Are you planning to buy a resale property? If yes, then this article by Gharpedia is a must-read to carry out a first-level inspection of resale property damages before buying it. At Gharpedia, we aim to address, acknowledge, and answer any house-related queries with an immaculate understanding of civil engineering concepts and standards and provide blogs for practical advice and solutions for the same. Apart from blogs, the website also caters to the best home designs, calculators, infographics, videos, plan analysis, common confusions section, etc.
Resale properties are not only cheaper than newly constructed properties but are also semi-furnished and ready to move in. Also, there are certain tax benefits on resale property, which you need to check in your province before availing of. However, resale property damages need a careful inspection because, as a buyer, you are unaware of its previous usage and condition. According to Dave Ravindra (2012) author of the book ‘Successful Real Estate Investing,’ resale properties do not have a warranty, which doubles the importance of a thorough and involved inspection. To simplify your resale property inspection and not miss out on any considerable factors, we have provided a checklist of things to be observed and inspected on your first visit. Each factor in the property inspection checklist has been further explained for your ease of understanding.
What Damage Signs Should You Be Looking for In A Resale Property?
- Structural damage
- Open electric wirings
- Multiple electrical outlets
- Rusted drainage and water supply pipes
- Damp walls
- Ventilation
- Cracks
- Broken or chipped flooring
- Leaky Roofs
- Pest infestations
Now, let us closely observe each of the above-listed resale property damages you need to be cautious of.
01. Structural Resale Property Damages
First and foremost, a factor in the checklist for resale property inspection must be structural damages. Structural damage in resale homes includes all the structural elements: the foundation, walls, roof, beams, and columns. Cracks in walls, a sagging roof, or foundation settling problems are examples of structural damage.
02. Open Electrical Wirings
Electrical problems in homes for resale are easy to locate based on wiring. In most houses, electrical wiring is present behind the wall, known as concealed wiring. This arrangement offers maximum protection against short circuits and sparks. However, some old houses and apartments have an open wiring system where a bunch of wires covered with insulating pipes or covers run above the wall. In such cases, check for the broken insulated cover. If you find any, then it is worth noting them down and getting them fixed before shifting.
You must also check whether there are any bare electrical wires left disconnected or open, and make sure they are either discarded if not in use or connected if left open due to negligence.
03. Multiple Electrical Outlets In The Same Place
Check for all electrical outlets. If they are distributed and at different locations, then it is all good. But most of the old homes have clustered electrical outlets in the same place. Due to such arrangements, there can be overload, which is a considerable electrical problem in homes for resale.
04. Rusted Drainage and Water Supply Pipes
The next crucial factor in resale properties are the plumbing issues. You can conceal the water supply and drainage pipelines or simply leave them open. If the pipelines are running on the wall, then resale property inspection becomes easy. Follow all the lines and look for corroded pipes and/or any leakages. Corroded pipes will clearly have rust deposits, and to check for any leakages, turn on all the water supply lines and see for any possible leakages immaculately. Similarly, with drainage lines, inspect for any leakages as well as blockages. If the water does not drain swiftly, you may have to clear the blockages before you shift. Check all and every water closet, above and below, ignoring no pipeline. 5 Ways to Check for Water Damage | GharPedia
In cases of concealed plumbing, repeat the same process of turning on faucets and checking for leaky pipes and drainage. However, here you will have to wait for spotting possible leakage. If there is any prolonged leakage, then there is a high probability of a damp wall in that area.
In addition, do not forget to check on the pressure of the water when all faucets are running. In case of low pressure, get it fixed before making a purchase of resale property.
05. Damp Walls
Mostly, plumbing issues in resale properties cause damp walls. Watch every wall carefully from top to bottom and check for dampness, mildew, or mold. Dampness shows up in the form of wet spots and/or tiny water droplets on the wall. Even lime deposit patches (whitish deposits) are a sign of a damp wall.
Dampness on the wall could be due to leaky roofs or pipes, or faulty waterproofing. If the wall is humid for prolonged periods, there are high chances of mold formation. Hence, always report a damp wall to the owner or your realtor agent and get it treaded before moving in.
06. Ventilation Check
There are many electrical appliances with which you can maintain the temperature and airflow within your room. However, the utility bills every month can be disheartening. This is why you must check for a house with a proper ventilation system.
To check for ventilation, open all the openings in the house or apartment and feel the flow of air. It should not feel suffocated or stagnant. Check your doors, windows and bolts to make sure they are working properly. If the glass on your window has cracks, it might be a good idea to replace them, says Jagendra Rana (2023) in his book, ‘Risk Engineering.’ Inquire about the opening of all the windows and that they are in provision to open with a proper space allowance from the adjacent property. In event of a jammed door, window, or ventilator, report the issue to your realtor. Along with ventilation, also check the influx of natural light.
07. Cracks
Look for cracks on walls and ceilings. Cracks will be present in any resale property. You can afford to ignore minor, non-structural, or surface cracks, but never overlook a structural crack. Such cracks need attention and proper repair. If not repaired properly, they not only invite big expenses later but are also potential threats to the occupants. Cracks can also lead to dampness and mold formation; hence, ensure you have tackled them all before you buy.
08. Broken Or Chipped Flooring
If the floor is made from marble or any other precious material, it will likely have breaks and chips along the edges. If you ignore these damages, the entire floor can develop cracks, become slippery, or cause accidents in the future. Therefore, ensure the floor is completely smooth and well maintained. If you have used wood, make sure you have varnished it properly without any sign of rotting fibers.
Similarly, you must check whether the kitchen and bathroom have slippery floors or not. If yes, you should ask the previous owner or the real estate agent to fix the issue. Another important thing you should check is dampness. Sometimes water can seep deep through cracks and result in mold growth. If that’s the case, the house is not suitable for living.
09. Leaky Roofs
Leaky roofs are the major roofing issue in resale homes. They are the trickiest resale property damage to identify as they are not easy to spot in dry seasons. However, check the ceiling and look for any visible marks (patches) of dampness or water, that would be a sign of leaky roof. If the roof has been leaking for prolonged periods, then the ceiling plaster and colour will have noticeable signs, unless the seller has freshly painted them. Another loophole here is the false ceiling. If the seller of the house has the false ceiling done, then make sure you get the roof checked by professional.
10. Pest Infestation
Lastly, do not miss out on checking for pest infestations. If the pest treatment is not done on a regular basis, then there are chances of termites, rodents, or ants. Termite damage to properties is usually visible in the form of mud tubes or frass. It is necessary to have pest treatment done before moving in because pest infestations gradually lead to structural damage.
Conclusion
Before making any deal, it is important to rectify and report resale property damages. These are just a few damages you should be aware of in a resale property. Most times, people tend to ignore these minute details and end up in jeopardy. If you think the damage is small or shouldn’t be meddled with, you may have to spend a lot in the future to fix that damage. Therefore, it’s better to carry out a thorough resale property inspection and check the entire house for any visible damage signs.
If the previous owner can fix the damage before signing the deal, you can go ahead with that real estate negotiation; otherwise, move to another one. Also, you should keep in mind that the value of a damaged resale property will depreciate.
Still having second thoughts about buying a resale property? Then click the link below; it will be of great help.
What are Pros and Cons of Buying a Resale Property?
Author Bio
Sanjukta Ganguly – I am Sanjukta Ganguly from Kolkata. I have 9+ years of experience in content writing. I have written for multiple niches and genres like, health, travel, pregnancy, love and relationship, dating, hosting services, and WordPress, Press Release, Web Designing, Case Study, Thesis, Proof Reading, Academic Writing, etc. I can handle the work of 4000-5000 words daily.