What Not to Overlook on a Final Walk-through

 

It’s guaranteed to be hectic right before closing, but you should always make time for a final walk-through. Your goal is to make sure that your home is in the same condition you expected it would be. Ideally, the sellers already have moved out. This is your last chance to check that appliances are in working condition and that agreed-upon repairs have been made. Here’s a detailed list of what not to overlook for on your final walk-through.

 

Make sure that:

 

·         Repairs you’ve requested have been made. Obtain copies of paid bills and warranties.

·         There are no major changes to the property since you last viewed it.

·         All items that were included in the sale price — draperies, lighting fixtures, etc. — are still there.

·         Screens and storm windows are in place or stored.

·         All appliances are operating, such as the dishwasher, washer and dryer, oven, etc.

·         Intercom, doorbell, and alarm are operational.

·         Hot water heater is working.

·         No plants or shrubs have been removed from the yard.

·         Heating and air conditioning system is working

·         Garage door opener and other remotes are available.

·         Instruction books and warranties on appliances and fixtures are available.

·         All personal items of the sellers and all debris have been removed. Check the basement, attic, and every room, closet, and crawlspace.

 

What’s a Home Warranty?

 

A home warranty is a service contract, normally for one year, which helps protect home owners against the cost of unexpected covered repairs or replacement on their major systems and appliances that break down due to normal wear and tear. Coverage is for systems and appliances in good working order at the start of the contract.

 

Check your home warranty policy to see which of the following items are covered. Also find out if the policy covers the full replacement cost of an item.

 

·         Plumbing

·         Electrical systems

·         Furnace

·         Water heater

·         Heating ducts

·         Water pump

·         Dishwasher

·         Garbage disposal

·         Stove/cooktop/ovens

·         Microwave

·         Refrigerator

·         Washer/dryer

·         Swimming pool (may be optional)

 

Source: American Home Shield, www.ahswarranty.com, REALTOR® Benefits Partner

What a Home Inspection Should Cover


Home inspections will vary depending on the type of property you are purchasing. A large historic home, for example, will require a more specialized inspection than a small condominium. However, the following are the basic elements that a home inspector will check. You can also use this list to help you evaluate properties you might purchase.

 

For more information, try the virtual home inspection at www.ASHI.org, the Web site of the American Society of Home Inspectors.

 

Structure: A home’s skeleton impacts how the property stands up to weather, gravity, and the earth. Structural components, including the foundation and the framing, should be inspected.

 

Exterior: The inspector should look at sidewalks, driveways, steps, windows, and doors. A home’s siding, trim, and surface drainage also are part of an exterior inspection.

 

·         Doors and windows

·         Siding (brick, stone, stucco, vinyl, wood, etc.)

·         Driveways/sidewalks

·         Attached porches, decks, and balconies

 

Roofing: A well-maintained roof protects you from rain, snow, and other forces of nature. Take note of the roof’s age, conditions of flashing, roof draining systems (pooling water), buckled shingles, loose gutters and downspouts, skylight, and chimneys.

 

Plumbing: Thoroughly examine the water supply and drainage systems, water heating equipment, and fuel storage systems. Drainage pumps and sump pumps also fall under this category. Poor water pressure, banging pipes, rust spots, or corrosion can indicate problems.

 

Electrical: Safe electrical wiring is essential. Look for the condition of service entrance wires, service panels, breakers and fuses, and disconnects. Also take note of the number of outlets in each room. 

 

Heating: The home’s heating system, vent system, flues, and chimneys should be inspected. Look for age of water heater, whether the size is adequate for the house, speed of recovery, and energy rating.

Air Conditioning: Your inspector should describe your home cooling system, its energy source, and inspect the central and through-wall cooling equipment. Consider the age and energy rating of the system.

 

Interiors: An inspection of the inside of the home can reveal plumbing leaks, insect damage, rot, construction defects, and other issues. An inspector should take a close look at:

 

·         Walls, ceilings and floors

·         Steps, stairways, and railings

·         Countertops and cabinets

·         Garage doors and garage door systems

 

Ventilation insulation: To prevent energy loss, check for adequate insulation and ventilation in the attic and in unfinished areas such as crawlspaces. Also look for proper, secured insulation in walls. Insulation should be appropriate for the climate. Excess moisture in the home can lead to mold and water damage.  

 

Fireplaces: They’re charming, but they could be dangerous if not properly installed. Inspectors should examine the system, including the vent and flue, and describe solid fuel burning appliances.

 

Source: American Society of Home Inspectors (www.AHSI.org)