Monday, October 15, 2012

Key Concerns for A Home Buyer, A Home Inspector Can Assist


Your Daily Real Estate Blog

From

Supreme Manor Real Estate Services

Key Concerns for A Home Buyer

A Home Inspector Can Assist

AS a new home buyer, there are several things you should look for that are less obvious but most important in a home.  The structure and mechanics of a home are of utmost importance for the safety and well-being of your family and should be examined closely while viewing potential homes for purchase.  It is important to have a home inspection done by a qualified home inspector to look at all the major components of the home:

 

l  Plumbing. A home buying checklist must include inspection of the plumbing system. If you don't have experience in this area, hire a plumber to inspect the bath, kitchen, connections to the water heater and the place where the water connects to the city or well.

l  Electric. This is another top concern on the home buying checklist. Bring in an electrician to take a quick look. It will cost a few hundred bucks but the inspection may save thousands in faulty wiring.

l  Boundary Lines. Another home buying checklist must include looking at the legal boundary lines for the home. A title policy lists the physical boundaries, any legal use of the home's land, driveways or fences. Any buildings, driveways or other homes on your legal property description are encroachments on your land and need to be investigated.

l  Foundation. The base of the home is the key to a quality structure. The basement, raised foundation or slab should be inspected. Large cracks or openings in any of these mean calling a foundation specialist to take a second look.

l  Roof. An experienced roofer can spot problems and potential problems from taking a walk around the roof and inspecting the attic and garage. This is another couple of hundred dollars well spent.

l  Structural Soundness. Add a quick inspection of the areas around the corners, at the doorways, stairs and window openings. If patches are evident or cracking is significant, add a carpenter or engineer to the check list to inspect potential problems. The more cracks and small openings, the greater the potential damage.

l  Kitchen. The kitchen checklist should examine appliances, cupboards, flooring and countertops. Plumbing and connections also need to be examined.

l  Baths. This room is another area for a detailed home buying checklist. Examine the bathtub, faucets, plumbing, toilet, countertops and flooring. Any evidence of water damage or dry rot is a flag for the home buying checklist of extra costs.

Remember, before expending large sums of money with various contractors, spending a few hundred dollars with a experience home inspector can put at peace of mind that your new home purchase is the right move for you.  If additional contractors are needed, the inspector can advise you.

 

I hope this information is useful.

Should you need assistance with any of your real estate needs, please contact Supreme Manor Real Estate Services 773-881-9224.  Feel free to visit us on our website or any of our social media sites.

Have a Supreme Day!

Sheila M. Wilkinson-Sanders

Managing Broker/Owner - CPA, GRI, CNC

Supreme Manor Real Estate Services

1840 West 95th Street

Chicago, IL 60643

(773) 785-0127 Direct

(773) 797-9640 (fax)


 

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