Caveat emptor, or buyer beware. We’re used to having this little piece of Latin wisdom in our heads when we buy electronics or perhaps a home appliance. But how often do we think about it when it comes to buying a property? Sure, we know it’s important to research the surrounding neighborhood, as well as consider the number of rooms in a house. But it’s just as important to undertake an in-depth of inspection of a property’s smaller details. Here are just a few of the things you should be looking for.

Pre-Purchase Inspections – What to Look For?

Pre-purchase inspections so you don’t buy a lemon

The Importance of a property inspection

Caveat emptor, or buyer beware. We’re used to having this little piece of Latin wisdom in our heads when we buy electronics or perhaps a home appliance. But how often do we think about it when it comes to buying a property?

Sure, we know it’s important to research the surrounding neighbourhood, as well as consider the number of rooms in a house and weigh up whether local zoning laws will allow any renovations we have planned. But it’s just as important to undertake an in-depth of inspection of a property’s smaller details.

A pre-purchase inspection is critical to ensure you don’t come away with a lemon. Here are just a few of the things you should be looking for.

Plumb its Depths

Making sure the plumbing and water work fine are a key elements to tick off your checklist before buying a house. Missing this out could mean you’ll have expensive repairs to cover down the line, along with expensive water bills.

Take a look at the plumbing fittings and make sure there are no leaks or cracks, and test the various hot and cold taps around the house to make sure they have the right pressure, not to mention that it’s not a strange color.

Also, be sure to check for dampness around drains and the areas where pipes connect to the ground. Some sellers may paint over it, so you may have to get those nostrils working.

Be Roof-Less

Given the fact that owning a home is colloquially referred to as having a roof over your head, this is one area that’s pretty essential to check out.

Try and discern what type of timber was used for the roof frame. While pine is generally quite stable, hardwood can lead to cracks in the ceiling and plaster and a creaky roof.

There’s also some more basic, cosmetic details you’ll want to keep an eye on. If it’s made of iron, make sure there’s no rust. Also, are there loose or broken tiles? Tiled roofs deteriorate over time, and if they’re concrete tiles, may need new sealant after 25 years, and every 10 years after that.

Wall’s Well that Ends Well

Once you’re done with the roof, you want to turn to the walls that are holding it up. There are the obvious issues, such as making sure the walls are straight and free of cracks. This can potentially cost you thousands to repair.

Less obvious things to look out for are mold stains and damp brick walls, as well as patch repair. Shining a light at the wall on an angle can help highlight this.

If you’re living in a rental property, then it’s highly likely you may be saving up for a deposit for a home of your own, or perhaps you’re trying to save some money early for retirement. Regardless of what your plans are, it’s no secret that saving money while paying off rent every week is no easy task. However, you’ll be happy to know that there are ways to minimise the amount of rent you pay, and get a little extra going toward your savings account.

Top 4 Ways to Save on Rent

Research the Market

If you’re living in a rental property, then it’s highly likely you have intentions to move up in the world eventually. You may be saving up for a deposit for a home of your own, or perhaps you’re trying to save some money early for retirement.

Regardless of what your plans are, it’s no secret that saving money while paying off rent every week is no easy task. However, you’ll be happy to know that there are ways to minimise the amount of rent you pay, and get a little extra going toward your savings account.

It always pays to have as a thorough knowledge of the market to avoid yourself getting swindled. Go on the numerous rental websites on the internet and look at comparable rental properties to yours. Have a chat to the local residents and find out what they’re paying. This can all give you some added bargaining power when it comes to lowering the rent.

Sacrifice on Location

A little bit of delayed gratification can go a long way. You might be comfortable where you are now, only 15 minutes away from the city centre and nice and close to where you work. But the likelihood is you’re probably paying a lot more weekly for this convenience. If you relocate to a suburb further out on the city fringe, where there’s less competition for housing, you’re likely going to find less of your pay cheque going toward the weekly rent.

Sharing is Caring

…although in this case, you’re really caring for yourself. It may hurt to lose some of that prized independence you get from living alone, but adding an extra person or people to your living space means you can share the cost of the rent around. You’ll find your costs fall in other ways, too. A split bill for utilities, as well as being able to buy food and cook together, will make things much easier on your bank account. Sell your house fast Chandler AZ

Don’t be Down-Hearted – Downsize

It may be a good idea to take a good hard look at where you’re living and ask yourself: “Do I really need this much space?” Sure, it’s nice to have a lot of room, but downsizing to a studio apartment could be the key to getting your finances on track. These apartments have a kitchen, lounge and bedroom all in one room, and are designed for one person – though if you’re a couple, there’s no problem with making things cosy.