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How to Properly Examine Property Before Purchase

Buying a home or a building is a major investment. This is why you need to make certain that the property that you want to purchase is safe, up to code, and will not cause you any problems in the future. The best way to do this is to schedule a day when you can carefully examine every nook and cranny of the place.

For a thorough investigation, it is best to hire certified building inspectors. These individuals are best equipped to find all the small and big problems associated with a structure. However, if you want an idea of what to look for, keep reading.

Consider the State of the Structure

One of the first things that you need to start examining for is cracks in the walls or the foundation. If the house is not brand new, it is normal to see some hairline cracks. If there are larger than 2mm, nonetheless, there may be a reason to have someone look into it further. Also, if there are a lot of small splinters, this too may be cause for concern. What you really need to watch out for are the large cracks. Depending on the size and the position, this could mean that the structure is not completely sound. Still, it is best to get a surveyor or similarly licensed individual to look at it to get a better idea of the condition.

Appraise for Signs of Damp

The signs of damp can be an indicator to a much bigger problem. This could mean leaking pipes or issues with the plumbing. This is why it is important to keep an eye out for subtle marks. People mostly look for such signs in the bathroom. Nonetheless, it is important to look for spots all over the house. You may see watermarks near the ceiling or notice that there is a certain mouldy smell lingering. Sometimes, flaking plaster can indicate a problem. Now, the people trying to sell you the property may have tried to cover up these spots with paint. This is why you should see if specific spots around the house have been freshly painted over.

Inquire About the Roof

Modern roofs typically have a lifespan of about fifteen to twenty years. This, of course, depends on the materials that were used to construct the roof. Replacing a roof completely can be an incredibly expensive process. Therefore, it is important to ascertain just when the roof was built.

Another thing to watch out for is whether the roof is nearly or completely level. If so, you will need to determine the type of material that has been used to seal it. The best materials are membranes as opposed to the more traditional asphalt and gravel.

Check the Wiring

Considering how important – and dangerous – the wiring can be, it is surprising that most people ignore this aspect. A good indicator of how old the wiring is and whether it is in good condition is to check the fuse board. Still, you should check each and every plug point and ensure that there are enough.

These are the important points that you need to cover when checking out a house or property.