Naples Real Estate Home Inspection Tips

Before signing the contract on your new Naples Florida home, it is important to have your new home inspected by a professional home inspector. Because a professional home inspector’s report is based on a visual inspection, it is also important for you as the home buyer to do a bit of inspecting on your own. Here are a few tips in what to look for when ‘inspecting’ your new home.

1.       Check Your Home Inspection Report

Home inspectors are not allowed to move personal items or move home furnishings when performing an inspection, so if there are hard to reach places that your home inspector cannot access, then you will see these areas marked on their report as ‘unable to access’. Keeping this in mind, be sure to go over the inspectors report and look specifically for these items so that you can inspect these areas on your own or request the current homeowner to make these areas accessible for a second inspection. It is very important to have every area of the home inspected before signing that real estate contract. Once you purchase the home, any problems not detected prior to the sale are now your expense to endure.

2.       Evaluate the Whole Picture

Start from the other side of the road and take a look at the ‘big picture’. Look at how the house is situated. Is there good drainage or does the house look like it would be in danger of flooding? Are the rooflines straight or are there odd dips or slopes in the roof? Does the general look of the property give the appearance of a well-kept property?

3.       Take a Closer Look

Walk around the exterior of the home and look at the siding, trim and/or stucco. Look particularly at where the ground meets the side of the home. Is there any major peeling? Cracks? Also look around each window and see if there are tell-tale signs of water leakage or inadequate weather-proofing.

4.       Hidden Stains or Cover-ups

As you are walking around the home, be sure to look at walls behind furniture for evidence of loose plaster or peeling paint. Be sure to look up and check to see if there are any stains (or what appear to be stain cover-ups) on any of the ceilings. Don’t forget places like the garage and enclosed porch. Even small leaks in these areas can cause huge repair bills.

5.       Opening the Cabinets

When walking through a home, most people do not initially open cabinets and look under sinks, but once you have made the decision to make an offer, it is time to look a little deeper. Be sure to open all cabinets and look for evidence of any plumbing problems. Again even the smallest of stains can indicate potential problems down the road. It is better to bring these items to your Naples Real Estate agent’s attention so that they may be addressed prior to closing day.