Buying a new house is one of the major investments of your life. For most people, it is a one-time investment of their life. One spends years and years on saving money to get their dream house. It is all about the financial and emotional investments you are going to make so you can’t afford any mistakes.
Unfortunately, most homeowners think that they should have done things differently if they what to look for. Once you have purchased the price, things can’t go back. So it is essential to check in every detail before you sign the legal papers of the transfer.
If you are about to buy a house shortly, here is some help for you. Before we dive into the helpful tips, it is highly recommended to consult a real estate agent before buying a residential property.
Here are 10 things to look for when buying a house.
1. Look For The Deal Breakers
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You have to begin with the deal-breakers. It is easy to get carried off by the new paint job and brighter indoors but you can’t afford to ignore the important details. It is highly recommended to make a list of your basic requirements and your budget.
What features do your absolutely need in your house? Make separate lists of your requirements and your wish list. If everything about the house is perfect but it has one less room than you need, will it do? Is it too far away from your workplace? All such details matter and should influence your decision when buying a house.
2. Check Out The Land
A very important aspect of buying a house is to examine the nearby land. Most people focus on the building but leave out warning signs lying around the house. Do you see signs of saline water retention around the house? Can you find signs of soil erosion or earth displacement beneath the house? Any of these signs indicate problems with the surrounding land.
3. Examine The Roof
The roof is one of the most important structural elements of a house. The integrity of the house roof pretty much decides everything about the house interiors. If the roof is in good condition, there are minimum chances of water damage.
If you can see missing shingles, sagging roofs, and wet patches, you will have to spend a lot of money on replacements. Look for sturdy roof materials and reliable construction.
4. Inspect The House Plumbing
Plumbing is more than what meets the eye. It is all about the underlying tiny details. When you are visiting a house, check all the plumbing fixtures. It may seem a bit too much of testing but when it comes to making your most significant investment, nothing is too much.
Get underneath the kitchen and bathroom sink to see the condition of the plumbing. Check for any plumbing leaks. Ask about the health of the septic tank and the connected pipes. Don’t miss gas and water pipes. All these details affect the functionality of the house like nothing else.
5. Pay Attention To Smells
Keep your olfactory senses super alert during the house inspection. Do you smell anything unpleasant as you step into the house? It can simply be the pet odor or anything worse than that. If you smell gas, sewage, or dampness, pay close attention to plumbing and water damages.
Clogs or blockages in the sewage system can make a house smell like a gutter. Plumbing cameras are useful in detecting any leaks or breaks.
6. Focus On Structural Elements
When you step insides a prospective abode, keep an eye on the structural elements. Are there any major flaws hidden beneath the fresh coat of paint? Pay attention to the electrical system of the house, aging appliances, and power outlets. Inspect the house exterior and interior and note down visible damages to the foundation and driveways.
7. Check The Performance Of HVAC System
The comfort of a metropolitan home greatly depends on the heating and cooling systems of the house. Check the performance efficiency of the HVAC system. Fixing the broken or damaged HVAC system is quite expensive.
The house furnace or water heaters should be in good shape. These systems can directly affect the thermal comfort in your home and your utility bills. Don’t ignore any warning signs.
8. Invest Your Money In Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is the new hot. Look for smart features that make homes energy efficient. The most important of them is the house insulation.
Invest your hard-earned money in well-insulated homes to save money in the coming years. The HVAC system should also be labeled with Energy Star ratings. Inspect the house windows, roof attic, and garage doors for insulation checks.
9. Look For Signs Of Water Damage Or Mold
Water damages can be extensive and expensive. When buying a house, look for important signs of water damages. If you paint chipping, wet patches, and moldy spots in the house, the humidity levels of the house are not appropriate. Look for the possible causes.
10. Hire Professional Home Inspectors
Hire professional inspectors as they know all the important things to look when buying a house. They provide you a detailed report about the current condition of the house.
It is important to remember that a house inspector cannot guide you about the severity of pest infestations. Hire pest inspection professionals to make informed decisions.
