While doing your final walk-through, do you or your clients check the dishwasher?  This is one mechanical device that can cause some homeowners some unexpected grief or expense after the closing at escrow. Having completed over 2500 property inspections over the past 7 years, here are some tips:

• Start the check of the dishwasher at the beginning of your walk-through. This will give you adequate time for the unit to run through a short cycle.
• Open the door and lightly push down on it. The purpose of this test is to see if the unit has been properly secured within the enclosure. If the unit moves within the cabinet, it needs to be properly secured to prevent personal injury or damage to the unit. I am astounded as to the number of units that I find that have not been properly secured. It also tests the condition of the hinges. Weak or loose hinges can cause the unit to leak.
• Check the condition of the seal. Worn or damaged seals will eventually leak if they are not already.
• Check to see if the soap dispenser latches. Also check to see if the rinse-aid cap is present.
• Check to see if there any leaks under the dishwasher or at the sides of the door seal.
• Look to see if there is any rust on the dish baskets or inside the cabinetry. If the baskets are rusted, typically it will be cheaper to replace the unit. Generally, replacing just one basket can cost about half what a new unit would cost.
• Run the unit through a short cycle. At the end of the cycle, open the door to make sure that the unit has drained. About 1 in 100 will not!

This posting and the continents written here are the intellectual property of Michael Thornton of Complete Home Inspections, Inc. providing Nashville home inspections for Brentwood and the Davidson and Williamson Counties of Middle Tennessee. The views and opinions expressed are just that - views and opinions of Michael Thornton and those who comment.  This post is part of the ActiveRain Real Estate Network, which is a social network highlighting the best of Web 2.0.  Information and is provided with the intent of educating and assisting home owners, home sellers, home buyers and real estate investors with information they can use to make better real estate decisions. 

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