What to look for around your home:

• Foundation: Look at the base of the walls and the ceilings in each room: are there any obvious cracks or apparent shifts in the foundation? Do the same around the outside. Are there any trees encroaching on the foundation?

• Lot: Does the drainage appear to be away from the house? Are there any obvious soggy areas?

• Roof: What is the overall condition? When was it last replaced?

• Exterior: Does the house look like it will need repairs soon? Are gutters and downspouts firmly attached? Is there asbestos in the exterior material, which would require added costs if it needed to be repaired or replaced?

• Basement: Is there dampness? Adequate insulation? (If there’s a crawlspace instead of a basement, you might want to leave this for the professional home inspection.)

• Electrical: Do the switches work? Are there any obvious malfunctions? Have outlets been grounded? Is the panel updated and expandable for additional appliances or a potential remodel?

• Plumbing: Any unusual noises or malfunctions? Has sewer line been scoped to check for potential cracks?

• Appliances: If these are included, what is the age and condition of stove, dishvwasher or refrigerator?

• Heating/cooling system: Does it seem to do the job? How old is the furnace? If the system has been converted, are the old systems or tanks still in place?

• Odor: Does the home smell? Can you detect what it might be and whether it could be fixed? Beware or musty odors which could signal a wet basement.

Aaron Scheuerer, CPI Certified Professional Inspector
Reach me at: (609) 781-3812

Or email me at: Aaron@GardenStateInspections.com

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