One of the most important steps is home inspections for Albuquerque home buyers. A home inspection does not cover everything you may want to know about the home. You need to understand what is included in the home inspection. Your lender is going to require a termite inspection, some home inspectors charge extra for a termite inspection.
Here is list of other inspections you may want to consider that are not typically part of a home inspection, scope of duct work, sewer line scope, radon, termite, roof, lead based paint, asbestos, well, septic, swimming pool, foundation for manufactured homes, air quality, or water quality. If you don’t know what is included in the home inspection, ask the inspector.
A qualified home inspector will provide you a written report of any problems they find. Your real estate agent will negotiate on your behalf to get the seller to make repairs. In Albuquerque, if the buyer and seller cannot agree on repairs to be completed, the purchase agreement is terminated, and the buyer will have their earnest money returned to them.
The standards for a home inspection vary inspectors, here is a checklist of questions for you to have answered to cover the basics.
1. Structure
- Do the sides of the house appear straight and level?
- Are there major stucco cracks. Most stucco will have minor cracks, are they cracks excessive in number or size?
- Do the doors and windows open properly?
- Are there any signs the home is settling
2. Plumbing
- Are there any damaged or leaking pipes?
- Does the water heater show any signs of rust, leaks, poor ventilation?
- Does the water heater produce hot water?
- Is the water heater at the correct elevation?
- Does the water heater temperature pressure relief valve leak?
- Are the toilets, sinks, bathtubs, faucets, and showers all functioning properly?
- Is there sufficient water pressure?
3. Electrical System
- Is the wire aluminum or copper?
- Is visible wiring in good condition with no exposed splices?
- Are the circuit breakers and electrical outlets fully functioning?
- Are there ground fault current interrupters installed in the proper areas and do they function properly?
- Are plugs grounded?
- Is the electrical system a two (not grounded) or three wire system (grounded)?
- Do the light fixtures and ceiling fans work?
4. Kitchen Appliances
- Is the dishwasher totally functioning, including proper drainage and door hinge mobility?
- Does the garbage disposal function properly?
- Do the cabinet doors/drawers open and close properly with all attached hinges and pulls?
- Are the under-sink cabinets solid with no signs of decay from leaks?
- Are the stove and microwave all in proper working conditions?
5. Cooling System
- Does the air conditioning work, showing no signs of rusting?
- What is the temperature of the air exiting the vents?
- What is the velocity of the air exiting the vents?
- Some inspectors will not test refrigerated air conditioners if the exterior temperature drops below a certain temperature.
6. Heating System
- Is the furnace in good condition?
- Check the carbon monoxide levels
- What is the temperature of the air exiting the vents?
- What is the velocity of the air exiting the vents?
7. Roof
- All roof penetrations will be inspected to determine if they need to be sealed.
- Are any of the shingles deteriorating?
- Is the roof near the end of its life?
- Is water ponding on flat roofs?
- Flat top roofs have a life expectancy of 20 to 25 years.
- It may be necessary to have a professional roofing company inspect the roof.
8. Exterior
- Is the exterior paint in good condition?
- Are the gutters properly functioning and spouting downwards?
- Are the exterior lights and electrical outlets functioning?
9. Grounds
- Is there proper drainage away from the house?
- Is there any evidence of standing water?
- Are there any large tree branches touching the house or hanging over the roof?
- Is the driveway and sidewalk in good condition?
- Are the railings and landings on any decks or patios strong and secure?
- Are all walls and fences on the property in good condition?
10. Attic
- Are there any stains from water damage on the ceiling?
- Is there any evidence of decay?
- Is there proper ventilation?
- Are there any wires spliced and not in a proper enclosure?
11. Garage
- Is there a solid foundation without cracks?
- Does the garage door opener work?
- Are the outlets functioning?
Home inspections are for the home buyers, I highly encourage buyers to attend the inspection. Buyers should ask as many questions as they need to feel comfortable before buying a home. Make sure you get all the inspections you want to make a good decision. The professional inspector you hire should address all of these issues, and probably more, but it’s a good idea to keep this on hand so you can double back to check if everything was thorough. There’s no such thing as being too safe when it comes to your most expensive investment!
Myers & Myers Real Estate
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Our team is here to help you and make the process as stress free as possible. Myers & Myers Real Estate has been helping home buyers and sellers since 2010.
Customer service is cornerstone to our business, and we’re available to answer your questions. We have top-notch, experienced, and knowledgeable Realtors®.
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