Ensure Your Property’s Condition with These Expert Tips:
When it comes to inspecting a potential property purchase, a keen eye and a checklist of crucial points can be invaluable. While open houses might not offer the perfect opportunity for a thorough examination, private or second property inspections can provide the time needed to assess the property’s overall condition and discover minor and major issues.
In this DIY inspection checklist, we’ll walk you through essential checks for both the exterior and interior of the property, helping you make an informed decision about your potential investment.
Exterior Checks:
Roof: Inspect the roof carefully for any signs of undulating or wavy roof lines and roof leaks. These irregularities can be indicators of structural problems or potential subsidence. While they may not always result in visible leaks, they can compromise the overall integrity of the roof and become costly to repair. It’s essential to address these issues promptly.
Brick Walls: Examine the solid brick walls for common issues like cracks, paying particular attention to vertical cracks or large stepping cracks. Vertical cracks can suggest issues with the property’s foundation, such as footing movement or subsidence. Addressing these concerns can be a significant expense, so it’s crucial to identify them during the inspection.
Windows: Carefully check all windows for potential issues like broken glass panels. Additionally, look out for windows that are painted shut or show signs of rot in their timber frames. Perished seals around windows can compromise insulation and energy efficiency, potentially leading to increased utility costs.
Weatherboards and Finishing Timber: Pay close attention to the condition of timber elements like weatherboards. Swollen timber and flaking paint, especially at the ends and joins, are indicators of rot. While addressing this issue is generally a maintenance job, it can become costly if extensive timber replacement and a complete house repaint are required.
Fascia and Eaves: Inspect the eaves for any staining, as this could indicate a leaking roof or overflowing gutters. Additionally, check the condition of the fascia, paying special attention to the ends for signs of rot and flaking paint. Blocked gutters and leaking roofs, if not addressed promptly, can lead to more significant problems and expenses.
Paving: Examine paved areas, such as driveways and pathways, for sunken pavers. Sunken pavers may indicate underlying issues, such as leaking or broken underground stormwater pipes. Addressing these problems promptly can prevent further damage to the property.
Concrete Driveway and Paths: Check for cracks and stepping in the concrete surfaces of the driveway and paths. Concrete issues can pose safety concerns, especially if there are tripping hazards. Addressing these problems may require repairs or replacement.
Fences and Landscaping: While enjoying the aesthetics of the garden, take a moment to inspect the fencing. Often, fencing issues are shared with neighbours, and it’s essential to address them promptly. Ensuring the property boundaries are secure can prevent disputes and future expenses.
External walls: Brickwork Weep Holes: Check the landscaping around the house for high soil levels and blocked brickwork weep holes. Blocked weep holes can provide access points for termites to enter the property undetected. Addressing landscaping issues may be necessary to prevent potential pest problems, which can become expensive to resolve.
Interior Checks:
Wall Linings: Carefully inspect the interior wall linings for any cracks. Minor cracks in walls, also called hairline cracks, under 1mm are typically considered normal wear and tear. However, diagonal cracks may indicate structural movement and excessive settling. Addressing these issues can be costly, so it’s essential to identify them during the inspection and book a subsequent professional inspection to determine the severity.
Windows and Doors: Open and close windows and doors to check for any sticking or binding. These issues may suggest structural problems or subsidence, which can be expensive to rectify. Ensure that all windows and doors operate smoothly. Also, visible water stains beneath windows may indicate loose window sills.
Moisture: Look for signs of moisture buildup inside the house, such as mould and condensation on window glass and frames. Musty smells and rotten wood can also indicate a moisture issue. Addressing moisture issues is crucial because they can vary from simple fixes like opening windows to more complex problems like structural or rising dampness. Resolving moisture-related issues can prevent health concerns and structural damage.
Bathrooms and Laundry: Test the water pressure in the bathroom and laundry by running taps. Slow drainage can be indicative of a broken pipe or blockage, which will require a plumber’s inspection and potential repairs. Additionally, investigate showers for any signs of mould, damp smells, or walls that are wet to the touch and other signs of water damage. These are common indicators of a leaking shower, and addressing this issue can be expensive.
You still need a professional inspection…
Remember, while this DIY inspection checklist provides a comprehensive overview, it should complement, not replace, a professional building and pest inspection report.
See a real example of our Building Inspection reports so you know what to expect:
A homeowner typically lacks the expertise to conduct in-depth inspections of crucial systems unless they have a relevant professional background. This is where the services of a professional home inspector become invaluable, as they can provide the necessary expertise to complement a DIY home inspection and address potential gaps in knowledge..
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Engaging a professional home inspector, especially in regions like Hunter Valley and Central Coast, Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, and Maitland is essential to identify potential hidden issues accurately.
A professional home inspection ensures a thorough evaluation of the property and helps you make an informed investment decision, potentially saving you from significant future expenses.
