properly, or that the floor is uneven.
Tubs - Look for cracks and make sure it is sealed correctly. If a jet tub, make sure it works. Look for mold along the top edge of the tub or shower. This may be an indication of poor cleaning habits, or, of poor ventilation.
Appliances - Examine the appliances and make sure they work, turn them on. The same thing goes for the gas, electricity, plumbing, garbage disposal and water. With the water, run 2-3 different faucets at a time and see if the pipes make any noise. These should all be tested.
Warranty - Try to get complete information regarding warranty information on appliances and the house itself. Ask for a Home Warranty from the seller in the Offer to Purchase.
From Scott Larson of Towne Square Realty in Monroe, Wisconsin
“Your Realtor of the Region”
E- Mail scott@greencountyhomeguide.com
On the web at http://www.greencountyhomeguide.com
I think you will be surprised how affordable the Dairyland is,
so come to my land of cows and plows and visit for a day, but stay for a lifetime
608-2124-9844 Direct
Comments (0)Subscribe to CommentsComment