How do you know your house is constructed properly?
Answers:
Newer construction is generally a safe bet as there are a number of inspections during the contruction. However even with new construction, it is a good idea to have it inspected before buying.
With an older house, if you have real concerns, the best option is a home inspector. I work as a real estate agent in Tacoma, WA. I strongly encourage each of my clients have a home inspector look through a house before they buy it. A good inspector will look at all of the areas you mentioned. It should take them a couple of hours to complete the inspection. Afterwards they will give you a full written report on everything they find.
To find a good inspector, contact a real estate agent in your area. If you are in the Tacoma, WA area you can contact me through the Yahoo contact link. Or, if you have trouble finding someone in your state, contact me and I'll put you in touch with a good real estate agent in your area, who can then recommend a local home inspector.
Let me know if you have any problems finding a good home inspector.
Chuck Taylor
Other answers:
You can live in it properly.
You can live in it properly.
Hire a building inspector to go through your house. S/he can tell you what is up to code, what needs repair, etc.
If you close the door and the house falls apart, chances are it wasn't constructed properly.
All along the building process, a home needs to pass various inspections. Your house must have passed them at one time.
In England the mortgage company insist on a survey. A surveyor for the mortgage company tells them whether the loan is worth paying out for the house. The prospective buyer can get their own surveyor though who will tell them what they should expect to pay to put the house right within the next few years. I.e what could (or potentially) go wrong within the next few years. I would add when you get a mortgage, the company's views are based on repossessing the property to sell on if you don't pay the mortgage. This is normal but it's best to get your own structural surveyor to put your own mind at ease, but it's expensive. Then egain, a new roof is more expensive. It's probably the biggest investment you'll make so it's worth it.
tonalc has the correct answer, but make sure he knows what hes doing to. ask a realator for suggestions on who to hire. they use them alot.
Tom