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10 Things to Look for When Buying a House
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| 1. Recognize a roof in need of repair
Before you ever set foot inside, check out what’s happening on top. Does the roof look relatively new or is it caving in?
A newer roof, on the other hand, could mean a lower homeowners insurance rate.
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| 2. Don’t judge a room by its paint job
When you step inside your prospective abode, focus on the structural stuff — aging appliances, loose wires — and tune out any freshly painted walls or upscale decor. The foundation will be there long after the paint has started chipping and you want that to be what lasts.
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| 3. Take its temperature
When you’re buying a house, keep in mind: if it looks rickety or old, it probably is. Heating and cooling systems are expensive to fix and replace, and inefficient ones can eat away at your utility bills. Make sure the furnace is up to date and in good repair.
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| 4. Decide on your dealbreakers
Aside from the basics, like quality windows and countertops, think about the purpose of your home and the requirements for your lifestyle, like storage for a large book collection or a big backyard for barbecuing.
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| 5. Plumbing: what lies beneath
When you’re poking around a new kitchen, don’t stop at eye level — get underneath the sink and examine those pipes. Check for leaks, water damage, and mold.
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| 6. Check out the land beforehand
Don’t just look at the building — examine the area around it. Is the house in an area prone to flooding or wildfires? Is the driveway shared with another property? If there are fences, have they been built and positioned properly? It’s a lot to take in, but when you buy a house, you can’t ignore its surroundings.
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| 7. Smell the roses (and more)
Do you smell sewage, gas, or anything equally unpleasant? Sewage systems in older homes can sometimes get clogged or damaged by tree roots.Also worth noting: pet odors, cigarettes, and mildew.
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| 8. Invest in a well-insulated house
Above all else, your home should be comfortable. Check the attic, water pipes, and heating ducts to make sure they’re properly insulated. This can reduce heating and cooling costs. Double-paned windows can also save you money down the road. Plus, they can help soundproof your place from outside noise.
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| 9. Get your hands on everything
I mean that literally. Turn on every faucet and light switch, open every window and door, flush the toilets, even taste the water. Buying a house is a big step — maybe one of the biggest — and you need to know how everything works firsthand.
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| 10. Have a home inspection done
There’s only so much you can do with your own 5 senses. You’ll also want to enlist a professional to ensure the foundation is solid and the wiring is up to code. Home inspectors can even check for lead paint and wood-eating pests.
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