As most of us learn things the hard way this short list offers some very important things that should be checked before signing the papers to buy a new home. Scheduling inspections is always good because they able to give you an overview of condition and look over the place to make sure you’re termite and flood/mold damage free, but these following items fall into a different category — the immediate honey-do list!
Knowing there will always be cosmetic changes to make to a new home, trying to avoid costly repairs upon first moving in is always a bonus its seems there is always something. Being able to save that money for the couch of your dreams, or even just for gas and groceries can be extra beneficial especially for first time home buyers who are still adjusting to new budgets that now include a mortgage.
Here’s a few items to check before you make the final commitment and inherit possible issues.
1. Check The Drains And Water Pressure In The Shower: This might sound silly, but anyone who has taken a low water pressure shower understands shampoo stays in the hair with out this type of test. Checking the drains is also very important running water to see if the sinks and bathtubs are draining adequately important plumbers don’t come cheap.
2. Open All The Windows: Replacing windows isn’t fun and it isn’t cheap either. Open them all to find out if they stick, are stuck or just refuse to open.
3. Turn On All The Faucets: Although changing out faucets isn’t exactly rocket science it’s always a pain to lay under a cabinet and reach for the sky with funny tools to get things removed. Just check to make sure they all work before buying to eliminate the back ache. Checking for leaks in the faucet is also a good way to gauge if a new faucet is needed.
4. Turn On Appliances To Test The Electrical: Most homes built today are able to handle the dishwasher and other appliances while they are running but its always good to check for yourself as some older homes may not have the electrical updated this could cause problems when you move in by flipping the breaker.
5. Taste The Water: This lesson is always learned the hard way. Even if your city has great water, your pipes might be old enough that they’ll send a little extra something out of the tap and into your glass. Knowing up front if you’ll need to install a whole house filter or invest in a few Brita pitchers is always helpful. Luckily Lake Tahoe boasts some pretty amazing mountain tap water.
6. Flush The Toilets: Knowing that all the toilets in the home can handle toilet paper is a bonus. Although they’re easy enough to replace or fix, finding ones that flush well are a bonus. If you’re dissatisfied they could issue you money back to make the replacement in order to get you to sign on the dotted line!
7. Open The Electrical Panel: A clean and labeled panel is a happy panel. Something that looks like squirrels got up inside can signal trouble. Lookout for loose wires or ones that simply don’t connect to anything.
8. Turn On The Heat/Air: Knowing that the heat works adequately prior to actually needing it can be a serious bonus. Check to make sure the furnace blows its respective temperature in addition to just turning on.
9. Pull The Carpet Back: Before you move in, you’ll want to find out if there’s any mold or mildew or water stains under the carpets. Look for the lowest side of the room and if possible pull a corner back. Many homeowners will have a section of carpet removed in a closet to allow you to see the condition of the floors below.
10. Attic And Crawl Space Moisture: Although most home inspectors will sniff this one out for you, look for signs of dampness or plain old water stains. A well ventilated attic is a happy attic that allows air to flow and mold to not grow. Crawl space moisture is typically signs of possible leaks and looking for compacted dirt can alert you to a leak from the past. SO grab a flashlight and take a peak better safe than wet.
