Looking to buy a Home in the near future? Be sure to inspect the house for any imperfection that can help you get the best you can out of your new home. Even new homes may have hidden problems. Here are ten clues for determining a house's overall quality before you commit to the cost of hiring a house inspector...

1. The structure. Stand across the street. Look at the house. Do the walls appear to be level and flat? From inside, are any walls bowed or not square at the corners? When you jump in the middle of the living room floor, does it flex or feel firm?
2. Water control. Does the ground slope away from the base of the house? Will gutters, downspouts and drainage pipes carry excess water away from the house... or into the basement? Is there any evidence of water damage?
3. The roof. Is the roof new and in good shape? Does it look neat and properly applied?
4. Details. Always check the details. Do you see signs of quality workmanship in the finish details such as moldings, tile work, hardware and paint?
5. Kitchen & bath fixtures. Are the fixtures in the sinks, toilets and tubs a good quality? Do they work properly? Is the water pressure good when you turn on the faucets and flush the toilet?
6. Electrical system. Are the number and locations of receptacles adequate to the needs of the house? Is the main circuit breaker marked at least "100 amps"?
7. Water heater, plumbing. Is the water heater gas or electric (gas is much more efficient)? Water supply pipes from the water heater to the fixtures should be copper.
8. Heating. Where is the furnace or heater located and what type is it? Are any rooms not heated? Do registers look adequate for heating the spaces? Does the house have a central air-conditioner?
9. Insulation. Look in the attic for insulation; R-19 (6 inches of fiberglass, for example) is a minimum in moderate climates; up to R-38 (12 inches of fiberglass) is required in cold climates. Remove a receptacle cover on one of the outside walls to check for wall insulation.
10. Fireplaces. Do they have screens or glass doors (doors are more efficient). What about dampers and log lighters? Is there a combustion vent that draws air from outside and a spark arrestor at the top of the chimney? 
    

Ashley Palmer
erenovate.com