While shopping for a residence, having an Inspection Kit is valuable when comparing properties.

          1. Create a check-off list which includes everything you need in a property as well as optional desires.  Make copies of the check-off list, one for each property.

          2. Carry a notebook.  After looking at several properties, there is no way a person can remember specific details about each one.  Jot down notes about the amenities as well as the shortcomings of each property for later review.  Remember to take two pens or pencils so you have a backup.

          2. BEFORE you start house or condo hunting, measure the furniture that you will be moving into your new residence.  Record the measurements in your notebook.  Take your measuring tape with you on your hunting trip so you can measure (and record) wall spaces and ceiling heights to make sure there will be room for any large or unusual furniture you own.  Also, measure door openings so you are sure your furniture will fit through them.  Measure the kitchen cabinet space, the refrigerator space, garage space and so forth.  Never assume your furniture, car and big screen TV will fit.

          3. Carry a flashlight.  When inspecting property it is recommended that you look up into the attic as well as down in the basement and inside crawl spaces.  Among other things look for dry rot, termite damage, leaky plumbing and cockroach infestations.  Also look behind furniture.  Never purchase a residence without knowing what is going on in places you can’t normally see.

          4. Take your mobile phone.  As you travel from property to property you may need to call ahead to confirm appointments or to reschedule them if you are running behind.  If you are behind schedule and you know you will be late, don’t wait until the last minute before you were supposed to be there to call and say you won’t be on time.  Be courteous and let the person know, as soon as you know, that you will be late.  Be sure to carry a list with phone numbers of all the properties you plan to visit.

          5. Bring your significant other, if you have one.  Both of you should be involved in the selection process.  Not only will the two of you be living there and each of you will want your personal requirements to be fulfilled, two heads are better than one when inspecting the property.  While touring each residence discuss your observations and bounce ideas off each other.

          6. Take a pair of gloves and a small hand towel.  You may visit a structure that has a crawl space or some other dirty location you will want to inspect.  Example:  To check plumbing in a crawl space, wear gloves and wipe off pipes with the hand towel.

          7. If you are looking at rural property where the water comes from a well instead of city water, take a sterile container so you can obtain a water sample.  There are labs in Pattaya that can check it for coliform bacteria and other contaminants.  If coliform bacteria, which include E. coli, are found, the well must be disinfected and repaired or possibly another well may need to be drilled.  Factor in the cost of repair or replacement of the well when making your purchase offer. All wells should be tested yearly.

          8. Take your camera.  It may be the most useful item you carry with you.  Don’t trust to memory what you saw at each property.  After looking at several pieces of real estate, details become a blur.  With your digital camera, not only can you photograph overall views of the exterior and interior spaces, you can also take pictures of specific details.  If the residence still has the seller’s furniture in it, a photo will help you visualize the placement of your own furniture once you get back to where you are currently living.

The advantages of having photos are endless.  Obviously they will refresh your memory about each property.  In addition, you may want to show a photo of the bathroom to a contractor so you can get an idea of what it will cost to remodel it before you make an offer to purchase the property.  Should you discover a crack in the concrete foundation, you will want to show it to an engineer to get an opinion on whether the fracture should be a concern.  The uses of photos are limited only by each individual buyers needs.

CAUTION:  If the residence is still occupied, get permission from the owner before you start snapping away with your camera.  Some owners may not appreciate it and feel it is an invasion of their privacy for you to have a photographic record of what they own as well as their lifestyle.  Others might worry that you are casing their place so you can rob it, so always ask first.

9. Take along a cooler filled with some cold drinks and snacks.  Even though there are convenience stores on practically every corner, you will appreciate being able to quench your thirst or quell your hunger without having to hunt for refreshments while moving from property to property.

In conclusion, always keep in mind that, beyond the emotional experience of buying a new place to live, it is a serious financial decision that should not be taken lightly.  Following these guidelines will help make your property hunting experience more enjoyable as well as help you make a knowledgeable decision when you are ready to buy.