Apartments for rent in Tampa Florida
HOME INSPECTION TIPS
WHY SHOULD YOU DO A HOME INSPECTION?
Why should you do your own pre home inspection yourself? I'm not talking about hiring a professional inspector. You should do that AFTER you make an offer to buy the property. I'm talking about YOU doing the inspection with a simple walkthrough BEFORE you make an offer. Doing your own pre-home inspection walkthrough is crucial because it allows you to spot potential issues that could lead to costly repairs later on. This gives you a better understanding of the property's condition, and it helps you make a more informed decision before making an offer, and it ensures you're buying in a home that meets your needs and expectations. Basically... use your Spidey sense or your Six sense to sniff out things in the house that doesn't look right.
We are going to dive deep into this subject in a minute, but first let me tell you about why I am so passionate about home inspections. I am currently a real estate agent, but in my former life, from 1995 - 2005, I was a home inspector working for a government grant program in Tampa Florida. My program was tasked to repair older homes in the county that was occupied by homeowners who qualified by being low-income. Each home was repaired up to $7000 worth of repairs like replacing old windows, old doors, ceiling, walls, floors, patching bad roofs, water heaters, etc, etc, etc. So, I have seen over 1000 homes with all kinds of issues, in older houses and current houses. It didn't matter. The all have issues. So when I speak about why you need to become you own home inspector, I am very serious about it.
HOW DO YOU DO A PRE-HOME INSPECTION?
Doing your own pre-home inspection walkthrough is crucial because it allows you to spot potential issues that could lead to costly repairs later on. This gives you a clearer understanding of the property's condition and helps you make a more informed decision before making an offer, ensuring you are buying in a home that meets your needs and expectations.
This is a simple trick to use when walking into a potential dream home. Everybody has senses: hearing, seeing, smelling, touching, tasting. So when you walk into the home, take a deep breath, and let your senses take over. Let's go deeper...
1. Carefully look at everything.
2. Be real quiet and listen to the house for weird sounds.
3. Touch everything in the house to see if things are working property.
4. Use your nose to smell things in the house that shouldn't have a smell.
5. Tasting.... well you can't taste the house, but have a cookie while inspecting. LOL
WHAT THINGS DO YOU LOOK FOR?
Here is a sample list of things to be on the lookout for when you walk into each home you view. Remember to use your senses to spot the hidden issues.
1. Stains on the Ceiling - Look for suspicious dark spots that could mean water damage.
2. Uneven Floors - Check if the floors are bumpy or slanting, which might indicate foundation problems.
3. Cracks in Walls - Look for large cracks that could suggest structural issues.
4. Musty Odor - Pay attention to any damp or moldy smells, especially in the basement.
5. Squeaky Stairs - Listen for noises that might mean loose steps or hidden damage.
6. Painted-over Stains - Check if there are stains covered by fresh paint; that could be hiding something.
7. Sunlight Through Doors - Look for gaps where light shines through, which may mean poor insulation.
8. Leaky Faucets - Test all faucets to see if any are dripping; this could mean plumbing issues.
9. Hot or Cold Spots - Feel for areas that are warmer or cooler than others, which might mean HVAC problems.
10. Missing Grout - Check bathroom tiles for missing grout that can lead to water damage.
Here are ten more.
11. Pest Evidence - Look for droppings or nests that could signal pest problems.
12. Rusty Pipes - Inspect visible pipes for rust that might indicate plumbing issues.
13. Old Water Heater - Check the age of the water heater; older units can be unreliable.
14. Weak Water Pressure - Turn on taps to test if the water pressure is strong and consistent.
15. Faulty Outlets - Plug in devices to ensure all outlets are working properly.
16. Sticky Windows - Try opening windows to see if they stick; this could mean water damage.
17. Flickering Lights - Notice any lights that flicker, which could suggest electrical issues.
18. Broken Tiles - Inspect floors and walls for cracked or broken tiles.
19. Cold Drafts - Feel for cold air coming from windows or doors, which could mean poor sealing.
20. Flushing Toilets - Listen for any strange noises when toilets are flushed.
Here are ten more.
21. Mold Growth - Look in damp areas for any visible mold.
22. Faded Landscaping - Check for dead plants or uneven landscaping that may suggest poor care.
23. Loose Railings - Test stair railings for stability; loose ones can be a safety hazard.
24. Exposed Wires - Look for any visible, frayed, or exposed electrical wires.
25. Old Roof - Check the condition of the roof; signs of wear can lead to leaks.
26. Damp Basements - Look for signs of moisture in the basement, which could lead to mold.
27. Slow Drains - Test sinks and tubs to see if water drains quickly or slowly.
28. Inconsistent Heating - Check if all rooms are evenly heated; some might be too cold.
29. Separation Gaps - Look for gaps between walls and ceilings that could indicate settling.
30. Cracked Foundation - Check the foundation for any noticeable cracks or damage.
Here are ten more.
31. Worn-Out Appliances - Inspect kitchen appliances for age and condition.
32. Unpleasant Smells - Be alert for any strange smells that might be hard to identify.
33. Old Windows - Check window frames for rot or damage; older windows may not insulate well.
34. Flaky Paint - Look for chipping or peeling paint, which might indicate water damage.
35. Unstable Furniture - Test any built-in furniture to see if it feels sturdy.
36. Deteriorating Siding - Inspect the exterior for cracked or rotting siding.
37. Strange Angles - Look for rooms that seem oddly shaped, which could indicate previous damage.
38. Poor Drainage - Check the yard for signs of poor drainage or standing water.
39. Garage Door Issues - Test the garage door to see if it opens and closes smoothly.
40. Bumpy Driveway - Look for cracks or unevenness in the driveway, which might suggest settling
There are way more things in a house to spot, but this list is just to open your mind to what you might see. So by keeping an eye out for these details, you can better protect yourself from future headaches, and find a home that’s right for you.
You don't want to get stuck buying a lemon. Hope this helps!
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