If you are considering buying a house, you need to inspect not only the structure but also the lot or land on which the structure sits. In fact, if the house is sitting on a popular neighborhood, the lot may even be more valuable than the structure: Here are some of the things on which to focus on when inspecting the lot: 

Drainage System

The design of the drainage system determines how water flows around the lot so that it is disposed of properly and doesn't go where it isn't needed. For example, water shouldn't go anywhere near the foundation of the house or pool in the yard. Basically, the drainage should be designed in such a way that water flows away from the house, but this isn't always easy to detect with the naked eye. Therefore, watch out for muddy areas in the yard, swampy garden areas or signs of water run-offs near the foundation of the house.

Fencing

If the property is fenced, then you should also inspect the condition of the house; after all, you expect the value of the fence to be included in the valuation of the property. Missing fence posts or rails, rotten fence posts or rails, and corroded fence materials are some of the things to watch out for. If you have pets or small kids, then you should confirm that the existing fence structure will be able to keep them within your compound. It doesn't hurt to go a step further and confirm that the fence was constructed on the legal property boundary and you won't be having any problem with the neighbor.

Landscaping

The landscaping is important not only for the aesthetic pull of the property but also for the safety of the home. For example, the existence of weak, rotten or diseased trees near the house presents a dangerous condition because they can fall at any time and damage the house. Such trees have to be removed (tree removal costs can be as high as thousands of dollars depending on different factors); that is an expense you must budget for when buying such a house.

Leisure Installations

Lastly, you should also inspect leisure installations on the compound to ensure that they are as described and won't be presenting any safety problems to your visitors or household members. For example, the swimming pool should be properly fenced, the trampoline has safety nets and pads, and the tree house is legally constructed.

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