Buying Home List

Buying Home List
Home Buying List


Landscaping and Drainage
· · Does the ground around the foundation slope away from the house?
· · Make sure the water does not pond in low points. To check, water the areas with a hose
· Are there signs of erosion?
· · Is large shrubbery placed at least 2-3 feet from the foundation? Root Pressure


Roofing and Shingles
· · Are the roofs shingles flat and tight?
· · Is the flashing secured? Does the roof need repair?
· · Do the gutters, downspouts and splash blocks direct water away from the house?


Home Exterior Aesthetics
· · Are the windows and doors sealed and protected by weather-stripping?
· · Are the trim and fittings tight? Are there any cracks in the siding?
· · Does the paint cover the surface and trim smoothly?
· · Has landscaping been installed according to the terms of your contract?


Door Seals and Windows
· · Are all doors and windows sealed?
· · Do they open and close well?
· · Does any glass need replacement? Cracks or loose?


Interior Finish
· · Is the painting satisfactory? Check all rooms, closets and stairways.
· · Are there spots missed by the painter needing touch up?
· · Is all trim and molding installed? Drywall need repair?


Flooring
· · Is the carpet tight to walls with nice seams?
· · Are there any ridges or seam gaps in vinyl tile or linoleum?
· · Are the wooden floors properly finished? Is new laminate flooring needed?


Appliances, Fixtures, Surfaces
· · Do your appliances work properly? Check each one and all functions.
· · Are the appliances the color and model you ordered?
· · Check the faucets and plumbing fixtures. Make sure each on works properly - including toilets and showers.
· · Check electrical fixtures and outlets.
· · Do the heating, cooling and water heating units operate properly? Test them to make sure.
· · Does the home have a fireplace? Do the draft and damper work properly?
· · Are there nicks, scratches, cracks or burns on surfaces that need attention?
· · Does the doorbell work? Remember to also test the intercom system, garage door opener and optional items.


Basement and Attic Inspection
· · Are there indications of leaks or dampness?
· · Significant cracking in the floors or foundation walls?
· · Defects in exposed components like floor joists, I-beams, support columns, insulation, heating ducts, plumbing, electrical ...?


Occupancy Certificate
· · Local municipality signed off on the home?

Problems may not be readily seen. Even a professional inspector might also miss a few problems. Most home warranties cover problems that are the result of faulty workmanship. Warranties usually exclude problems that result from owner neglect or improper maintenance.

"Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in, forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day, you shall begin it well and serenely" Ralph Waldo Emerson


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Buying Home List
Home Buying List