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Buying a home is kind of like getting into a relationship: you need to ensure that you're happy with what you're getting into. The last thing you want is to get stuck paying the mortgage for a house you regret buying.
So whether the seller has made repairs to the home or not, this is your time to check it out. You need to ensure that the house has all the essential appliances you want and that it fits the bill for the home you're looking for.
What to Check During the Final Walkthrough
For your final walkthrough, you should:
1. Verify the Final Repairs
If you had complained about some aspects of the house when touring and the seller vowed to make repairs, that should be the first thing you check. Make sure you double-check to ensure that the seller has left behind receipts and warranties of the repairs if you need to follow up with the person/company that made the repairs.
2. Inspect the Bathroom Carefully
You need to ensure that the bathroom is mold-free and the drainage is working correctly. Turn on the shower and tap to verify there is hot water, no leakage, and they don't spray water. Also, ensure the toilet is flushing correctly.
3. Check the Condition of the Kitchen
Check for some of the same signs of mold as with the bathroom. Pay careful attention to areas that are likely to be affected by water damage, such as under the sink, the dishwasher, and the refrigerator. Also, ensure that the taps are functional and don't leak when turned off.
4. Test All the Appliances in the House
Verify that all the appliances that come with the house are working. Check whether the oven and microwave are heating up, the dishwasher and laundry machine can run an entire cycle, and the dryer is functional.
If you spot any malfunction with these appliances, notify the seller immediately. You should also confirm that the doors and windows have functioning latches and locks for security.
5. Test the Electrical System for Any Malfunction
Ensure that the lights are working fine by turning the lights in all rooms on and off. The outlet covers should also be free from damage and safe if you have young children or pets. You can also plug your phone into all the outlets to confirm if they are all working.
If the outlets are not working, there might be a bigger issue that you might want to get sorted out before you close on the house. For malfunctioning lights, the problem might be with the bulbs.
6. Check the Heating and Air Conditioning
Unless you want to freeze during the winter or burn up in the summer, confirm that the HVAC system in the house is working.
7. Tour the Property
Your home should look good on the outside too. Ensure the landscaping and backyard are up to your standards. It's not uncommon for sellers to dig up plants and some garden ornaments when they move without notifying the buyer. Also, test out the irrigation system in the yard and security doors.
8. Look for Any Signs of Pests
Having a pest infestation in your new house will ruin your experience as a new homeowner. Check all the crevices and nooks to ensure no pests moved in after the seller vacated the house.
Dry rot, spongy floors, and crumbling wood are signs of a termite infestation. You can also tell whether mice are present by droppings, chewed curtains, or seat covers.
Get the Home You Love!
Some issues may be big enough to back out on buying the house, while some can be fixed before closing on the sale. The tips above should help you do a thorough walkthrough of a home before purchasing to avoid future regrets.