During the walk-through of your new home, you can expect to thoroughly examine the property, inside and out. You’ll want to look for any issues or defects that might need to be addressed before signing off on the purchase.
Here are the key things to keep in mind during the walk-through.
Bring a checklist
By creating a checklist, you can ensure that nothing is missed during the walk-through, and you can ensure that all important aspects of the property are inspected. You can include items such as windows, doors, electrical outlets, HVAC systems, appliances, plumbing and more. The checklist can serve as your guide to help you to be as thorough as possible and avoid overlooking anything important.
Checking windows and doors is essential to ensure that they’re working properly. With electrical outlets, bring a small device, such as a phone charger, to ensure that every outlet is functioning properly.
Take notes and photos
Taking notes about any issues found during the walk-through allows you to document everything in a clear and understandable format. When you document everything, someone else can easily understand and address the issues. A clear record of issues found during the walk-through helps you and the seller to understand what needs to be addressed.
Additionally, take pictures of any damage found during the walk-through. Pictures provide a visual representation of any issues, which can be useful in identifying the severity of the issue. They will also serve as evidence that the repair or concerns existed before the sale. It’s important to take pictures of any marks or scuffs on the walls and floors, including any leaks or signs of water damage. Lastly, take pictures of the items tested during the walk-through, showing that you’ve tested everything and have found no problem.
Inspect each room
During the walk-through, you’ll be able to thoroughly examine each room of the property, assessing every detail to try to ensure that everything is in good working order. One of the most critical things to keep in mind is to inspect each room and the electrical and plumbing systems. (This all should also be looked at by a professional during the home inspection.)
Inspecting each room in the house during the walk-through can help ensure that everything is in proper working order before you move in. Check all the light fixtures, switches and outlets to ensure they are working. Examine the walls, ceiling and floors to ensure that they are undamaged, and any cracks or holes are repaired.
When inspecting the rooms, don’t forget to test the plumbing system. Check every sink, toilet, and shower, turn the taps on and off, and ensure that they are draining correctly. If you identify any problems, make note of them immediately and take pictures.
Go outside
It’s important to take a walk outside to inspect the property’s exterior, from the foundation to the roof. The exterior of the property is just as crucial as the interior, which is why you need to pay attention to every detail outside. You’ll want to examine the outside of the home for any issues or damage that may need to be corrected.
To start, take a walk around the perimeter of the house, looking for any potential issues such as cracks in the pavement, warped fences or fallen gates, broken tiles and more.
Check the roof’s condition, ensuring that there are no missing shingles or tiles, or any signs of sagging or leakage. Make sure that any exposed exterior pipes are also free from blockages and damages.
If you have any questions, make sure to ask your home inspector, real estate agent and loan officer. And if you would like to get started on a home loan, contact us today!
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