How To Properly Inspect A Home Property

Inspecting a home property is an important step in the house-buying process that any prospective buyer would do well to know. If you’re considering a house and lot for sale in Rizal like Aspire by Filinvest’s Forest Farms in Angono, or Amarilyo Crest in Cainta, then inspecting each of these properties is important in helping you decide which among them you would want to invest in. 

If you have no idea of the things you should be looking at during a property visit or tour, you might overlook some important details that could potentially affect your final decision. That could mean time wasted by all the parties involved in the whole ordeal. To prevent that from happening and give you a more confident decision on what could be your dream home, here is how you can properly inspect a home property.

Start with an exterior inspection

The exterior of a house is the first thing that catches your eye when you are browsing house listings. Naturally, the exterior is also the first thing you should inspect on a house visit or tour. Does it look exactly the way it was marketed online or are there any visual differences? If there are, then you should ask the sellers why.

Aside from the aesthetics, you should also look at the functionality of the exterior elements such as the roof, foundations, and the yard if there is one. From the ground, check to see if the roof has any visible damage to its shingles or its gutter. 

For the property’s foundation, be on the lookout for any visible cracks that may have formed. If the property has a yard, check if it's clean and free from any structural irregularity. Make sure to walk around the property and take note of anything that might look concerning, so you can discuss it with the seller. 

Carefully observe the interior’s structural elements

Once you’re done checking the exterior, head inside and begin inspecting the indoor structural elements. This pertains to the floor, walls, and ceilings. 

Just like with the foundation, interior elements aren’t impervious to cracks. They can form due to a number of reasons such as oversight during construction and earthquakes. Aside from that, initial structural damage can suggest poor engineering or the lack of a strong foundation. These are things that could potentially affect your safety down the line, so be sure to point any of these out to the seller. 

Floors and ceilings, while vulnerable to damage, are also prone to stains and dirt buildup. As you walk around indoors, try to listen for any creaking in the floors as well.

Test the plumbing

After inspecting the structural integrity of the interior, move on to checking the plumbing and water systems. Plumbing is an important element of any given house or property. Not having enough water pressure or leaky pipes can be frustrating, especially during the morning rush when you and your family all have to use the bathroom. 

Test the plumbing by opening every available faucet and see if you’re satisfied with the water pressure. Low water pressure can be a sign of leaky or clogged pipes. However, it is also possible that the water provider that is in charge of the area is having maintenance or implementing a water-ration. Coordinate with the seller if that is the case.

For restrooms, test the shower, if available, and flush the toilet multiple times to see if they are working properly. Take note of unusual noises when you’re using water and report them to the seller.

Check if the electrical system is working properly

Next up is examining the wiring and other electrical components of the house. While you may not be able to inspect the components per se, there are still some checks that you can do. Test the light switches of each room and see if the lights are working. You can also bring a small phone charger during a house visit if you really want to test the sockets, but you won’t have to go that far since you can eventually consult with an electrician if you are seriously considering purchasing the property.

Be mindful of the location and availability of power outlets or electrical sockets. They should not only be strategically placed, but also readily available. A lack of sockets can be bothersome, especially if you have many home appliances and other electronic devices that rely on a continuous supply of power. 

You shouldn’t skip checking or asking about the electrical system of a given property because faulty wiring or broken electrical fittings can pose a serious danger down the line. This can cause a lot of inconvenience, or worse, a fire. 

Check for signs of pest infestation or activity

While sellers are generally aware of any history or presence of pests, there is nothing wrong with doing your own checks. Knock on the surfaces of wooden structures such as walls, cabinets, and desks. If they sound unusually hollow and chip or break easily, that could be a sign of termite activity. 

If the property is situated around soil, ask the seller if there has been a history of termite infestations because subterranean termites have been known to reside in the soil around structures such as houses and small buildings.

You can also check the bottom parts of the walls in vulnerable areas such as the kitchen and dining room. Small holes and crevices can be potential entry points for rodents and insects. Be sure to voice these concerns to the seller so that they can apply the necessary protective measures. 

Observe the neighborhood and environment

Once you’re done inspecting the property itself, don’t forget to observe the neighborhood and the general vicinity of the area. 

How close are you to amenities and places of interest such as the clubhouse, convenience stores, and supermarkets? Do you have many neighbors close by? Is the lighting in your street adequate? 

All these things can affect your home-living experience so take those into consideration as well. 

Key Takeaway

Now that you know how to make an initial property inspection, you are better equipped to make the right investment decisions when the time comes. What better way for you to apply these new learnings than by looking for a house and lot for sale in Rizal? 

Aspire by Filinvest’s Forest Farms, Mission Hills, Amarilyo Crest, and Highlands Pointe are great investment choices. If you happen to be interested, inspect the properties for yourself and see the excellent quality that Aspire by Filinvest provides.