In the Attic
• Evidence of leaks or water damage. If a roof leaks, you will often see signs of it in the attic. Look for water stains overhead, either on the wood that underlies the exterior shingles or on ceilings that have been installed under the roof. Be aware of new ceilings that might have been installed to camouflage a leaking roof.
• Insulation. There are many kinds of insulation that you may see in an attic from rolled fiberglass insulation to spray-in insulation that looks like small peanut-sized chunks that lie between joists. Inspect all insulation closely with a flashlight for any signs of wetness. Discuss with your inspector whether the insulation has been installed correctly. In some cases, too much insulation on the floor of an attic causes moisture to build up in the attic. It can even be a hazard in the event of fire.
Pre-Closing Inspection Checklist
Before the sale closes and you own a property, it is essential to do a pre-closing inspection in which you make sure that the condition of the property has not changed since you last inspected it — in all likelihood, some months earlier.
Here’s a checklist of things to inspect in your final walk-through. Remember: If you discover new problems, you can use them as negotiating points as the deal is concluded.
• Gutters and roof (Look for newly missing shingles.)
• Condition of sidewalk, driveway, fences, outdoor lighting and all exterior components
• Windows (Look for cracks in glass and broken screens.), locks, and doors.
• Operation of heating and cooling systems.
• Operations of all plumbing, including hot water heater, water pressure, sinks, drains, garbage disposal, etc.
• Operation of any appliances that were included in the sale, including stoves, refrigerators, vent hoods, etc.
• Condition of electrical switches, lighting fixtures, outlets.
• Cosmetics, including floors, walls, bathroom, and kitchen tiles, paint, etc.
• Operation of all windows, doors, cabinet doors, etc.
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