The real estate market has long been flourishing, as it serves the people’s need for shelter. That’s why it’s easy to see houses sprawled in residential areas and even high-rises erected in the heart of the cities.
But as an aspiring homeowner, you want to make your dream house come true. Once ready and prepared, you look for a financial lender and get a mortgage pre-approval. From there, you hire a real estate agent and look for potential properties. Once you have an eye on a prospective house, that’s where your homebuying journey starts.
The real estate process involves various stages, from having property viewing to making an offer down to closing a deal. But a crucial part of the overall equation is the home inspection. It is a thorough examination of the overall condition of a residential property. A third-party inspector will check all aspects of a house and release an unbiased report. This report will make or break your home purchase decision.
That said, here are house parts to focus on when evaluating the home inspection report and deciding to buy the property:
1. House Interior
When it comes to your home inspection, you must be highly critical of your indoor spaces. You want to make sure that they are ideal for your family. Most importantly, they must be able to accommodate household needs. Here’s what to consider:
- Kitchen: It is the heart of the home, where you cook foods and eat hearty meals with your family. Be sure to factor in not only its aesthetics and functionality. Make the utmost safety a top priority.
- Bathroom: It is the most used and abused part of the house. As such, you want to ensure you have enough bathrooms for the whole family. Be wary of plumbing issues like leaky faucets, clogged shower drain, and inconsistent water supply.
- Bedroom: It is the most crucial aspect of your residential property. You need not worry about this if you live alone and opt for a studio-type. But if you have a family with some children, consider the number of bedrooms you need.
- Living Space: As far as the living space is concerned, focus more on its aesthetic and functional values. See how it allows you to set up a smart home. After all, it is the place for home entertainment and family bonding.
2. House Exterior
Once you’ve checked the home interior, you must not neglect the exterior and outdoor landscape. Not only do they affect your property’s curb appeal and home value, but they also offer a handful of health and environmental benefits for the household. Hence, inspect the following:
- Roof and Gutters: These systems sit on top of the house for maintaining your property’s structural integrity. While the roof protects your home and your household, the gutter system serves to direct rainwater from your rooftop to proper drainage. Ensure that they are still in top shape and condition.
- Windows and Doors: These parts of the house serve as entry points. They make the home façade, giving it a facelift. But they also determine your home temperature, comfort level, and functionality. Hence, ensure they are best suited for your family’s needs.
- Siding: The exterior walls also play a crucial role in protecting a house. However, it can also contribute to the property’s curb appeal. That’s why never neglect to check the siding as well.
- Outdoor Space: Don’t forget to factor in the outdoor landscape. It plays a vital role in the property’s aesthetic and functional values. Check to see if it has a front or backyard. Chances are, your family enjoys lawn care and home gardening.
3. Upper and Lower Parts
For your home inspection, there are two things that you must neglect: the upper and lower house parts. Unfortunately, most homebuyers overlook the attic and the basement or crawlspace. However, both play a crucial role in regulating the home temperature and maintaining the comfort level. Take note of the following:
- Attic: Make sure that the attic is in top shape and good working condition. The inspector should not find poorly installed insulation, improper installation, and structural damages.
- Basement or Crawl Space: Ensure that the home seller has enlisted the services of crawl space remodeling or basement finishing experts. As the lowest parts of the house are crucial, be wary of moisture presence, pest infestation, and property issues, whether structural, foundational, or insulation-based.
4. Major Home Systems
Three of the major home systems can significantly impact the overall house quality. They don’t necessarily affect the property’s aesthetics and curb appeal. However, they serve the basic needs of the whole household. Take note of the following:
- Plumbing: This system serves two functions: water supply distribution and wastewater disposal. Be wary of plumbing issues like water leaks, clogged drains, burst pipes, and toilets that back up.
- Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC): The HVAC system regulates the house temperature and ensures the family’s comfort levels. The heating and cooling systems must work well during summer or winter.
- Electrical: You should not only focus on consistent electricity and power supply. Safety should be a top priority. Hence, be on the lookout for exposed wiring, reversed polarity, incorrectly modified electrical panels, and other unaddressed electrical issues.
At this point, you now know what house parts to focus on for your home inspection. Be sure to prioritize those mentioned above, from interior rooms to home systems. If you’re satisfied with the inspection report, you can finally close a deal with the home seller. If not, you have two options: opt-out of the property or ask to lower the house price. In the end, the home inspection will determine the overall success of your homebuying journey.
