FINAL WALK-THROUGH
Several weeks or months can pass between the day you put an offer on a house and the day you take possession of it. In between a lot can happen that can affect the condition of the property, such as a leaky roof, a dripping faucet or stains on the carpet. Inspection experts suggest doing a final walkthrough to assess the condition of the home before you take possession of it and make sure it is in the condition you agreed on when you signed the contract.
As you walk through the home with your agent, use a checklist as a guide to make sure everything is working properly, and note any questions you might have. Below are a few items in a typical checklist, but it also covers the roof, gutters, doors and windows, floors, basement and attic.
Plumbing - Flush all toilets and check for leaks. Do they keep running after they flush? Run the sink and shower faucets and check for proper drainage. Also check for hot water and water pressure.
Electrical - Make sure the utilities are on, especially if the home has been vacant for some time. Operate all lights, switches and ceiling fans. Also test the smoke alarms, and run the kitchen appliances. When you run the washer and dryer, check for leaks from the washer and make sure the dryer gets hot enough.
Heating and air conditioning - Use the thermostat to operate the heating and cooling system. Check for heat and cool air at all registers.
General - Open and close windows so they operate properly, and check for broken glass. Look for stains on the ceiling that might indicate a leaky roof.
