Home Buying Check List

Buying a Home?

Your First New Home Purchase?

Here's a check list to help you through this process.

Is the only thing in your way of your home ownership the pre-settlement walk through?

Your excitement is understandable, the home is yours once your close on your loan, so be sure your expectations and the sales contract specifications have been met.

Pay special attention during your walk through to be sure that the builder has made any changes or repairs indicated in the home inspection. Has all the required work on your new home been completed?

"Once you make a decision, the universe conspires to make it happen." Ralph Waldo Emerson

Check List:

Grading

· · Does the ground around the foundation slope away from the house?

· · Make sure the water does not pond in swales. To check, water the areas with a hose, if possible.

· · Are there signs of erosion?

· · Is large shrubbery placed at least 2-3 feet from the foundation?

Roof and Gutters

· · Are the shingles flat and tight?

· · Is the flashing secured?

· · Do the gutters, downspouts and splash blocks direct water away from the house?

Exterior Appearance

· · Are the windows and doors sealed and protected by weather-stripping?

· · Are the trim and fittings tight? Are there any cracks?

· · Does the paint cover the surface and trim smoothly?

· · Has landscaping been installed according to the terms of your contract?

Doors and Windows

· · Are all doors and windows sealed?

· · Do they open and close well?

· · Does any glass need replacement? Cracks or loose?

Finishes

· · Is the painting satisfactory? Check all rooms, closets and stairways.

· · Are there spots missed by the painter needing touch up?

· · Is all trim and molding installed?

Floors

· · Is the carpet tight to walls with nice seams?

· · Are there any ridges or seam gaps in vinyl tile or linoleum?

· · Are the wooden floors properly finished?

Appliances, Fixtures, Surfaces, Misc.

· · Do your appliances work properly? Check each one and all functions.

· · Are the appliances the color and model you ordered?

· · Check the faucets and plumbing fixtures. Make sure each on works properly - including toilets and showers.

· · Check electrical fixtures and outlets.

· · Do the heating, cooling and water heating units operate properly? Test them to make sure.

· · Does the home have a fireplace? Do the draft and damper work properly?

· · Are there nicks, scratches, cracks or burns on surfaces that need attention?

· · Does the doorbell work? Remember to also test the intercom system, garage door opener and optional items.

Basement and Attic

· · Are there indications of leaks or dampness?

· · Significant cracking in the floors or foundation walls?

· · Defects in exposed components like floor joists, I-beams, support columns, insulation, heating ducts, plumbing, electrical ...?

Certificate of Occupancy

· · Has your local municipality signed off on your house?

Some problems may not be readily apparent during the walk-through. A professional inspector might miss a few problems. Most warranties cover problems that are the result of faulty workmanship. However, warranties usually exclude problems that result from owner neglect or improper maintenance.

"Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in, forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day, you shall begin it well and serenely" Ralph Waldo Emerson

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