When looking for homes for sale in Napa, it’s important to due your due diligence.  The condition of the home is one of the most factors in your decision. Purchasing a home with hidden problems can quickly turn your dream into a nightmare. Although getting a professional inspection is a must before you buy your home, there are still a number of things you can look at yourself even if you just know some basics.  

However there are still a number of places inside the home that you should check yourself before hiring an inspector. This will help you eliminate homes with obvious problems so you can save the official inspection for the best properties. 

Here are a few things to look for.

What is the overall condition of the interior? Does it seem to be well kept and clean? If not, this could mean there are many problems that are hidden that could cause you problems later.   

What is the overall condition of the paint? Is it peeling or cracked, are there any signs of bubbling, or signs of mildew or mold. Most peeling or cracking can be fixed with a coat of paint, but mildew or mold can be assigned a bigger problems.

Examine ceilings and walls for sagging, bulges, or stains. Excessive mildew can be a sign of a leak or poor ventilation. Look at the floor. Is the carpet in good shape? Does it look like it needs to be cleaned? Are there areas that have been patched? If the home has hardwood floors, check for scratches and grooves in the wood. Are there squeaks or sagging when you walk on it?

Test the light switches and power outlets. Check to make sure they all work and that none of the switches or outlets are loose. Although these are easy to replace, any problems could indicate problems with the wiring which can be very costly.

Inspect the plumbing by turning on all faucets to test the pressure and hot water. Flush toilets and make sure they are flushing properly.  Look under sinks and around faucets and bathtubs for any signs of leaks or water damage. Examine the base of faucets, bathtubs and under sinks for signs of water damage.

There are a great number of homes for sale in Napa. Although this quick inspection isn’t meant to replace an official inspection, it can save you money by helping you find obvious problems which will give you a much better idea of the condition of any home you are looking at before you call in the experts.