The complete home inspection checklist for buyers

 

Picking a home for your future is an important decision that requires a considerable amount of research and thorough contemplation. Once a buyer has found the right home, the decision-making journey doesn’t end there. That home needs to be vetted and checked for any inconsistencies or faults that may have been missed out earlier. This is the inspection stage of the home buying process.

So, how does a buyer go about it? Here’s a detailed checklist. 

1. Find the right professional home inspector.

Although a buyer must be responsible to check out the house themselves, it also requires an inspection from a seasoned and experienced professional. When choosing which professional home inspectors to hire, the buyer must make sure they know how much experience they have, whether they are certified, whether they have insurance against errors or omissions, and what type of report will be issued – written, oral, or both.

2. Confirm what is included in the professional home inspection.

It should be a thorough job including the inspection of structure and foundation, general construction, plumbing, electrical, windows and doors, kitchen and bathroom, appliances, interior walls and ceiling, ventilation and drainage, and more.

3. Contact the property owner to finalize the date, time, and duration of the inspection.

The home inspection should occur either 7 days before the contract is accepted or within 14 days after and it is recommended to be scheduled within daylight hours. It will ideally take an estimated 2 to 2 and a half hours to be completed, giving enough time for a thorough check.

4. Provide the buyer’s contact details to the home inspector.

Ensure that there is a formal agreement with the home inspector while providing them necessary information such as full name, current address, and phone number.

5. Provide property details to the inspector and arrange access to the home.

Ensure that the home inspector has the property address, specific directions, and full access to the home including lock box, garage, closets, attics, etc.

6. Inform the owner that all appliances, systems and equipment will be inspected. 

The owner must be advised to turn on all utilities including gas, electric, hot water heater, and refrigerator while also removing all items that may block access to any electric panels or amenities and appliances.

7. Accompany the home inspector and ensure all utilities are active.

This will allow the buyer to be completely informed throughout the inspection process. It is encouraged to ask questions and pay attention to minor details that might not be included in the inspection report.

8. Conduct personal inspections to rule out obvious deficiencies.

The buyer should also take time out the conduct their own basic inspection noting any obvious cracks in the foundation, leakages, electrical malfunctions, conditions of the appliances, painting and repairs required.

9. Payment to the professional home inspector is done upon completion of the inspection.

The price of the inspection varies according to the property location, the inspector, the size of the home and the scope of the inspection and reporting. The best way to pick the right prices is to get estimates and compare between different inspectors to get the best value for money.

10.  Ensure that the charges for the home inspection are fair and accurate.

A home inspection in India costs between Rs. 2,500 to Rs. 20,000 depending on charges that may vary according to the size of the home.

Offering homes in major locations all across the country, Joyville Homes have experts that will help you inspect the home you choose. This home inspection can now be done face to face on-site or via an online video call to accommodate the current changing times.

So, go ahead and complete this checklist before you settle down in the home of your dreams!

Tips for First-Time Home Buyers in Kenya

 Buying your first home in Kenya

So you're finally ready for that home you've always dreamed of having. You have your finances in order, you did your searching and after what felt like an eternity, you have finally zeroed in on a house that finally feels like home. But are you fully prepared to take the plunge and make that downpayment? Read on.

Buying a home is probably going to be the biggest purchase of your life. Our advice is to take your time. Double up on all your research and let that decision sink in naturally, after careful considerations on all fronts.

Here are some tips for first-time homebuyers in Kenya:

Trusting sellers in a hurry.

It is easy to put your trust in a seller who claims to have bills to settle and wants to sell off in a hurry. But this is often the biggest red flag to look out for. Sellers in a hurry could just as easily be trying to scam you into buying a house that doesn't have all of its paperwork in order. The result? You may be in for a long wait, while legal proceedings drag on. Or worse.

Relying on a home loan that defaults last minute.

Home loans are a very big deal. Just because you have a pre-approved home loan, doesn't guarantee a sanction. Imagine having everything in order and you're about to start paying for a home for which you already laid down a hefty deposit. And the next thing you know, you don't have a home loan to follow through and your deposit is now gone! Make sure you meet all your lender's requirements to be fully sure of having a home loan to rely on.

Not inspecting enough before buying.

Homes are living, breathing things. Some age well, most don't. If the house you just bought presents unexpected horrors, you could be in for a costly repair. Look for critical problems like leaking water lines, crumbling driveways, cracks in the walls and roofs, termites, rotting wood and sunken flooring. Trust your instincts when you find anything off with a house and don't be hesitant to inspect further if required. Remember - this is the biggest purchase of your life. Take your time and consult experts wherever required.

Not agreeing on what you're actually paying for.

When you buy a pre-used home, don't be shy to discuss what exactly do you get to keep. Some sellers leave most furnishings behind while others may take everything with them, even light bulbs! Little things like curtain rods, toilet seats, fans, taps, pipes, hoses etc are just as important as the bigger picture and can easily add up to an unseen expense if the previous home-owner decides to take everything with them. When agreeing on a price you are about to pay, list down exactly what you are paying for, including these overlooked items. You don't want to move into a home with missing water taps on the first day!

Neglecting the monthly cost of maintaining a pre-used home.

Buying a house may be a very big deal, but it is only the beginning. Homes require upkeep and monthly maintenance expenses. Before hurrying into a house that seems like a very good deal, take some time to find out what it would take to maintain it on a month-on-month basis. Having to service a home loan along with heavy monthly expenses can be a very difficult situation.

There's a saying in the home-buying business. If someone else doesn't want it anymore, make sure it has everything you need before you start wanting it. Buying a new affordable home is often a wiser choice than buying a used home that looks like a great deal. If you're on the market for a house that you can afford in Kenya, look no further than MiVida Garden City Apartment on Thika Road in Nairobi. These homes are designed to address the shortage of middle-income housing that families can afford.

MiVida promises innovative design, modern engineering, trusted construction, on-time delivery and an impeccable record, and is created through a joint venture between Actis, a leading growth markets investor who has been active in the region for over 70 years and Shapoorji Pallonji Real Estate (SPRE), the real estate arm of one of India’s largest conglomerates.