Go Pro: House Inspecting

Go Pro: House Inspecting

Martin Howard November 21, 2014 View all blog articles

As if finding the perfect house was hard enough, you also need to inspect to make sure you are getting your money's worth. But you can't skip this step! Home inspection is one of the most important parts of house buying. A single house defect can cost you lots of money in the long run. To help you seal the deal, here is a list of what you need to look out for when inspecting your prospect house:

  1. Plumbing

    Check the septic system and the water pumping system. Take note of how old it is, how it functions, how long ago was it last pumped, and check for leakages. You should also know about your neighborhood's water availability. Some parts of Guam have low water pressure; you should make sure your house sits on an area with good water pressure and availability.

  2. Electrical

    The circuit breaker box should be accessible. Note the number of electrical outlets throughout the house to ensure the house has enough.

  3. Ceilings, Walls, and Floors

    Test walls and beams for structural integrity, rot, insect damage. There should be no holes or cracks in the ceiling. Walk over all the floor surfaces of all the rooms to make sure there aren't any creaky or weak areas in the floor. All the floor surfaces should be flat and not sloping at an angle.

  4. Doors and Windows

    Check the doors and windows for damages, termite infestation or rotting. The doors and windows should all open and close smoothly and lock securely. Windowpanes should be sturdy.

  5. Cabinets and Countertops

    Check the condition of the kitchen and bathroom cabinets and counter tops. Look for chipping, lost knobs and handles, stuck or creaky doors, missing or unhinged doors or drawers. You should also be comfortable with the space inside the cabinets.

  6. Exterior

    Check the exterior of the house from top to bottom. Guam is a hotspot for typhoons, so make sure the roof won't peel in case of strong winds and rains. Inspect for holes and other damages which might cause water leakage. Examine gutters and downspouts to make sure the house has adequate water drainage systems. Look at the ground; it should slope away from the foundation to ensure that no flooding will occur. Look at the driveway and walkway condition for signs of crumbling and cracking. Also, make sure the trees and shrubbery are manageable and in good position. You wouldn't want a tree falling on your house come typhoon season.

  7. Professional Guidance

    If you decide to hire a professional inspector, you should know their licenses and credibility to make sure you’re getting the right answers.

    Remember to be there when the inspection starts and ask questions. A professional inspector knows what home buyers usually overlook in inspecting houses. It is important to know the condition of all the areas of the house.

    You can check out Guam Home Inspections at www.guamhomeinspections.com.