A home inspection is often a required part of property purchase, regardless if you are a buyer or a seller. Generally, the comprehensive check-up is done by licensed inspectors who give a detailed written report of the property’s condition.
However, you can get a rough overview of your property’s present condition and worth simply by doing a DIY home inspection ahead of time. By doing this, you’ll be able to spot minor damage in your house, preventing costly repairs in the future and saving your precious time and hard-earned cash.
To help you prepare for your pre-purchase home inspection, here’s a simple guide of a DIY home inspection you can perform before your inspector arrives.
Also read:Â How To Pass Your Building Inspection
The General Structure of Your Home
Start by looking at the general appearance of your property from a distance. Tour around the property and view the structure from various angles. Check for sagging and bent lines in the general house frame as they indicate possible further damage. Homes that are in good condition are linear, even, and intact.
External Wear and Tear
For the next step of your personal inspection, take a closer look at your home. Check the exterior for deteriorating parts, stains or blemishes, and even lumps — these are signs of wear and tear that need to be addressed. Additionally, scan if there are missing, cracked, or disfigured brick walls. It’s necessary to have them in place before your inspector comes.
Concrete Foundation Issues
In general, concrete foundation hairline cracks are fairly normal and do not require corrective measures as they are only due to the structure’s normal settlement. It’s only time to press the panic button when bigger cracks or growing crack lines become evident. Additionally, if swelling manifests in the walls of the foundation, ring a professional trade to get it fixed immediately.
Also read:Â When To Walk Away From A Property
Stiffness or Wobbliness
Window or door fittings must not be stiff or loose. Have them properly aligned and fitted so that you can open or close them with ease. A tight or wobbly door or window not only might result in higher power consumption and increased bills but may cause an impending expensive replacement procedure as well.
Roof Damages
Roof leak problems are common in homes. If left unattended, these leaks can lead to discolouration, interior damage, and even incur the presence of mould. It might not be a major issue during sunny days, but it will be the prime entry point for water to invade your home during rain or thunderstorms.
A pair of binoculars will do the trick in inspecting for roof damages. If you want a closer look, you can use a ladder to check upon damaged or missing roof tiles.
Ceiling, Wall, and Floor Damages
The usual culprit in ceiling, wall, and floor damage is a water leak. When water penetrates your ceiling, wall, or flooring, you have to take swift action before it damages other parts of your home. The signs of water damage inside your house include discolouration, water rings, or even barely noticeable water stains on ceiling or walls. In the flooring, soft or sinking spots, fissured tiles, and deformed wooden laminates are proof of water damage.
Plumbing Problems
To determine if there are plumbing fixtures that need to be repaired, look for marks of corrosion or water trickles for they suggest leaks. Test whether the drains are functional and not clogged. See to it that water pressure is consistent throughout the waterways. Varying water pressure from water installations indicates a plumbing problem which is needed to be repaired.
Electrical Wiring System Flaws
The simplest test for electrical problems at home is done simply by turning the lights on and off. But more importantly, you have to be on the lookout for visible electrical problems related to switches and outlets. Splices in the wirings are also a clear sign of a sloppy electrical system. Also have a look at the breaker box for any scorchings and other obvious flaws.
Rotten Wood
Explore wooden frames and beams by picking it with a screwdriver. Mushy spots, uneven slumps, and babbled paints are manifestations of rotting. Luckily, rotted woods can be restored immediately using wood hardeners and polyester fillers.
Termite Mud Tubes
When you see pencil-sized mud tunnels winded up in joists, that could mean serious trouble. To discover whether termite infestation is active, break the mid-portion of the tubes and leave both ends undamaged. If termites readily come out in the tunnel or the tunnel is fixed in a matter of days, consider calling pest control services.
Read more about termite treatment plans
Professional Inspections with Inspect My Home
Armed with a keen eye for details and equipped with some basic tool, you can do a DIY home inspection using this helpful guide. However, bear in mind that although a personal inspection is handy and helpful, it’s not enough to get a complete scope of your property. In the end, only licensed professional inspectors can provide full reports about the overall condition of your property.
If you’re planning to buy or sell a home, Inspect My Home can provide the professional inspection that you need with a detailed report in 24 hours. We are fully licensed and insured, and service Queensland, New South Wales, and Western Australia.
Call Inspect My Home at 1300 337 447 or book online to get your professional home inspection today.
