Buying your first - or any - home means taking a cool look at what you're about to invest in. Here are four major items to check out before you write your check.
- Sills, beams.
- Possible defect: Rot caused by moisture or boring insects.
- Check method: Poke wood with knife for spongy spots, especially near the foundation. Request certification of most recent termite inspection.
- Windows and Doors.
- Possible defect: Sticking, poor weather stripping.
- Check method: Try all openings and note kind and condition of weather stripping.
- Plumbing.
- Possible defect: Aging, leaking pipes; inadequate water heater or water pressure.
- Check method: Note kind of pipe (copper is best); compare heater's capacity with family needs; try faucets while flushing for steady faucet flow.
- Electricity.
- Possible defects: Insufficient voltage; too few outlets.
- Check method: Compare number of amps to appliance requirements; count outlets.
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