| Houston Home Inspection Checklist … 10 things
you can check yourself!
All homes have problems. The only question is how serious
are these problems? Good home inspectors understand
the difference between major and minor problems and
will communicate that difference to you at the time
of the home inspection! Until then, use the following
home inspection tips as a guideline in determining your
feel for the overall condition of the home.
1. Curb Appeal. Driving up to the
home take a look at the overall condition of the property
starting from the curb to the landscaping to the home
itself. Does the home look as if it has been maintained
consistently? Is that new coat of paint hiding something
or was it just in need of a new coat of paint?
2. The structure and foundation. Looking
at the roofline of the home. Are there any noticeable
deflections in the roof? Do the interior & exterior
walls appear to be plumb/straight? Any excessive settlement
cracks apparent inside the home or out? Do the doors
open and close properly?
3. Water control. Does the ground
slope away from the foundation of the home? Will gutters,
downspouts and drainage pipes carry excess water away
from the foundation… or into the crawl space? Is there
any evidence of water damage, such as wood rot?
4. The roof. What is the age of the
roof? Ask the seller or your realtor about the age of
the roof. Does the roof appear to be in good shape?
Are there visible cracks and or damage to the skylights?
Is there water stains or previous repair to texture
and paint at skylight opening(s) within the home. Signs
of hail damage? Yards signs from roofing companies throughout
the neighborhood are good indications of recent hail
damage.
5. Details. Does the home appear to
have been maintained properly? What is the condition
of the flooring, ceiling and walls; carpet, tile etc.?
Has the home been through any renovations? Do you see
signs of quality workmanship in the finish details?
6. Kitchen & bath fixtures. Signs
of leaking fixtures or water damage under the cabinets?
Are sinks, toilets and tubs quality fixtures? Do they
work properly? Take it for a test drive; you are looking
to buy it, right? Turn on the tub and shower at the
same time. Does the water pressure appear to be adequate?
7. Electrical system. Are the receptacles
2 prong or three prongs? Older homes are more likely
to have 2 prongs and would need to be considered for
an up grade to current standards. Does the home have
GFCI protection at all outlets in the bathrooms, kitchens,
and other required locations? Are the number and locations
of receptacles adequate to the needs of the house? Is
the main circuit breaker marked at least “100 amps”?
Today’s electrical requirements have outdated many older
homes electrical systems and could overload homes with
less capacity than “100” amps in a home.
8. Water heater, plumbing. Is the
water heater gas or electric (gas is much more energy
efficient)? Do you have a preference? Is there a date
of installation on the water heater? Are the Water supply
pipes at the top of the water heater free of corrosion?
If the water heater in the garage; is it 18” from the
floor?
9. Heating. Where is the furnace or
heater located; attic, appliance closet or garage. What
type is it; gas or electric? Are the filters readily
accessible; attic, hallway. Do registers (AC grills)
look clean?
10. Fireplace. Is the fireplace wood
burning or does it have gas logs? Does the fireplace
have screens or glass doors (doors are more efficient)?
Is there a chimney cap on the top of the fireplace?
Professional Inspector Licensed by Texas Real Estate
Commission. TREC #6563
Residential real estate property inspections
serving the Houston Metro Areas and beyond.
For more information, or to schedule
a Houston Home Inspection call us anytime:
One Source Real Estate Inspections, Your Certified
Home Inspector in Houston
Member, National Association of Certified Home Inspectors
|
