One of the critical aspects when buying a home is your ability to stay focused during a walk-through.
It’s super-easy for your attention to stray when you fall in love with the chef’s kitchen or the view across the valley or bay. However, it’s vital to pay close attention to some of the fundamental aspects of the building.
I’d always recommend a professional building inspection before buying any property, but you still need to identify key elements of the property that might dissuade you from a purchase.
The first consideration is livability. Is the house or apartment laid out in such a way as to meet the needs of you, your partner and your family? Is the living space sufficient? Are the bedrooms big enough? Will you need to replace the kitchen and bathroom? Do you feel there’s enough natural light?
These are all essential questions to ask yourself during a walk-through. Below, I’ve added a few more for a house and apartment that will help you better understand the quality of the building and whether you want to progress to making an offer.
And remember, always take your time with a walk-through and ask questions.
House
- Roof and exterior: Check the roof for missing or damaged shingles, leaks or signs of wear and tear. Inspect the exterior walls for cracks, peeling paint and structural damage.
- Foundations: Look for cracks in the foundation walls, uneven floors, and sticky doors and windows.
- Attic and basement: Inspect for leaks, water damage, mold and signs of pests. Is there sufficient insulation and ventilation?
- Plumbing: Check for leaks under sinks and around toilets. Test water pressure and drainage.
- Electrical: Turn on the lights to check for flickering. Is there any exposed wiring or an outdated electrical panel?
Apartments and Condos:
- Building exterior: Assess the condition of the roof, siding and common areas. Look for signs of deferred maintenance.
- Common Areas: Inspect shared spaces like hallways, elevators, stairwells and amenities (pool, gym) for cleanliness and maintenance.
- Unit Interior: Check the ceilings, walls and floors for signs of leaks or water damage. Test all appliances and fixtures.
- Soundproofing: Assess the level of soundproofing between units. Can you hear folks above you or the boom of music from across the corridor?
- Homeowners Association: Review the HOA’s financial health, rules and regulations, and any pending litigation.