The Property Inspection Checklist

Purchasing a property in India take a lot of time and effort. Due to this, there are instances where home buyers settle a house, which may cause them regret in future. It is of utmost importance, therefore, that you inspect the property thoroughly before purchasing it. Mentioned below is a checklist to follow before you purchase property.

• Foundation – A visual inspection of the pillars, walls, etc. can tell you a lot about a house. You do not need to be an expert to determine if the foundation of the house is solid or not.
• Exterior – As it is with visually evaluating the foundation, it is also equally important to inspect the exterior. This will also give you an idea of the quality of the exterior and also if the building requires any repair or reconstruction.
• Low lying area and poor drainage – In the event that the property is located in low-lying area, there are chances of water logging during the rainy season. It is best to avoid making investments in properties in low-lying areas. Water logging is not very sanitary as it can cause diseases an seepage in your house.
• Sunlight and ventilation – Every house must have adequate sunlight and ventilation for in order to lead a healthy lifestyle. The lack of these two essential elements, there are high chances of germs and diseases accumulating in the house. This is arguably one of the most important factors to look into before making an investment in a property.
• Size of the rooms – It’s a good idea to measure the sizes of the rooms just to understand if your furniture would fit easily into the room. It could be quite a setback if you cannot accommodate your furniture and end up spending additional money to purchase new furniture as well. This can also tell you the actual carpet area of the house.
• Water seepage and leaks – leaks and water seepages can cause huge burdens if not corrected in time. A water seepage can also spread throughout the house, making it an uncomfortable environment to live in. Apart from just weakening the walls and ceilings, water seepage is a very good habitat for termites and other such germs. A quick scan of the house can help you ascertain if there are water leakages or seepage. A quick point to keep in mind is that the top most floor of a house or apartment and the ground floor are more susceptible to these water damages. Although minor seepages can be corrected, houses with major water issues should be avoided at all costs.
• Cracks – Cracks and damages on walls can be an indication of poor construction. Check the house for any cracks on the walls or ceilings. This is a quick and easy way to determine the quality of the property. Generally, the more cracks you notice in a house, the more likely that it was poorly constructed.
• Doors and windows – Although damages on doors and windows may be easily corrected, it must be brought to the owner’s attention before purchase. Make sure the owner rectifies the issue before making a purchase.
• Electrical issues – As it is with doors and windows, electrical issues are usually easy to rectify. Check all electrical outlets, loose boards, etc., and bring it to the owner’s attention before making a purchase. Request for these issues to be rectified before investing in the property.
• Plumbing issues – A good plumbing system will ensure that there is no water leakage or seepage. Understanding if the plumbing system in the property is up to the mark will help you saves a lot of money and hardship in future. Unfortunately, not everyone can ascertain this, and therefore, you would need to hire a professional to do this for you. To review the plumbing system at a basic level, you can check for any leaks in the taps or valves. If you happen to notice any leaks, the property may have bad plumbing.
• Termites and bugs – Scanning the house for termites and bugs is a very good idea. This can definitely save you from suffering in future. If you happen to find bugs or termites, the best thing to do is to refrain from investing in the property. The second option you have is to request the owner to terminate these pests before you can make a purchase.
• Odour – If you sense any odour from the house, this can be an indication of water seepage or the presence of germs. This is a tricky situation to assess as bad odour can be caused by other factors that can be dealt with easily. Therefore, it is important to not make impetuous decisions with the odour of the house.
• Basement – Often, homebuyers tend to scan the entire house but oversee the basement. Basements can be a good indicator of the house’s overall situation. Check for cracks, ventilation, etc. to assess the quality of the basement. This is usually an indicator of the entire house’s health.
• Ventilating system – In case the house possesses a heating or cooling system, it is important to evaluate the condition of the duct, the age of the system, the maintenance, etc. In case the system doesn’t work, not only is it going to be a costly affair to rectify this, but you are also not going to be able to live in the ideal conditions.
• Security situation – Ensure the gated community has adequate CCTV cameras, security guards etc., if you are looking to purchase a property here. In case it is not a gated community, enquire with the neighbours about how secure the neighbourhood is. You may also consider hooking up some CCTV cameras yourself too.
• Maintenance – One of the major issues that home buyers fail to look up is the maintenance payable in apartments or gated communities. It is only after they have moved in that they realise that the maintenance charges are expensive. By now, it is too late to back out of the deal. It is important to understand the maintenance fee before making a purchase. If the fee is too high for you, do not invest in the house. However, make sure you take into consideration the proximity of hospitals, airports, schools, offices, markets, etc., before making this decision. There are cases where the convenience if these amenities outweigh the maintenance fee payable on the property.

Follow the checklist mentioned in this article before purchasing a property. It can be a strenuous task, but can help you save on a lot of time and money in future. After all, properties are long-term investments and you will be living here for a while. Therefore, it is important to look at the investment in a long-term standpoint.

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