Real estate home inspection checklist and condition report
When we do a general home inspection at GGTI Home Inspection Services we realize the importance of that inspection to both the buyer and the seller of that home. Since we are hired by the home buyer we do our best to educate our client on every single issue we come across that could be an issue now, or into the future, well after the purchase is made. We also believe that it is a good idea that both parties know what to look for on their own when they do their own walk through.
With that in mind, here is a list of common issues to look out for when you do your own inspection:
Home style vs building materials: Look to see if different materials have been used on different sections of the home. This can be an indication that unauthorized or unlicensed modifications were made that could lead to many different problems later on.
Roofing materials: There are a number of different types of roofing materials, and they all have different life spans and indications of wear that you as a home buyer should be aware of. In our next article we will get in-depth on the different types of roofing materials. Be aware that when any of these materials age they become susceptible to water intrusion. Make sure to look on the interior ceiling of the attic as well as the main living areas to ensure there are no leakage problems. In addition, inspect the roofing materials themselves for age, wear and areas of potential water intrusion.
Drainage or ground sloping back toward the home: If you are not aware to look for this, it might not seem like a big deal at first. Grade sloping or drainage that actually filters water back toward your home can lead to all sorts of problems as your home ages. Here in Florida this can be a particularly acute problem with our rainy season every summer.
Problems will include: settling or cracking in your foundation, movement of your foundation, rot in the walls, wet crawlspaces, and of course that dreaded word: mold.
Do not just look for the obvious sloping of the ground toward the home. Also look at windows that look out of square, floors that are not level, or doors with large spaces or uneven gaps at the top when they are closed. This could turn into a very expensive problem to fix.
Electrical wiring: Poor or faulty electrical wiring can lead to house fires and other potential hazards in the home. Look for extension cords in use, exposed electrical wires and open splice wire where wires have been connected using electrical tape. These problems should be fixed by a licensed electrician.
Heating/cooling system defects: A good, well-maintained air conditioning unit here in south Florida will last approximately 10 to 15 years. Poorly installed or maintained air conditioning units here in south Florida will break down in half that time or even less. If you see any mold, signs of condensation or anything else askew with the unit, it may be a clue of bigger issues on the inside. A/c units run 3 to 5 thousand dollars or more for bigger homes to replace, so it is worth it to make sure this unit is relatively new and in optimal working condition.
Plumbing issues: In addition to looking for leaks and moisture, also look for poor or outdated materials that might have been used such as polybutelene. Check to make sure that the outside lines are free and clear from any potential hazards such as the roots from the banyan trees which are particularly fast growing and strong enough to break right through your plumbing lines and cause back ups and other issues.
Inadequate insulation and ventilation in the attic: Inadequate insulation and ventilation in the attic will cause your electric bills to skyrocket, particularly during the summer. This can also lead to infestations by pests who are able to enter and live in your attic more easily.
Whole house is poorly maintained: If you come across issues during your inspection that look as if they have been there for a while, this is a major red flag. Maintenance issues that have been left alone often turn into much bigger issues later – costly issues that you are going to have to deal with to bring your home back up to proper condition.
To read more on other issues in homes that buyers should be aware of go to: http://www.hgtv.com/design/decorating/clean-and-organize/common-problems-found-during-home-inspections
At GGTI Home Inspections we conduct a variety of inspections for home buyers and sellers, home owners, realtors and insurance companies in Palm Beach Gardens and all of the communities we serve. We have built a reputation on being upfront and honest with every client we have done an inspection for. There are no hidden fees, or “after the fact” additional charges to your bill. If an unexpected or hidden issue comes to light during our inspection, we bring it to your attention and thoroughly explain to you the options you have before doing anything else.
We perform inspections on homes and properties of all shapes and sizes in Palm Beach Gardens and throughout Palm Beach and Martin Counties – because we know that each and every potential home buyer expects an inspection that gives them a comprehensive evaluation of the house, condominium or villa that they are about to commit to purchasing. From ranch-style houses and one-bedroom condos to multiple story mansions, no property is too big or too small for GGTI Home Inspections. We offer a variety of different types of inspections including general home inspections, four-point inspections, thermography inspections, wind mitigation inspections and roof certifications
We pride ourselves on supporting homeowners who need an honest, competent and dependable property inspection. We are committed to bringing you a consistently high level of service. We are an indispensable asset to home owners, real estate agents, insurance agencies, buyers, sellers, investors, property management and landlords. In addition to Palm Beach Gardens we serve all of Martin and Palm Beach counties.
We are a Florida-licensed inspector and a member in good standing with the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (Certified InterNACHI Inspector).For more information or to schedule an inspection with us today, please go to http://www.ggtisolutions.com or call us directly at (888) 984-4484. When Quality Matters, come to GGTI Home Inspections.
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