Deep Inspection Guide for Resale Properties: How to Spot Problems Before They Become Yours

Resale properties hide their problems. Learn what a professional inspector looks for so you don't inherit someone else's costly mistakes.

Why Professional Inspection Matters

You're not a structural engineer. An untrained eye misses things: hidden water damage, failing foundations, illegal construction, asbestos, outdated electrics. Professional inspectors catch these in 3-4 hours. Cost: ₹5,000-20,000. Potential savings: ₹2-10+ lakhs. The math is obvious.

The Roof and Structure

Inspector checks: Roof age (20-30 year lifespan expected). Sagging or missing tiles. Water stains inside indicating leaks. Foundation cracks. Signs of settlement. Structural integrity. These issues are expensive to fix and indicate deeper problems.

Plumbing System Deep Dive

Testing: Water pressure (adequate flow?). Drainage (do sinks empty quickly?). Leaks under sinks and around pipes. Pipe corrosion (visible green deposits=copper oxidation). Age of pipes (old galvanized steel can clog or corrode). Septic system condition (if not on municipal sewage). These inspections take time but reveal expensive future costs.

Electrical System: Safety First

Check: Panel condition (up to code?). Number of circuits (adequate for modern usage?). Grounding and bonding. Outlets and switches (proper polarity?). Signs of previous amateur wiring. Capacity for AC and other power needs. Outdated systems are hazards—rewiring costs ₹2-5 lakhs.

HVAC and Cooling Systems

AC units have 10-15 year lifespan. Inspect: Compressor age, efficiency, noise levels (rattling=problems), refrigerant leaks, ductwork condition. Replacement AC costs ₹50K-2L. An AC dying 6 months after purchase is painful.

Pest and Termite Damage

Visual signs: Wood damage, mud tubes (termites), cockroach droppings, rodent holes. Damage costs escalate fast. Complete termite treatment: ₹10,000-50,000. Structural damage from termites: Much more. Prevention/early detection saves money.

Damp and Water Damage

Inspect: Water stains on ceilings/walls. Peeling paint. Musty odors. Visible mold. These indicate: Leaking pipes, poor drainage, or structural water intrusion. Fixing water damage requires identifying source (not just treating symptoms). Professional assessment critical here.

Kitchen and Bathroom Condition

These are expensive to replace. Check: Cabinet quality, counter conditions, appliance functionality, sink/faucet condition, tile integrity. Bathroom: Plumbing fixtures, tile, grout condition, ventilation (prevents mold). Cosmetic issues are fixable; structural issues (like bad plumbing) are not.

Safety Hazards

Inspect for: Asbestos (in older homes), lead paint (pre-1980s), radon, mold, carbon monoxide. These are health risks. Testing costs ₹5,000-15,000 but identifies health hazards. Never ignore these.

The Inspection Report: Reading It

Inspector provides list of findings: Critical issues (fix before moving in), major issues (address soon), minor issues (handle later). Budget for critical fixes. Get contractor quotes on major issues. Minor issues you can address over time. Never ignore the report or assume it's fine. Even small findings compound over time.

Using Inspection Results

If major issues found: Renegotiate price to account for fixes. Get seller to fix critical items. Or walk away if repairs exceed budget. Don't buy blind hope; buy with knowledge. Ishanya AI helps you find well-maintained resale properties that pass rigorous inspections. We prioritize condition so you avoid problem properties.