Common Issues Found During Home Inspections In Kenya
In the same way that we sometimes 'stalk' a new date online, discovering details like their family connections before they have even shared them, a home inspection lets you uncover the essential details of a house. It is a pre-commitment investigation to ensure the home matches what you envision.
A comprehensive inspection uncovers all the facts about a property. It is a 'background check' for your future home, ensuring no surprises after you commit. A home inspection is an examination of the condition of a home before purchase. A home inspection might look like just a walk in the park, but there is more than meets the eye. Most home inspectors know that most home defects they are likely to find in a typical house are fairly similar.
Here are some tips that will give you a map of a thorough home inspection.
Esti Dama International Consultants specializes in home inspections and property evaluations for residential and commercial buildings. They provide comprehensive inspection reports covering structural, electrical, plumbing, and roofing systems.
Observater company performs home inspections after the sales contract and purchase agreement between a good home buyer and seller have been signed. They advise that home buyers must ensure that the contract contains the due diligence contingency/ home inspection contingency. This gives buyers a chance to use their years of experience in surveying and inspection to enable you to decide how to proceed based on our inspection findings.
''My dad has moved into a new house with very weak mobile coverage. Are there any devices that might boost the signal and allow him to use his mobile door indoors?'' This question from Quora Digest suggests how much people overlook the inspection of the cell signal strength.
Although poor cell phone coverage probably isn’t a deal breaker, it’s best to know beforehand to prepare your home to meet your cell phone signal needs. Walk around the house to check cell signal strength, especially in areas with poor reception. It is important to ask your home inspector to check on overlooked issues like cell signal. A home inspection report will help you avoid connectivity issues if your home is in a location with a weak signal.
A certified home inspector will examine features such as electrical wiring, plumbing, and roofing during the inspection. Shine a flashlight under sinks, especially in kitchens and bathrooms, to look for leaks, mold, or signs of water damage that could indicate faulty plumbing.
Look for water stains or spots on ceiling corners, which may suggest leaks from the roof or plumbing. This is especially important in homes with multiple stories. Turn on all faucets simultaneously. Running multiple faucets simultaneously reveals if water pressure drops drastically, which could signal plumbing issues or inadequate supply systems.
The upkeep of neighboring homes can affect property values and indicate the neighborhood’s general maintenance standards. Run-down neighboring properties may suggest potential issues with security or local management. Listen to nearby traffic and environmental sounds. Sometimes, a quiet neighborhood during the day might be noisy at night. Listen for traffic, animal sounds, or other noises that might affect your comfort and peace of mind.
Reviewing past utility bills can give you an idea of what to expect for electricity, water, and gas costs. This is especially useful in older homes that may not be as energy-efficient as newer builds.
These subtle checks go beyond the obvious to help you evaluate the property’s functionality, potential costs, and lifestyle fit before committing.
Go at various times of day, especially during or after rain, to observe any hidden drainage issues or flooding around the foundation. You might also notice neighborhood noise levels or lighting that could affect your living experience.
Ask About Previous Repairs or Upgrades Some issues may have been “quick-fixed” to make the property more appealing. Ask the seller or agent for details on recent repairs or renovations to avoid surprise maintenance costs after you move in.
Large furniture and rugs can hide flooring issues, water stains, and cracks. Politely ask if you can check these areas to ensure nothing significant is being covered up.
Trust your sense of smell—mold or mildew in humid areas like bathrooms or basements can indicate leaks or poor ventilation that might not be immediately visible. Confirm window orientation for natural Light. Check how much natural light each room gets based on window orientation, as this can affect energy costs, especially if air conditioning is needed in hotter rooms.
A peaceful area might soon be affected by nearby construction or road expansions. Inquire about planned projects that will impact noise levels, views, or property value.
An example of this situation is a discussion on Reddit in which Kenyans discussed how Kilimani barely has any trees now, the Kileleshwa sewerage system can’t handle all those units, and rogue and corrupt developers are bribing the local authorities to set up these buildings that go against the zoning regulations. Checking the zoning construction laws and the homeowners association protects you from surprises.
Water access can vary greatly in different areas. Verify the main water source, reliability, and storage options (e.g., tank or borehole), especially during drought seasons or frequent outages.
These extra steps help uncover what a standard inspection might miss, giving you better insight into the property’s true condition and livability.
In conclusion, a thorough home inspection is essential in Kenya’s home-buying process. By addressing common issues such as electrical systems, plumbing, structural damage, and water ingress, potential buyers can protect themselves from costly surprises and ensure their dream home is in solid condition.
A professional home inspection helps identify significant problems and provides a comprehensive inspection report, which allows buyers to make informed decisions or request necessary repairs from the seller.
In some cases, the findings may allow a buyer to negotiate a conditional offer, addressing repairs before closing the sale. Ultimately, a detailed inspection safeguards the buyer’s investment, ensuring the new home offers value and peace of mind. With a home inspection and our real estate expertise, you are one step away from becoming a homeowner!
The most common issues found during home inspections include water leaks, electrical wiring problems, and structural damage. Issues like water ingress, improper plumbing, and damaged roofing are frequently uncovered, as these can lead to costly repairs if not identified early. Inspectors also often find problems with insulation and ventilation, which can impact a home’s energy efficiency and indoor air quality.
The main shortcoming of a property inspection is that it may not cover hidden issues or components that are inaccessible without invasive measures, such as issues behind walls or under floors. While an inspection report is comprehensive, it can only evaluate visible or easily accessible areas, meaning some potential problems may remain undetected until later. Additionally, certain aspects of a home, like specific health risks or future property concerns, might require specialized inspections beyond the standard scope.
An inspection is primarily concerned with evaluating the property’s condition, including its structural integrity, safety, and essential systems, such as plumbing, electrical, and roofing. A home inspection aims to identify significant issues or potential risks that could affect the property’s value, safety, or livability, giving potential buyers an understanding of any repairs needed before purchase.
The most common inspection is the general home inspection, conducted during the home-buying process. This comprehensive inspection evaluates key areas like structural components, electrical systems, plumbing, roofing, and interior elements. This type of inspection provides buyers with a clear understanding of the home’s overall condition, allowing them to make informed decisions about their purchase.
A buyer’s Home Inspection Checklist. Rocket Mortgage. (n.d.). https://www.rocketmortgage.com/learn/home-inspection-checklist
Caginalp, R. (2023, March 7). Home Inspection Checklist for Buyers. Bankrate. https://www.bankrate.com/real-estate/home-inspection-checklist/
Forbes Magazine. (2024, August 1). How to hire a home inspector. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/home/how-to-hire-home-inspector/
I get poor signal reception inside my house despite having excellent signal outside home. I am frustrated with call drops. what should I do?. Quora. (n.d.). https://www.quora.com/I-get-poor-signal-reception-inside-my-house-despite-having-excellent-signal-outside-home-I-am-frustrated-with-call-drops-What-should-I-do
Porch.com. (2018, November 8). Is your cell signal strong enough? how to check before you buy that New House. Porch. https://porch.com/advice/cell-signal-strong-enough-check-buy-new-house
