Buying a house can be a wonderful experience, but it can also be a regret-inducing nightmare if you aren’t careful.
If you’ve been pre-approved for an investment mortgage and are ready to buy your first investment property, make sure you check off these 10 items during the home inspection process to be sure that you are not buying a lemon.
Electrical
This is best left to a professional electrician who specializes in home inspections. Ask them for a complete report on the state of the houses electrical system and all the existing hardwired devices such as air conditioning and heating units, pumps, solar panels and so on.
Also, ask about the capacity of the system and whether it might need upgrading to handle supply new appliances that you may wish to install in the future.
Plumbing
Again, a professional plumber who specializes in inspections is essential here, all pipes should be tested for leakages, blockages, and the build-up of rust, mineral deposits, and algae. Water filters should also be opened and inspected for build-up and it might also pay to have the water tested for bacteria levels.
Structure
Here, you need to check the foundations of the building for signs of crack or bulges, it is also essential to check if the house as the foundation may have subsided over time. Check for signs of water damage, mold, and termites that may have weakened the structure.
Drainage
The efficiency of the property’s drainage system can be hard to ascertain unless you happen to be inspecting during a heavy downpour. Check the natural slope of the block and see where water will pool, inspect these areas for marshy, damp ground.
Inside, check the basement for signs of previous water damage and have the stormwater run-off pipes checked for blockages that may cause the house to flood in heavy rain.
Roofing
Check for cracked or shifted roof tiles, or if it is a metal roof check for rust and deterioration. Examine all the houses ceiling for signs of water damage and if found carefully check the roof above those areas for potential leaks. Check all the roof gutters and downpipes for leaks and debris build-up.
Trees that lean onto the house can give access points for rodents and other pests and could fall on the house during storms.
Pests
Termites are the number one pest to check for, as they pose the biggest most risk of seriously damaging the structure of a house. Look for signs of other pests like ants and rodents, but these are less of a concern and can be removed with adequate pest control measures.
Another thing to check for is the presence of nesting flocks or birds, which can be very noisy and messy.
Heating and Air conditioning
All heating and cooling appliances should be thoroughly tested for operation and efficiency, older units may need to be replaced and this can add a large to the repair bill for the house.
Make sure to check the insulation for signs of deterioration and this can greatly affect the efficiency of your heating and cooling devices.
Documentation
Check with the local county office and the owner that all the documentation for extensions and renovation are in order or you could find that you have to tear down half of the house that wasn’t built to regulation.
Doors and frames
Check all doors and window for signs of warping and ensure that they open, close and lock properly. Also, check for termites and general deterioration of paint or materials.
Garden and grounds
Check for large trees whose root systems might eventually crack paving or even damage the foundations. Plants like ivy growing on the house can also cause structural deterioration over time. Lots of deciduous trees mean you’ll have your work cut out for you in autumn. Don’t forget to check any sprinkler systems for leaks and general damage as well!
Once you are satisfied that you are fully aware of the condition of these ten aspects of your house, you can move forward with confidence and make a sound investment for the future.