Home Works Inspection Services
Tel. (902) 742-8994
IF YOU ARE BUYING A HOME, YOU NEED A PROFESSIONAL CAHPI HOME INSPECTION.
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Inside
1. Again, as for the outside, do things look OK? Is there anything which seems unusual or specifically attracts your attention?
2. Do things smell OK to you?
3. Do the entry doors (front and back) function well? Do they open and close easily? Do they appear in good shape and are they protected by paint or stain?
4. Again, as for the outside, do the walls appear to be straight and without damage? Look in every room? Remember, if the home is a resale property, most likely there will be typical flaws and some minor damage (possibly some minor scratches or scrapes, small dents, or normal wear). Other than cosmetically, this is usually not a major concern.
5. Do the floors appear even and without damage? Any creaking sounds when you walk across them?
6. Look around the windows. Are there any wall cracks or water stains. If present, this could indicate a significant concern with possible water entry or rot within the wall structure.
7. Are any windows broken or steamed up between the two pains (if double glazed)? Steamed up double glazed windows are usually only a cosmetic concern but may mean costly replacement if you are not satisfied with the appearance.
8. Do the internal doors appear in good condition and do they function (open and close) easily? Jammed doors may mean movement within the structure itself (bad) or simply not fitted properly during original installation (a lesser concern).
9. Visually check the plumbing fixtures. Do they appear in good condition? Are there any stains around any of the fixtures or apparent leaks?
10. Is there access to the attic (all attics if there are more than one)? This is vitally important. Your professional home inspector will definitely want to get into the attic and look around. As well as getting a good look at the under roof area, your home inspector will want to check the amount of ceiling insulation, attic ventilation, exposed wiring if any, and other important features.
Basement
1. What are your plans for the basement? If you plan to use the area for any type of living quarters, you will want to do many of the same checks you've done for the main living area.
2. How does the basement smell? Preferably, if it's to be used for a rec room or sleeping area, it should smell and feel dry. Also, there should be access windows large enough to get out through in case of an emergency (e.g. fire).
Your professional home inspector will spend a considerable time in the basement checking mechanical systems (heating, plumbing, electrical, etc.) and looking at the basic structure (if visible) of the building.
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