Inspecting Kitchen Cabinets When Buying a Home

What are the things that you should be looking for when you are inspecting a potential home to buy in relation to the kitchen cabinets. There are a few things that will help you determine what the quality of the cabinetry is really like before buying and moving into the house. I have done so many repairs for Realtors and people getting ready to sell their house that I can give you some good advice in this area.

How to Inspect Cabinets and Countertops

Here are a few ideas that will help you know how to inspect kitchen, vanity or laudry room cabinets and countertops  when buying a used home.

Sink Cabinet-This is the area that always shows if there has been any type of major leak that could have caused water to gather underneath the cabinets where mold could be living now. Take sufficient time to examine all areas of this cabinet very closely. If repairs have been performed they will be noticeable in comparison to how the other cabinets were built.

Finished Cabinet Sides-In areas near the floor, look for any cabinet parts swelling due to a possible flood that may have affected the kitchen cabinets.

Toe Bases– This part of the cabinets, if made from particleboard, will reveal any water damage that may have occurred in the kitchen.

The Countertop– By inspecting mica top areas around, sinks, seams and dishwashers closely you will be able to determine if there is any wood rot due to moisture.

Doors & Drawers– Open and close every cabinet door and drawer more than one time. Look to see if things appear to be in alignment or if they are out of adjustment. Listen for clicks and scraps that should not be there.

Areas with Caulking-Inspect all of the areas where the cabinets meet the walls and ceiling. If there are large caulk lines make sure to take a closer look at the interior of the cabinets to make sure they are not pulling away from the wall or coming apart.

Chips, Dents, or Dings-On all exterior surfaces inspect the condition of the countertops and cabinets. If you’re serious about buying a home, make sure that the kitchen is in great shape.

• Tip: Don’t be in a hurry to see the whole house and only make a quick pass through the kitchen cabinet area.

Kitchen cabinet remodeling is an expensive venture. When you are inspecting the home that you intend on buying, take time to seriously inspect the condition of the cabinets throughout the house. Swelling in various areas and musty odors may be a good indication that the cabinetry that you are considering to buy may have had major water damage and there could be mold growing underneath or behind the cabinets. By inspecting the kitchen, bathroom and laundry room cabinets and counters closely you could save yourself a lot of money and headaches as well. I hope this has helped add to your knowlede of how to inspecting cabinets.