1. Check for dampness
Finding neglect damp spots around the home, so if you see mould accompanied by a musty smell it is time to call in the experts for a qualified judgment of damage and cause. It can cause around $5,000 on average to resolve damp issues around the home, but serious cases could draw $50,000 from your pocket.
2. Check the water pressure
Don’t be embarrassed to use taps (hot and cold), toilets and hoses to make sure the water pressure is running smoothly. If you flush the toilet and the water line wells up, this is usually a sign that the sewer lines are partially blocked and may need repairing.
The average lifespan of a hot water system is around 10 years. Ask how old the system is in the particular home and budget for spending around $6,000 on average to fix faulty or illegal plumbing. If you suspect damaged water systems call in the professionals to assess the damage before proceeding with any further action in buying the home.
3. Look for structural issues
Be sure to use preliminary open inspections to develop a keen eye for the horizontal, the vertical and the square – as it can save you a lot of time and money.
One of the biggest and most expensive housing defects is gaps or cracks in architraves. Also known as casing or eaves, they serve as a trim around doorframes and windows, their main purpose is to conceal the gap between the wall lining material and the door jamb or window frames.
Cover-up tricks during open inspections:
You may notice gap filler and new paintwork on windows, skirtings or architraves. This can indicate history of significant structural movement in the past.
4. Check the flooring
Although many home owners may not notice the odd creak in their floorboards, keep your ears open for sounds which may indicate damaged foundations in a home.
Cover-up tricks during open inspections:
Odd sounds (including noisy neighbours and busy streets) may be covered up by serene music and a chatty real estate agent.
5. Look out for signs of termites and other pests
The ultimate DIY inspector will not stop at the inside of the home. If you’re up for the challenge, attempt an assessment underneath the home (or in any internal roof space or attic areas). Underneath the home you will find the most obvious evidence of timber rot caused by pest damage. Whilst borers and other pests may contribute to timber rot, it’s the termites that are commonly recognised by the average purchaser.
The earlier you identify your pest issues the better – and you will save thousands of dollars. The cycle time (from initial termite attack, through awareness by the home owner, treatment and confirmation of eradication) is about five years.
Cover-up tricks during open inspections:
Floor damage patched and concealed under carpets.
If you locate poor access to tight underfloor areas or extremely flat roof areas it is most definitely time to set aside $500 or so for a professional building and pest inspector.
Extracted from online source.
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