From Plat to Place
The Step By Step Home Construction Site
Step 95 - Complete House
All Done
Here is our completed home. We learned so much in a matter of 3-4 months. It is the best and worst thing I ever did.
The final set of contractors prepared the house for a final walkthrough. It was like getting married when you have had a ring on your finger for years.
Things We Learned Along The Way
How to Make Sure Your Home Is Ready For a Final Walkthrough
When selling a house, there are many things to consider before it can be ready for a final walkthrough. Final walkthroughs are normally done on the day of closing. Most buyers rely on experts or professionals, such as home inspectors or an engineer, to do a home inspection before completing the deal. Thus, it puts a pressure on the seller to prepare the house, once there is an acceptance of sale by the buyer. It is important to know that acceptance of a sales offer can be voided if the buyer is not satisfied with the results of the final walkthrough.
Just like in building a new home, selling it entails a number of inspections on the completeness of the house, including the functionalities of various installations that comes with it. Its current condition may not be always priced higher than what it cost when it was built. The purpose of the final walkthrough is to make sure of two things for both the buyer and the seller. One would be that if there is previous damage noted during an inspection, compliance to any repair agreement by the seller must be done. Secondly, if there are any new damages to the home from the time of the original agreement of sale was made, to its present condition, it should be noted.
The seller adjusts to the buyers' demands before and during final walkthrough. Once a seller decides to sell the house, hiring a professional for a home inspection to identify various areas of concern for the house and to decrease delay in the closing of house is a good idea. However, this can be done once a buyer accepted the sale offer to save money. The buyer may opt to hire a professional to help him get his or her money's worth.
The most susceptible parts of the house for repairs are those that are heavily used. Especially utilities bound equipment and installations. Electrical wirings should be thoroughly inspected for circuit shortages and replacement of outlets if necessary. Water and gas pipes, as well as air ducts should be checked for leaks. Door and window hinges are most likely to be worn out especially if the house is quite old. External features like the roof, shingles and foundation walls around the house should be considered and must be checked if repairs are needed. A buyer, to an extent may run tests on existing house features including running and flushing water facilities to check for possible leakage. Expecting a buyer to be demanding at this stage is nothing but normal. Most if not all of the time, the agreement between the seller and the buyer is based on the professional inspection results on the homes current condition. Both parties should receive a copy of the results of the inspection as the basis for repairs and as supporting detail for any agreement.
Before closing and going for a final walkthrough, be sure to follow what is on the sale agreement. Repairs must be done, if customizations are requested they must also be complied with. Moving out before the closing and final walkthrough is a requirement for the seller. This will not only hasten the process, but also lessens the possibilities of risking any damage that can be done to the house. This in turn, ensures the buyer that no more damage can be done in the house after closing the deal.
If you still do not feel comfortable with what needs to be done in a final walkthrough, make sure to consult with your lawyer who is representing you in the closing. They are knowledgeable in this area and are hired for your protection. Do not be afraid to ask questions. It is important that you feel comfortable with everything that is happening whether you are the buyer or the seller of the house.