Tips for Scottsdale Home Inspection
Getting a quality home inspection in Phoenix is crucial whether you’re about to sell a home or purchase a home. Here are a few guidelines to doing your own property inspection to make certain your property inspector does what is necessary, but do not take this as legal help and always seek pro help. These guidelines may also differ from state to state.
Before meeting with the Cave Creek home inspector, you’ll want to bring copies of the deed, survey, tax bill, leases, and invoices for any major work on the property. These documents will familiarize the property inspector with your property ; likewise, the search of the same will cause the seller to invest time in the negotiation.
1 ) Exterior Inspection
Begin with an exterior assessment. With clipboard and pad, record impressions about neighboring property, driveways, walkways, stairways, and handicap access. Note the parking situation, grading, and landscaping. Inspect the condition of outside walls, doors, and windows. Use your binoculars to test the roof, or if feasible check it close-up. Is it cracking or thick with too many layers? Are the gutters and downspouts in good condition? Water is deleterious, so pay attention to drainage. Look for damp conditions, peeling paint, cracking mortar, algae and mould.
2) Major Systems Inspection
The basement is one of the most important parts of a property. From there, begin considering the major systems. Check the foundation by studying the supporting walls for sandy, cracked, or deteriorated mortar. To find air leaks, look for cobwebs-spiders spin them near openings to prey upon insects who enter from outside. Explain this entomology lesson to the seller as you pick at those energy inefficient cracks. Check the sump for water which indicates leaking. Water draws termites, so use your screwdriver to probe beams for rotten wood.
3) Living Area Inspection
Next, inspect the living area. Check for an alarm system and smoke detectors. Note the smell-it can affect value. Tally the number of bedrooms and lavatories. ( According to FHA, a’bedroom’ isn’t a bedroom if you have to walk thru it to access another room. ) Many older houses lack closet space, so make note. Check the composition and condition of floors and walls. Test all windows and doors for simplicity of use. Also check that all electric sockets are grounded ( 3 prong ) and functional ( you can use a cheap electrical tester. )
These are only a few things to consider when you get a home inspection done. This does not replace the recommendation of a real, qualified and experienced professional. Please seek qualified help when you really need your Cave Creek home inspection done or call 480-415-7977 if you are in the Phoenix, Arizona area.
Comments Off