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Take a final walk-through before closing
Juneau Empire wire services
The last thing you want to worry about when you are about to move into your new home is whether your electrical system works, whether the basement leaks, and whether you have an insured warranty to cover it.
That's why it is so important for home buyers to complete a final inspection, or walk-through, before going to settlement. This is the last chance to make sure that your home is everything promised before closing.
You should take the time to make your own checklist of items for inspection during the walk-through. By following your own checklist, you should be able to correct any errors before you move in.
Settle in with the help of these resources
BOOKS
The Moving Book: A Kids' Survival Guide, by Gabriel Davis; Little, Brown ($16.95).
Smart Moves: Your Guide Through the Emotional Maze of Relocation, by Audrey McCollum, Nadia Jensen and Stuart Copans; Smith & Kraus ($16.95).
Will This Place Ever Feel Like Home? Simple Advice for Settling in After You Move, by Leslie Levine; Dearborn ($17.95).
WEB SITES
http://www.welcomewagon.com/ -- information from Welcome Wagon International
http://www.relocationcentral.com/ -- offers advice to simplify the moving process.
http://www.movequest.com/ has advice about settling into new neighborhoods.
To help in your walk-through, use the following checklist:
Roof structures:
Are the shingles flat and tight?
Is flashing securely in place?
Do gutters, downspouts and splash blocks drain away from the house?
Exterior appearance:
Are all windows and doors sealed and protected by weatherstripping?
Are trim and fittings tight?
Are there cracks?
Doors/Windows:
Are all doors and windows properly sealed, and do they operate easily?
If it's a brand new home, are the doors and windows the type specified in the contract?
Is all glass in place, and not loose or cracked?
Finishes:
Is painting satisfactory in all rooms, including closets and stairways?
Is trim and molding in place?
Do carpet seams match?
Are there any ridges or seam gaps in the vinyl tile or linoleum?
Do floors squeak?
Appliances:
Do they operate properly?
Do faucets and other plumbing fixtures, including toilets and showers, work properly?
Do all electrical outlets and fixtures work properly (Take a hair dryer to test outlets)
Final inspection/certificate of occupancy (for new homes):
Has your local municipality signed off on your house?
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