Here at Landlord Prep, I want you to learn everything about how to be an efficient real estate investor. Part of it is inspecting a home so that you won’t face problems and costly repairs in the future after buying. But last week’s home inspection tips blog wasn’t complete. As promised, here’s the continuation of it.

1. Test the electrical system

Some wires may have been gnawed by rodents and pose a serious risk of a house fire. Other houses for sale have overheating fuse or breakers that would explode and cause severe power interruption.

Check if all the light switches work. Do the same for outlets and see if they aren’t grounded. Inspect the house’s wiring system if it’s up to date. Outdated wiring systems are as serious as gnawed wiring and could cause a house fire as well. It’s also a hassle to fix and upgrade.

2. Check the HVAC systems

You’ll know the functionality of HVAC units based on their serial number and manufacturing date. Depending on how old the HVAC units are, this will help you make a solid decision on whether to push the deal through in buying the house.

If replacements were made, you also need to check if the decommissioned units have been properly disposed of. Undisposed fuel tanks and HVAC systems pose a hazard and take up space on the property.

3. Inspect the plumbing

Leaking pipes are common wear and tear in homes. They are mostly found in basements, sink pipes, or the main water pipe and are caused by rusting or quakes. The best way to check for plumbing performance is to turn all the faucets on during the inspection.

If the flowing speed drops, there might be a leak somewhere in the plumbing. Look for it. A leaky pipe will cause a growth of molds that might be toxic and could make wood rot.

4. Look for soggy areas on the lot

Soft and wet soil on the lot might be where a pipe leak is. Or it’s just pooling up with water due to a lack of elevation. Either way, it ruins the aesthetic of your lawn and backyard. You might also slip while walking over it by accident.

When examining the front lawn and backyard, pay attention to each of your steps. A slight sink is a giveaway that the ground is soft and will be soggy after rain.

5. Flip the carpets for floor quality inspection

Homesellers might try to hide tearing off, humpy, or loose flooring. Overlooking this factor will cost you repairs which are expensive.

6. Inspect the foundation integrity

A home’s foundation can be damaged by a lot of factors. Quakes, tree roots, termite infestation (wood foundation), or a loose ground. This is one of the most important things to check when buying a house because a damaged foundation can cause your house to collapse.

You can inspect the foundation by looking for floor and wall cracks. For wood, knocking and detecting hollow spots is one of the techniques for checking integrity.

7. Check the condition of the appliances

This is optional depending on the kind of deal you are interested in. But like HVAC systems, the condition of the appliances in the home for sale depends on the manufacturing date and serial number. The appliances may also be new but without a serial number, you can’t claim warranty repairs.

8. Examine the steps, stairs, and railings

Depending on who you’re living with, all railings should be installed properly so small children and old people can rely on them for guidance as they go up and down the stairs or when leaning on balconies. Steps and stairs should also be solid without rotting (wood) or cracks (concrete) to avoid accidents such as falling through.

You now have a complete checklist of what to inspect in a home before buying. Next time you’re on a home tour, search for every nook and cranny. Refer to this list and its part 1 to make the most of your money.

For more real estate topics, read these articles:

• How to Create Your Own Smart Home
• Watch Out for These 8 Types of Real Estate Fraud
• 9 Renovations That Boost Your Home Value
• How to Prioritize Your Home Improvement Projects
• Why Do Home Sellers Reject Offers From Buyers?