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Have you started searching for that home you’ve always wanted? If you have, you need to ensure that the property you are viewing has all the right elements necessary for a safe and comfortable life. That means, doing a thorough home inspection before purchasing the flat. Inspecting the home will not only ensure you make the right decision but also help you negotiate and manage expectations; after all, what is advertised is not what you always get. It pays to be cautious and thorough when purchasing a home in Bangladesh. However, many a times, we try to do such inspections ourselves; without enlisting the help of professionals. As such, it is important to know the basics of a home inspection so not even a single important aspect gets overlooked.

Electrical Components:

fusebox
All the electrical components must be checked

Earthing:

Let’s begin our guide on the basics of a home inspection with “earthing”. Earthing is necessary for avoiding electrical overload or voltage-related accidents. It diverts electrical currents from power outlets via an alternative pathway which leads directly to the ground where it can safely disperse. Absence of earthing can fry electrical devices, which can lead to catching fire in the house. That is why it is imperative to have earthing in the property you are considering to buy.

Circuit Breaker:

Many old homes have weak circuit breakers and/or fuse boxes. Such circuit breakers aren’t powerful enough to handle the voltage requirements of modern devices that we use every day. As a result, the fuse boxes may short-circuit when trying to use ovens, air conditioners or even simpler things like a few laptops. Weak breakers are also risk hazards. As such, learn the capabilities of the circuit breakers from the seller before making any decision.

Power Outlets:

Today’s homes have a multitude of electronic devices that need power outlets to operate or charge. Having ample power outlets is just as much about necessity as it is about convenience. They should have the proper orientation as well as be located where needed. So, when you are considering buying a home, check out all of its power outlets. See if they are in working order cause, faulty outlets will result in slow charging or, worse, cause damage. It is important to have power outlets in bathrooms and kitchen, there are many devices that need power there. But none of the outlets should be exposed that may cause accidents or harm.

Roof, Walls and Floor

Buildings at night
Overlooking the roof, floor or the walls isn’t an option

Humidity:

The humidity in Bangladesh is quite high; not to mention, we have rain during a significant period of the year. As a result of our unique weather, the roof, walls and the floor of our home can become humid. Even though there are a number of ways to reduce humidity at home, checking the humid conditions of a property is one of the important basics of a home inspection. That is because excessive humidity can foster mold growth at home which sprays toxins to the air and cause allergies.

Furthermore, you should check the coloring of the home, if it is already applied. Sometimes, there are discrepancies in the color from wall to wall or may have issues with the plaster. Checking the wall for leakage is also an important task as it can cause damage to them over time.

Structure

Look for cracks or structural weaknesses among the walls, the roof and the floor. If not possible by self then enlist the help of an expert. A leaky roof or wall is a very real and very common problem in Bangladesh and needs a remedy. While you can fix any roof leakage yourself, it is better to avoid the hassle when possible.

Windows and Doors

A door
Open and close the doors when checking

Fittings:

One of the fundamental basics of home inspections is to check the fittings of doors and windows. Open and close them to see if they make creaking noises or home and structural faults. Check the opaqueness of the windows to see if ample light can penetrate the house.

Locks:

A home’s safety largely depends on the locks that are used. They keep us safe from the dangers that lurk outside and prevent strangers or ill-doers from entering our homes. Check all of the locks to see if they are working or not. And if necessary, replace them according to your need. There are several types of door locks and window locks available for purchase.

Pipes and Plumbing

water nozzle
Plumbing problem can be a great source of woe

Water Pipes & Sink:

One of the more important basics of a home inspection is to check the plumbing of the home. Fitting them as well as fixing them can be quite costly. That is why they should be checked before coming to any commitment. Oftentimes, we get so preoccupied with checking the fittings, tiles and cabinets that an important aspect such as plumbing gets overlooked. An easily clogged pipe or a pipe with a void will be the cause of many sleepless nights.

Septic Tank & Sewage Line

Get the septic tank checked by a professional plumber before purchasing a home. And while you are at it, check whether the sewage line is properly connected to the building’s drainage system. A slow or faulty drainage system clogs up the pipes and leads to garbage accumulation in them.

Electrical Geyser:

When buying a pre-owned apartment, check if there is a system in place for an electrical geyser or whether they have one installed already. If present, the device needs to be checked to see if it is in the proper condition or not and whether there’s any leakage from it.

Safety System

CCTV
Security is always a top concern

CCTV and Security:

A building needs a strong security system in place. As such, the building in question should ideally have close circuit cameras or CCTV and around the close security guards. These measures will ensure the peace of mind of its residents and verifying their presence should be a part of the basics of home inspection.

Fire Safety System:

Recent tragedies have shown how devastating a fire-related accident can be. Bproperty is working tirelessly to raise fire safety-related awareness around the country. As a future homeowner, you should also pay a special focus on fire safety measures. Check whether there are ample fire extinguishers and alarms in the buildings; whether the fire exit works and a proper evacuation plan is in place.

Building Material

construction
Check for low-quality building material

The home you are considering buying should have the right materials in its makeup. Ask around and verify what type of materials were used during construction. Learn about the quality of the cement that was used, the grade of the steel rods and other related items.

Building Code

A building’s foundation is one of its most important aspects. So, while checking the basics of a home inspection, you should prioritize asking about it from the seller. If necessary, check the plans of the building. It should comply with the building regulations set by BNBC. A building that is constructed without proper approval and does not comply with the regulations can be prone to disasters. There are risks of earthquake damage, fire damage etc. Check the occupancy certificate of the building to see if the building in question has complied with the building code.

There are many aspects that need to be considered when deciding to purchase a home. Such a decision has a vast impact on the buyer. As such, if you are thinking of moving with the purchase, make sure to follow these basics of a home inspection to check all the important aspects of the property you are buying. Enlist all the help necessary or contact property solutions provider such as Bproperty. But move forward with your decision only, and if only, the home you are considering passes with flying colors on such an inspection.

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