7 Things To Inspect Before Choosing An Apartment

Nowadays, it is a common problem to find an affordable apartment. You may look for smaller flats to save money, but are you really saving money? Have you checked how the interior is? How about the exterior of the building? Is there a kitchenette? You may wonder, “what is a kitchenette?”

Things to inspect before choosing an Apartment

This article will help you with things to consider or inspect – what you should check and look for before choosing and moving into an apartment, especially if it is a small one or a cheaper one.

#1 Outlets

Test the outlets, and ensure that all the electrical outlets work—plug in something that matches the voltage limit. Wait for a few minutes and see if something smells. If it does, automatically look for another one. You wouldn’t want to risk your life just to save money. After plugging something in, move the outlet carefully. See if they move easily, also check if the plate of the outlet is loose. If the outlet itself and its plate are loose, there is a higher risk of a short circuit happening, leading to a more serious and deadly event.

#2 Kitchenette

If you choose a small apartment, check if they have a kitchenette and not a kitchen. Having a regular kitchen in a small apartment is very disadvantageous for you. A traditional kitchen will take up more space, require more cleaning and maintenance, and result in a higher utility bill. If the apartment you chose is for two or a single person, a kitchenette will suit you. You may save by selecting a smaller apartment, but you will end up spending more if the kitchen is high maintenance. Choose wisely.

#3 Walls

Check all the walls inside and outside the building. See if there are cracks, holes, and signs of water leakage. Run your hands through them to check thoroughly.

Some use paint and other materials to hide small holes by patching them up. Also, check if the walls are neatly painted. The way the paint is placed should not be in random patterns. There should not be drips, stains, and chips. If boards are used, shake them and see if they are firm and well planted.

While you’re at it, check if the boards are rotten, about to rot or if there are fungi like mushrooms and molds growing. Do the same inspection for the ceiling. Remember that you are checking the sturdiness for your safety and the sanitation for your health.

#4 Flooring

Take a few steps back, lower yourself and see if the flooring is properly placed. Look for any misalignments, overlapping, and cracks. Shake the floorboards a bit and see if they move easily. See if there are stains and holes. Also, check if smells are coming from the floor.

#5 Sink

Check the sinks in your kitchenette and bathroom. Check if the sink holds and drains water properly. See if there are any plumbing problems. Run them at maximum to see how strong the water current is. Doing this allows you to see if there are leaks and issues with the drainage. Do not underestimate small drips and leakage, this will drastically increase your water bill.

#6 Toilet

Check if the toilet flushes and refills quickly. To check, flush it and see if there are delays in flushing and refiling. After that, remove the lid of the cistern. See if there are any damages or anything unusual with it. After that, shake the bowl a bit. It should not easily shake or move; the toilet bowl should be stable and firm. Don’t forget to look for cracks.

#7 Cabinets

Check how firm and new the material of the cabinets are. Open and close them, check if it squeaks, and look for loose screws and hinges. Inspect how they are mounted. Make sure that they are sturdy and mounted properly. If it is not sturdy, these cabinets will become a hazard in times of disasters like earthquakes.