Kitchens need to be inspected very thoroughly. Because they are one of the most used rooms in any home, there is a tremendous amount of traffic that goes through every kitchen. As well, they are one of the most expensive rooms to refurbish in the house, especially in you live in Staten Island. A kitchen can cost literally thousands of dollars in repairs and renovations. It's a good idea that the home inspector look at this room very thoroughly.
Beyond the traffic flow through the kitchen, the location of this room is also very important. Very often the kitchen is the central hub of the house. One of the first things that the inspector and you will need to look at in this room, are the appliances. If the appliances are to be conveyed with the property, be sure to test them, with the owner's permission. The cost of a new refrigerator and stove would certainly be an added burden to the other costs associated with moving, and another kitchen appliance that you'll want to look at, is the dishwasher. If there isn't one present you want to find out if there is an area in the kitchen where you can put one later.
Beyond the appliances, there are several other things you will need to look at and water pressure is one of them. Weak water pressure at the kitchen can be indicative of more serious problems in other parts of the house, and you'll also want to check the sink and the piping below, as well as the supply and drainage. Again, these are the things that a professional Staten Island home inspector is trained to look for.
The presence of electrical outlets should also be noted. A shortage of electrical outlets has been noted in older and newer homes and if you ask your home inspector to take note of this, they should be able to give you a detailed report. As well, outlets in the kitchen should be properly grounded. Outlets can be checked by the inspector by removing the cover and checking the connections. There should also be an exhaust fan above the stove or range top. There are two basic types-one that exhausts the air to the outside and one that filters it and re-circulates it inside. Most of the newer homes have that type that circulate the air inside only, but exhaust fans that vent to the exterior are usually found on outside walls where a vent can be found in the corresponding location.
Remember that the kitchen is the room where you and your family will be spending much of your time. As well, it is one of the central hubs in the design of most homes. You can decorate it to your liking later but it's essential that you get a proper inspection done so that you will be able to find any problems before you buy. Again, a licensed professional Staten Island home inspector is what you need to protect your investment purchase.
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