How to Conduct a Property Inspection and Why it’s Important

As a property owner, it’s essential to conduct regular inspections to ensure your property is in good condition and identify any potential problems before they become costly and time-consuming. This blog will discuss how to conduct a property inspection and its importance.

 

Why is Property Inspection Important?

 

There are several reasons why property inspections are essential, including:

1. Identifying maintenance issues: Regular inspections can help identify them before they become more serious problems. By catching minor issues early, you can address them before they turn into costly repairs.
2. Ensuring tenant safety: Inspections can help ensure the property is safe for tenants. For example, you can check for potential fire hazards, carbon monoxide leaks, and other safety issues.
3. Complying with regulations: Landlords have specific legal obligations to provide their tenants with safe and habitable living situations. Regular inspections can help ensure that the property is compliant with local regulations.
4. Protecting your investment: Your property is valuable, and regular inspections can help protect that investment by identifying potential problems and addressing them before they become more serious.

 

Now that we’ve discussed why property inspections are essential, let’s look at how to conduct a property inspection.

 

How to Conduct a Property Inspection

 

Plan Ahead

Before conducting a property inspection, it’s essential to plan. Create a checklist of items you want to inspect, including the property’s interior and exterior areas. You should also schedule the inspection conveniently for you and your tenant.

 

Start with the Exterior

Begin the inspection by examining the exterior of the property. It includes the roof, gutters, siding, windows, and doors. Look for signs of damage, like cracks or holes in the siding, missing shingles on the roof, or broken windowpanes. Make a note of any damage you find to address it later.

 

Check the Landscaping

After examining the exterior:

1. Move on to the landscaping.
2. Check for overgrown bushes or trees that could pose a hazard, and ensure that grass or weeds are properly maintained.
3. If there are any outdoor structures, such as sheds or garages, check them for damage.

 

Move Inside

Once you’ve completed the exterior inspection, it’s time to move inside. Start by checking the walls, ceilings, and floors for damages, such as cracks or water stains. Make sure that all doors and windows open and close properly.

 

Inspect the Kitchen and Bathrooms

The kitchen and bathrooms are two of the most critical areas of a rental property. Check the sinks, toilets, and tubs for leaks or damage, and ensure all appliances are in good working condition. Look for signs of mold or mildew in these areas as well.

 

Check the Bedrooms and Living Areas

Finally, check the bedrooms and living areas for any signs of damage. Look for cracks in the walls or ceiling, and ensure all electrical outlets and light switches are working correctly. If the property has a furnace or air conditioning unit, ensure they are in good working condition.

 

Take Photos

Throughout the inspection process, take photos of any damage or potential problems. These photos can be used as evidence if you need to repair or address any issues with your tenant.

 

Communicate with Your Tenant

After the inspection is complete, it’s important to communicate with your tenant. Let them know if you find any issues or areas that need improvement. If repairs are necessary, discuss the completion timeline and inform your tenant of any progress.

 

Why Choose Green Ocean Property Management

 

Regular property inspections are essential to being a responsible property owner. By identifying potential problems early on, you can save time, money, and hassle in the long run. Plus, regular inspections can help ensure your property is safe and compliant with local regulations, protecting your investment and tenants.

 

Planning, creating a checklist of items to inspect, and scheduling a convenient time with your tenant are essential to conducting a thorough property inspection. Start with the exterior, checking for damage and hazards, and move inside to inspect all areas of the property, including the kitchen and bathrooms, bedrooms, and living areas. Take photos of any issues or damage, and communicate with your tenant about necessary repairs or improvements.

 

This is where we help you. Green Ocean Property Management has been in this industry for years and we can vouch for our property inspection services. GOPM can conduct a successful inspection and ensure that your property remains in good condition for years by following these standard and efficient steps.

 

Our Commitment

 

If you or anyone else you know is looking for a proactive property manager to help guide you through the renovation and determine what you should do at your property to get you the highest amount of rent for the least amount of renovation money, please think of Green Ocean Property Management: where you get more than a property manager, you get peace of mind.