Many buyers opt to request that a seller make nonessential repairs following a home inspection, but deciding which requests to agree to is a delicate process. For example, broken shingles can be replaced inexpensively, but leaving them in place could lead to further damage and expensive repairs down the road. For this reason, it’s important to use a trusted property inspection company to ensure the accuracy of your results.
Vacant properties can be vulnerable to vandalism and deterioration. Even small issues, such as a leaky faucet or faulty electrical outlet can escalate into major repairs and safety hazards.
Exterior Inspection
Enhanced Security: Regular inspections help to identify problems in their early stages, reducing the risk of structural damage. This provides peace of mind for building occupants and allows for timely repairs, minimizing costs and disruptions.
Curb Appeal: A well-maintained exterior protects the building from weather and pests, as well as enhancing its aesthetic appeal. It also demonstrates that the building is cared for and well-maintained, a positive for potential buyers and tenants.
During the exterior property inspection, the inspector examines cladding, flashing, trim, and entryway doors. They also assess the condition of windows that are able to be viewed from the ground, garage door operators, decks, stoops, areaways, porches, railings, and grading.
Interior Inspection
Property inspections act as a safety net, giving you detailed insight into a property’s condition. This knowledge empowers you to make informed decisions and negotiate fair terms for the sale.
Inside, inspectors use a checklist to systematically evaluate the condition of walls, floors, appliances, fixtures and more. They often take photographs or record notes to document their findings.
They also look at documentation like warranties, permits and maintenance records to gain a sense of the property’s history and upkeep. This allows them to ask the right questions on the spot.
Inspectors also note any signs of tampering, animal infestations, fly-tipping or other issues that might be indicative of a vacant property. Inspecting these features regularly helps owners avoid ongoing deterioration and comply with insurance requirements for vacant property coverage.
Issues and Repairs
Property inspections involve a comprehensive evaluation of the structural integrity, components and systems. In most cases, the results are used to make informed real estate investment decisions, but they can also reveal maintenance issues that need to be addressed before the property is sold or rented.
Repairs uncovered by inspectors typically fall into two categories: mandatory and nonessential. Mandatory repairs include issues that may affect a home’s safety, such as lead-based paint or asbestos. They may also be required for some types of financing. Nonessential repairs include cosmetic issues like worn carpeting or cracked tiles.
Documentation
Property inspections document the condition of the property for legal purposes, risk mitigation, and dispute resolution. They also help all parties involved in property transactions or rental agreements understand the real state of the building, fostering accountability and transparency.
Depending on local laws, landlords must perform move-in and move-out inspections to assess the state of a property before and after a tenant’s lease ends. These inspections allow landlords to identify any damages caused by the tenants beyond normal wear and tear, which can influence the return of a security deposit.
Compared to pen-and-paper checklists, digital tools like Manifestly make it easy to create and fill out inspection templates, store completed forms, and organize them by date, location, or keywords. It also allows supervisors to track and monitor outstanding issues and ensure they are addressed within a reasonable timeframe. This ensures that any problems do not escalate. Moreover, managers can easily share the inspection reports with all stakeholders—including landlords, tenants, and contractors—for easy reference.