ถนัดเอสเตท | TanatEstate
Choosing a "renovated, ready-to-move-in pre-owned home" has become a popular option for those seeking a residence in a good location, with spacious areas, and at a significantly more cost-effective price than a brand-new home. The image of a freshly painted house, smoothly tiled floors, and modern decor often makes the decision easier for many.
However, beneath the visible beauty, a good renovation must also come with "standard structural work and systems." A thorough inspection before signing the contract or transferring ownership is therefore a crucial step to ensure you acquire a perfect home and avoid incurring escalating repair costs in the future.
Tanat Estate has compiled a list of 10 important checkpoints that you can use to professionally inspect a renovated pre-owned home yourself, as follows:
1. Structure & Integrity
The structure is the heart of a home. Repairing structural issues later is expensive and directly impacts daily living.
1. Cracks on Walls and Columns: Observe the characteristics of the cracks. Hairline cracks are typically caused by the expansion and contraction of paint or plaster, which are not dangerous. However, if you find large, diagonal cracks (45 degrees) on walls, or vertical cracks on columns and main structures, it could be a sign of building subsidence that requires caution.
2. Joints and Extensions: Check the areas of extensions, such as the back kitchen or garage, to see if there is clear structural separation (Expansion Joint) from the main house. If structures are connected without proper pile support, it could lead to pulling and cracking of the main house in the future.
3. Floor Level and Unevenness: Try placing a small ball, such as a golf ball or marble, on the floor of various rooms to check for abnormal floor unevenness. Localized tilting might be due to poor concrete leveling, but if an entire section is tilted, it could indicate foundation settlement.
2. Roofing & Leakage
Water leakage is a classic problem in pre-owned homes and is often hidden beneath newly painted ceilings.
4. Water Stains Under Ceilings and Roofs: Open the service hole on the top floor and use a flashlight to look under the roof. Check for water stains, mold, or swollen ceiling panels. If fresh stains are found, it indicates that the waterproofing system or roof tiles still have unrepaired leaks.
5. Drainage System and Roof Pitch: Inspect the rain gutters, drains, and the condition of the roof tiles for debris blockages or cracked, dislodged tiles.
3. Electrical Safety
Improperly renovated electrical systems can pose a risk to life and property.
6. Electrical Control Panel and Grounding System: Check if the consumer unit has an automatic residual current device (RCBO/RCD) installed to prevent electrical leakage and shocks. Also, verify that all power outlets in the house are 3-pin type with a properly connected ground wire.
7. Age and Wiring: Try turning lights on and off and testing all outlets (using an outlet tester or by charging a phone) to see if power is supplied normally. If it's an old house that hasn't had its wiring completely replaced, observe whether the original wires show signs of brittleness, cracks, or deterioration.
4. Plumbing & Drainage
The water system is hidden under floors and walls. Minor leaks can cause major damage in the long run.
8. Water Pressure and Plumbing Leaks: Close all faucets in the house, then check the water meter outside. If the meter needle continues to spin, it indicates a hidden leak within the plumbing system.
9. Drainage and Bathroom Slope: Try pouring water onto the bathroom floor and laundry area to see if it drains quickly into the floor drain. Check if water collects in puddles due to improper floor leveling by the contractor.
10. Sanitaryware and Odor Reversal: Try flushing the toilet to check its efficiency. Smell the bathroom; if there's a sewage odor, it indicates either the absence of a P-trap (odor trap) or that the toilet is not properly aligned with the waste pipe.
Summary: Buy a Pre-Owned Home with Confidence, with Expert Guidance
Following these 10 inspection checkpoints will help you thoroughly assess the quality of a renovated pre-owned home. It will reduce the risk of encountering "hidden defects" and enable you to plan your budget accurately.
At Tanat Estate, we prioritize the quality of every home. We select only properties in potential locations, meticulously inspecting their structure and systems with our team of professionals, to ensure you get a beautiful, strong, and perfectly ready-to-move-in pre-owned home, with complete peace of mind.
Interested in scheduling a home viewing or requesting more information?
Contact Tanat Estate
Tel: 081-629-6359 Tel: 061-545-8889
Line ID: https://line.me/ti/p/@tanatestate
Website: www.tanatestate.com
