Inspect The Home

As you go house hunting, here are some items you should look for:

• Structural defects. Check the foundation for cracks. Check for water marks under the house. Inside the house, check the floors to see if they are level. Uneven floors could be a sign of settling due to age - or it could mean problems with the supporting joists. On the outside, does the roof sag?
   
• Signs of water damage. Look for unevenly painted ceilings or walls, a mildew odor or evidence of re-plastering or re-tiling in just one area of the room.
   
• Lack of water pressure. You can test this by flushing toilets, and turning on hot and cold water faucets at the same time.
   
• Faulty plumbing. Ask what kind of pipes (copper or plastic) are installed and how old they are. Some older homes have pipes that may corrode over time. For homes with septic systems ask when they were last inspected and cleaned.
   
• Inadequate wiring. Most homes should have at least 100 amp service. A 100 amp system uses a one-inch main line, which can be seen leading into the fuse box or circuit breaker system. Look for obvious signs of electrical malfunctions, such as lights that flicker or don't work. Notice the number of outlets available. It is recommended at least two outlets for each room.
   
• Energy efficiency. Check last year's heating bills. Check the condition and age of the furnace and whether it is adequate for the size of the house. New homes should have six inches of insulation in the walls and under the floors, and about 12 to 18 inches in the ceiling. For older homes ask if any insulation has been added.
   
• Termites. Small accumulations of sawdust may indicate an insect problem. Find out the date and results of the last termite Inspection.