Home Buyer's Check List

Home Buyer’s Checklist

For most people buying a home would represent the largest purchase they will ever make in their lifetime, therefore it is essential to make sure that any home, new or old, is inspected by a qualified and insured home inspector prior to finalizing any transaction. Real estate sales representatives fulfill an important role in this process as well and can save you time, money and aggravation by pointing the important factors that will determine the value of your new home.
Below you will find a check-list that will help you identify some of the issues that would come up on the home inspection report:

Exterior
Driveway and Walkway – Cracks and level (interlock)
Trees – Size and proximity to house.
Foundation – Cracks and slopes (down spout and -grade away from foundation)
Garage door – Age, condition of paint and condition of wood, safety sensors.
Fascia, Eaves trough – Type and overall condition (wood/aluminum)
Roof – How many layers of shingles and how old? Noticeable repairs and defects (sagging)
Chimney – Condition of bricks and mortar.
Doors & Windows – Are there any signs of leaks or rot? Do they open and close properly? (settlement)
Air condition unit – Age, signs of rust. (check noise if working)

Interior
Floors – Type, age and condition (are they leveled or squeaky?)
Walls & Ceilings – Any signs of cracks or leaks? Any discoloration? (ceiling underneath bathroom)
Kitchen – Age, type, condition of appliances (any signs of insects? leaks?)
Bathrooms – Condition of tiles and overall fixtures. Is there a vent? Any signs of mildew?
Windows – Any signs of water leaks? Condition of wood and overall operation.
Patio door – Age, type, condition of locking mechanism.
Fireplace – Type(wood/gas)? does it function properly? Condition of mantel?

Basement
Finished or not? – Water leaks? Water trails on foundation, walls, carpets, windows etc.
Cracks – Are there any major cracks in the floors or walls. (settlement cracks)
Ventilation – Is it adequate? Is there any sign of moisture?
Windows – Size, how many? general condition, any window well?
Furnace – Age, type, signs of rust, what kind of filter? Is there a humidifier?
Water heater – Type (gas/electric), size and general condition. Is it a rental?
Electrical system – Type (fuses/breakers), size (60/100/200 amp) wiring (aluminum/copper)
Plumbing – Type of water and waste lines (plastic/galvanized) water pressure? Overall drainage?
Termites – Any signs of mud tunnels, damaged wood or wing sheds.

PLEASE NOTE!! IT IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED TO USE A HOME INSPECTOR PRIOR TO PURCHASING ANY HOME.


Alon Hillel
Sales Representative
www.GetBenczik.com