Useful Tip - Interior

Buying a new home is one of the most important investments you will make, and you need to make sure there are no unexpected surprises when you move-in. As the industry leader in professional home inspections, our certified inspectors know what is required for a home to function efficiently and properly according to local building standards.

This month's tip is regarding the interior of a home and what areas you should inspect when showing a home to buyer or you potentially should have repaired when listing a home for a seller.

Painting Touch-Ups: Paint Touch ups are probably the most frequently noted items on a walk through, which isn’t surprising as they are usually the most visible. Some new homes may require minor painting touch-ups where there are stains, scuffs or scratches. Look for uniform color and even coverage on the interior as well as the exterior.

Doors Doors should open and close easily without binding. Check to see that exterior doors shut properly with no light coming in through the seals. Make sure that doors are painted or sealed on all six sides: front, back, sides, top and bottom. This will ensure that in the future the door will not absorb moisture and warp. Make sure that the dead bolts latch easily and completely into the jamb.

Windows: Windows should open and close properly. Check for cracked or scratched glass. Scratches in glass have to be visible from 10 feet before replacement will be required.

Cabinets/Countertops: Open and close all cabinets. Check for secure installation of cabinets and knobs. Drawers should glide smoothly and doors should close squarely. Shelves should be supported at all 4 corners and at the center stile for the double wide cabinets. Make sure that cabinet doors close and touch the bump stops at top and bottom. Failure to touch at top and bottom can indicate a warped door. Look for nicks and scratches. Same goes for the countertops, check for scratches nicks or blemishes. Countertops should be securely attached to the cabinets and caulked to the walls.

Floors/Carpet: Walk the entire floor area and listen for creaks. Check hardwood floors for scuffs and scratches. On carpeted floors, be sure seams match and there are no snags. Look for rips, tears or seam gaps on vinyl or linoleum flooring. Depending on the style chosen, floor tile should have consistent color and should be level with uniform grout lines.

Condensation/Mildew: Condensation on windows indicates high humidity levels during winter months. This can sometimes lead to rot. Walls, particularly in comers and areas of dead air should be checked for evidence of condensation and mildew indicating high humidity levels within the house. Water stains on interior finishes should be noted. If the source cannot be detected, they should be monitored.

Please note this may not be complete or suitable checklist for your needs and is not meant to replace a professional inspection preformed by a certified home inspector.

One of the main reasons there is great value in get a home inspection from a Peace of Mind certified inspector is because home inspections let you prepare for the future. If you obtain an inspection report that lets you know that the home needs work that you hadn't originally anticipated and the seller refuses to remedy the situation in order to close the deal, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you shouldn't buy the home. It does, however, let you know that at some point in the future you will need to make these repairs to the property. By getting a home inspection, you can prepare yourself for any additional costs that may arise.

Source: A Comprehensive Guide to Your Final Walk Through

Real estate agent and buyers looking at the interior of a home during a walk through.