Home inspections on a luxury home would usually require more attention to detail than the average property. The added square footage (usually around 4,000 square feet and higher) and the extensive list of amenities could result in a longer-than-usual inspection checklist.
If you’re purchasing a luxury home, here are a few pointers to ensure you don’t leave any stone unturned during the inspection phase.
Tip #1: HIRE A PROFESSIONAL WITH RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
You’ll find many home inspectors when either searching online or asking for recommendations from friends and family. However, their experience with luxury properties will be the deciding factor in your search.
Inspecting a mansion or a vast, multi-acre estate takes time, effort, and expertise. It’s one thing to examine a 5-bed and 6-bath home, which is typically the minimum number of rooms you can expect, but many luxury properties have more rooms and more space. So, make sure to hire the right contractor for your needs.
Tip # 2: TAKE STOCK OF ALL AMENITIES
A luxury home has more than its fair share of special features and facilities. Staples include a swimming pool and spa but other special amenities also need to be taken into account 11like a wine cellar, tennis court, outdoor kitchen area, a bowling alley in the basement, and a custom home theater. That said, some amenities – depending on how unique they are or if they’re there for safety concerns – will require more in-depth assessment.
Tip # 3: HIRE A PROFESSIONAL CHIMNEY INSPECTOR
A general home inspection can inform you about the overall condition of the home but chimney issues usually won’t be apparent unless you hire a specialist. This is particularly important for older luxury homes with multiple fireplaces, some of which may have been neglected by the previous owner. Creosote build-up, damage to the flue, and long-term masonry deterioration are some of the problems you need to watch out for.
Tip # 4: CONSIDER THE SEASON
What many people often forget is that different seasons have different effects on a home. For instance, a home may have looked perfectly fine when you first walked into it during the summer but be aware that a slew of problems could appear during colder months, essentially catching you off guard.
Remember that a home inspection is simply a day in the life of a home. Make sure to cover all your bases. Ask your home inspector follow-up questions on key areas like the heating/cooling system and the condition of existing roofing materials.
Tip # 5: DON’T SWEAT THE SMALL PROBLEMS
Any previously lived-in home is bound to have a leak here and a crack there that are bound to be mentioned in the inspection report. In fact, issues big and small will merit attention from an inspector. But if you want to save time and effort in the home-buying process, you’ll want to gloss over the minor issues in the meantime and concentrate first on the bigger ones. Cracked flooring, outdated carpets, or even a barren yard are the least of your concerns.
Want to know more about luxury home inspections in Las Vegas? Contact seasoned real estate agent Anthony Romeo for more information. In his 20-year career, Anthony has assisted countless buyers in finding the home of their dreams in the Entertainment Capital of The World.
You may reach out to Anthony Romeo by phone at 702-353-6759 or via email to book a private real estate consultation.