Whether you’re buying a used home in good condition or a fixer-upper, a home inspection in Memphis is an essential task that helps protect you and your investment for years to come. Three suggestions to help you are 1) get an overall picture, 2) methodically look for specifics, and 3) get professional advice when necessary, such as help form a Memphis electrician.
Get an Overall Picture
The first thing you want to do is take a good look at the area where you will be living and the type of home you are buying. Some things you can look for are:
· Age of the home
· Size of the home
· Architectural style
· Remodeling jobs or modifications
All of these elements will help you know what aspects need more detailed attention. For example, if the home is older, you may need to consult with a Memphis electrician to ensure your wiring is properly grounded to handle modern electronics and appliances.
Methodically Look for Specifics
Once you have an overall picture of the home you’re checking, you can begin to look for specifics on both the interior and exterior. It is important to be methodical and organized. For instance, when you are looking at the outside of the home, start in one spot and work your way through in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. Don’t skip around. The same applies for the interior; work your way from room to room in a methodical manner. In each area look from the top to bottom before you move to the next wall or section.
If the house has a crawl space, be sure to check that out as well. More than one potential buyer has found problems in the crawl space such as plumbing or wiring problems that require a Memphis electrical work or plumbing jobs.
Get Professional Advice
Seeking professional advice is essential if you are doing an inspection on your own. Even if you hire an individual to conduct a home inspection in Memphis, you can always ask for a second opinion. For example, if the wiring looks old and outdated, you may want to contact a Memphis electrical expert to add his or her opinion to that of the regular inspector. If they find something that is amiss, it will be well worth the extra money you pay. Your inspectors can give you advice on how much time, money, and effort would be required to fix the problems identified. Armed with that information, if you choose to continue the effort to purchase the house, you will have valuable information to justify asking for a reduced price or concessions.