Once you’ve purchased your new home, the next step is to conduct a home inspection to suss out any unsatisfactory areas, defects and improvements that need to be made. While some may engage a professional to do the home inspection, you too can conduct the checks on your own.

Pay attention to the floors and walls

While such defects are more prevalent in older homes, it’s important to check for cracks and unevenness in the walls and the floors. If not done properly, an uneven flooring can often leave your home feeling lopsided, and a crack in the wall might indicate an underlying structural issue. Another common defect, if there are tiles used, include chips found around the corners. As such, you’ll want to make sure you’re as thorough as possible when checking the floors and the walls, and to rectify any defects as soon as possible, as you wouldn’t want a foundation or structural issue to present itself after you’re all done settling in.

Keep an eye out for any weak or corroded plumbing

This may be a little tricky to get around, as most of your plumbing may not be visually accessible. However, as best you can, keep an eye out for leaks under your bathroom sinks, dripping taps, as well as any sign of corroded or rusted drain pipes. Meanwhile, check for water pressure by turning on multiple faucets and flushing toilets at the same time, and ensure the pressure remains steady across each exit point. You wouldn’t want to have to fight with other members of your family for the water supply whenever needed.

Check for any substandard electrical works

Electrical works are not to be messed around with, as a faulty system could cause electric shocks and potentially lead to a house fire. As such, check each individual power point outlet and make sure they are properly installed, while also keeping an eye out for any poor or exposed wiring. In addition, as the circuit breaker is your main access to your home’s entire electrical system, do ensure that it is installed in an easily accessible area in your home.

Test out all the major appliances

If you’re purchasing a home that comes with the big ticket appliances like ovens, dishwashers, air-conditioners and refrigerators, it’s important to make sure these items are all in proper working condition. And it’s not just about simply pressing the button to see if the appliances switch on either. Make sure to leave it running for at least 15 minutes, and keep a lookout for loud noises or strange odours that may require a closer look at.

Featured image courtesy of DISTINCTidENTITY