When purchasing a property, the devil is in the details. Whether you’re considering a brand new, move-in ready, or fixer-upper property, a thorough evaluation is always a must. My personal approach to property inspections follows a simple guide: outside going in, bottom to top, all around, and twice over. This ensures buyers make informed decisions, avoiding unpleasant surprises.
Here’s a checklist property buyers can use to evaluate prospective listings:
Exterior
The first impression a property makes is crucial, but it’s important to look beyond superficial appearances. Sometimes, new structures may prioritize aesthetics over structural integrity, while older, worn properties might have robust foundations.
As you move around the property, conduct a thorough scan from top to bottom to assess the structural integrity of the construction.
- Roofing. Watch out for missing, loose, or damaged shingles, ensuring there are no signs of leaks or water damage.
- Gutters and Downspouts. Check that they are unclogged and securely attached. Debris stuck inside can often be unseen and may lead to unexpected water damage.
- Exterior Walls. Inspect for cracks, peeling paint, or traces of flooding and water damage. These could indicate larger problems such as leaks, poor construction or vulnerability to flooding.
- Windows and Doors. Ensure that these are made with durable materials as these will be crucial in keeping your family secure from outside elements. Check for broken glass, faulty seals, and damaged locks and knobs.
- Foundation. Check for cracks, shifts, or visible damage especially in villages near the faultline or bodies of water. These could indicate underlying structural issues.
Environment
One of the most crucial factors affecting a property’s viability is its surrounding environment. From the moment you drive to the location, observe the traffic situation, cleanliness, local community, and any potential geohazards that may affect the property. Upon arrival, assess the overall condition and curb appeal of the property, taking into account your personal experience of the community it resides in.
Some of the environmental factors you can pay attention to are as follows:
- Traffic. Ensure commute times to work and home are reasonable to preserve your quality of life.
- Pollution Levels. Visit the property at different times of the day to gauge air and noise pollution from traffic, neighbors, or nearby businesses.
- Light and Ventilation. Assess the amount of natural light and airflow within the property. Check for signs of poor ventilation, such as moisture buildup and mold.
- Nearby Landmarks. Consider the distance to schools, hospitals, public transport, and shopping centers. Evaluate the convenience of these amenities in enhancing the property’s value.
Interior
As you go inside the property, don’t be afraid to have a tactile approach in determining the quality of the structure. Run your hands over surfaces and tinker with switches, faucets, knobs and locks, and so on. The interior inspection is crucial for identifying hidden issues that may not be immediately visible. For older properties, it may also be crucial to ask for electrical, plumbing and fire security plans along with the structural plans to assess the viability of the fixtures.
- Interior Walls, Ceilings, and Floors. Look for cracks, water stains, mold, or uneven surfaces. These can be signs of structural damage or water leaks.
- Electricals. Ensure the electrical panel is up to code and there are no exposed wires. Sometimes, looking at the design of the outlets, switches, and other fixtures can help you assess the age of the electrical systems.
- Plumbing. Check for leaks under sinks and around toilets. Ensure good water pressure and look for signs of rusting and corrosion. For swimming pools, watch out for water pooling and dampening that may signal leaks.
- Air-conditioners and Heaters. Outdated AC units and heaters can lead to high electrical bills and short-circuiting. Verify that they are inverter models and are regularly maintained and cleaned before you take them on.
- Basement and Attic. Aside from the usual moisture and mold issues, watch out for rats, termites, and other pest infestations. Proper insulation and ventilation must be in place to keep the climate cool in your main living areas.
Safety and Security
A thorough property assessment involves not only zooming in and out but also looking into the future and past. Always verify that safety and security measures are of the highest quality, as these can be critical factors that may make or break your investment.
- Security Guards and Systems. Verify if there are enough security guards to cover the grounds of your community. Ensure that fixtures such as CCTVs, electrical fences, remote-controlled gates, RFID or biometric entry, and other features are in place, especially in high-density living communities.
- Fire Alarms and Extinguishers. Ensure that crucial areas such as the kitchen and hallways have smoke detectors. Check for the presence and expiration dates of fire extinguishers.
- Staircases and Railings. Loose or broken railings can be hazardous, especially for the elderly and children. Give them a good wiggle and apply your weight to test their stability.
Legal Status and History
Lastly, a thorough review of the property’s documentation and history is essential to cover the intangibles of your purchase. Beyond being satisfied with what you see, ensure you know the background and legal status of the property.
- Property Title. Ensure the title is clean and there are no legal disputes or liens against the property.
- Historical Background. Research the property and its location thoroughly by looking online, interviewing experts, and talking to the neighbors. Be wary of potential issues such as incidences of crimes, deaths, legal cases, earthquakes, and possible government expropriation.
- Debts and Arrears. Ensure that payments for utility bills, property taxes, association dues, and other expenses are up to date. Verify that there are no outstanding debts that could surprise you after the purchase.
Got all the boxes checked? Don’t hesitate to go through everything a second time to ensure your purchase is a wise financial decision. Developers often provide punch lists for items that need repair or replacement when you receive a brand new property, but having your own checklist ensures that all your standards have been met.
