Buying a home is a huge investment. You’ll have to take every precaution you can to ensure that you don’t end up wasting any of your money. This is why a home inspection is a must when looking for your new home. Below are the top 20 things you must check to ensure that the sellers are not just forgetting to disclose possible issues.

Inspect Possible Electrical and Equipment Issues

1. Start with the dishwasher as you go through your home inspection. Have it go through a whole cycle as you check the rest of the home. There should be no leaks after.
2. Bring something to check that all electrical outlets work. A small charger with a light indicator would be great.
3. Turn on the oven and make sure you leave a thermometer inside for 10 minutes. Check after 10 minutes if your set temperature (or close to it) has been reached. Check stove burners as well.
4. Heat a cup of water in the microwave to see if it works.
5. Check appliances for rust and model. If they are too old or are already discontinued, think of the cost of replacing them because that will eventually happen anyway.
6. Check all air conditioning units and ask when they were last serviced. Don’t worry about asking for every detail.
7. Check the water heater and the area around it for leaks.

Inspect the Heating and Cooling Elements

1. Ask about after-sale warranty protection for the major appliances as well as the heating and cooling system. Make sure you get the details about deductibles and what may be not included from coverage.
2. Find out when the furnace was last checked and if the owner has an existing plan or if they use a specific service provider.
3. Ask if an upgrade was done on the cooling or heating systems especially if the home has an addition such as a new room.

Inspect the Home’s Integrity

1. Windows should be inspected to make sure they aren’t painted shut or stuck. Open them even when doing your home inspection in winter.
2. Don’t forget to take a look under or behind rugs, beds, and big furniture to check for stained carpets, cracked tiles, or holes in the wall.
3. Note that a separate sewage inspection is a must for older homes.
4. Keep your eyes peeled for signs of water damage or water stains in the ceiling as this can indicate a problem with either the plumbing system or the roof.
5. Don’t leave out the roof. See if there are broken shingles and signs of rot both on the roof and eaves more so if the home is more than 15 years old. Flat roofs should be inspected for low spots.
6. If mould or termites is a known problem in your area, be sure to have this checked as well.

Inspect all Waterworks!

1. Check the water pressure by turning on all faucets at the same time and flushing toilets. If one or a few stops working, then there could be a significant problem with the system.
2. Don’t forget to wait after flushing a toilet to see if it stops running after being filled.
3. Inspect showers, sinks, and tubs to see if water drains properly.

Last but Not the Least

1. All in all, you should be prepared to be forthright and ask the right questions before, during, and even after a home inspection.

Remember that you will have to shoulder any fixes or upgrades that will have to be done after you’ve purchased the home, so having a clear understanding of what you are getting yourself into will protect you from surprise repairs.

For more luxury real estate tips, advice and listings in the Oakville area, please visit us at: https://www.goodalemillerteam.com