A real estate investment is a huge achievement. Once you own a home, your basic need for shelter is secured. It is a valuable property that may also be used as a passive source of income and benefit one generation to another.
Owning a home is indeed a dream come true for most people. The house turnover is usually a highly anticipated day. However, before you get too excited, prepare your house turnover checklist to ensure that a proper inspection is done before moving in.
The House Turnover Checklist You Need Before Moving In
1. Exterior Surfaces
Pay attention to the main entrance of your home. Make sure that exterior finishes are clean and well done.
- Assess surfaces and ensure that they are free from cracks.
- Check the paint job. Take note of chips, scratches, and uneven coating. Consider having it redone if necessary.
2. Ceiling
The molding of your home’s ceiling must be even. Double-check every corner and check for signs of a leak such as watermarks. You should also watch out for cracks or holes as they require repair.
3. Flooring
As with the ceiling, the flooring of your new home should also be even. Aside from aesthetics, unleveled floors will make it difficult to arrange furniture. It may also be a safety hazard. Check if there are cracked tiles or those that are not properly installed. Have them fixed before you move in.
4. Windows
Windows must not be overlooked as they affect not only the aesthetics but overall security.
- Check glass panels and make sure that they are free of cracks or chips.
- Ensure that they are properly sealed.
- They should be opened and closed with ease.
- Try the window locks to know if they are working.
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5. Doors and Keys
You must be able to close and open the doors without difficulty. Inspect hinges to know if they are properly installed. The doorknob’s lock should also work. Keys should have duplicates that will work for all the doors in your home.
6. Electricity
This is one aspect that you should not overlook. Ask for the assistance of an electrician to do the necessary inspections.
- Locate the circuit breaker, and check for loose connections. Take note of the labels and make sure that they are properly placed.
- Switches and electrical fixtures should be functional.
- Check the outlets to know if everything is working. They should be available in every room.
7. Plumbing
Your kitchen, laundry area, and bathroom all involve plumbing works. Checking them not only ensures functionality but also prevents expensive home maintenance due to leaks and replacements.
- Use the flush and bidet in bathrooms to check if there are signs of leaks.
- Check if the shower and faucets are working.
- Take note of pipes with rust, chips, and cracks as they are prone to leaks and may cause high water bills.
8. Standard Furnishing
Usually, houses built by a real estate developer come with standard furnishing. Check if your house includes the standard furnishing expected such as kitchen cabinets, sink, room cabinets, and others.
9. Measurement
This is one of the critical things that you need to confirm. Make sure that if the contract stipulates a 60-square meter unit, the actual footage of the home has the same measurement. Confirm this with a professional. You may skip this part if you will buy a home in a community developed by a trusted real estate company. Usually, these houses come in standard measurements depending on the model.
10. Contract
Never enter into an agreement or sign contracts without understanding what’s stated in the terms and conditions. Read the fine print and take note of important points such as additional costs, hidden costs, and turnover fees, if applicable.
9 Additional Tips Before the Move
- Allot a day or two for the inspection and schedule with your agent
- Bring an expert who can help you with the inspection
- Do your research
- Prepare questions
- Bring your house turnover checklist
- Be courteous to the agent, neighbors, and administrator
- Report damages or replacements to the administrator
- Ask for updates
- Do a final check
Your new home could be in Tagaytay! Check out Buildings 1, 2, and 3 of the Tagaytay Clifton Resort Suites.
ALSO READ: How to Buy Foreclosed Properties in the Philippines
Any amount of hard work is rewarded when you already have your dream home. However, to be spared from problems right after you move in, you have to do the necessary checks. A house turnover checklist would be very useful to ensure that important aspects will not be overlooked and you’d be able to make the best of your real estate investment in the Philippines.
Ready to make your dream of owning a home come true? Contact CitiGlobal today so you’d know your options in buying a home in the key cities of the Philippines.