When buying a house, most people spend most of their time checking the layout of the house and the brand of the kitchen appliance. However, that shouldn’t be the case at all. There are some other important things that you should look for when buying a new home.
In certain scenarios, you’ll realize that the house has been upgraded, and fitted with modern and stylish furniture. Most people are blinded by this and end up missing some serious problems. When buying a house, you should never be impressed by the mere fact that the home smells and looks nice.
The following are key things that you should look for when buying a house. These things will prevent you from incurring additional costs to improve the house.
Check Whether the Roof Needs Repair or Replacement
Before setting your foot in the house, check out the roofing. Does it look new and well maintained, or does it look as if it needs replacement? If the roof looks old and neglected, there is a possibility that it will cost you in the future.
A newer and well-maintained roof, on the other hand, means that you’ll pay less for your insurance. Moreover, if the roof is made of strong material, it means that it’s in a better position to shield you from extreme external elements. Therefore, the roof should be the first thing to check when buying a house.
Plumbing
When inspecting the kitchen, don’t be satisfied with what you see at first glance. Check beneath the sink, and inspect the pipes. Be keen to check out for signs of leaks, mold, and water damage.
Mold infestation in a house can be harmful to your health, besides causing a foul smell. The cases can even be more serious for babies, asthmatic people, and elderly people. Always be on the lookout to avoid moving into a house with mold infestation.
Strong Scent
Don’t be fooled by the freshly baked pastries or the mouthwatering spices simmering in the kitchen. If you notice that the scent is too strong, there’s a possibility that the seller is trying to hide an offensive odor.
Take a deep breath in every room, from the living area to the bedrooms, attic, and basements. Also, take your time to walk around the exterior of the house to check whether there are any funny odors. It can be a challenge to deal with these odors if they are coming from the surrounding environment. Carefully inspect the walls, flooring, and ceilings for any signs of mildew, smoke, or pet accidents before deciding whether the home is worth buying.
Nearby Water Bodies
That creek in the neighborhood might provide some breathtaking views in the morning or evening. But the question is, will you enjoy those views when the water comes flowing through the doors and windows? Today, the weather has become extremely unpredictable, and you should consider the risk of flooding when buying a home.
Shaky Windows and Doors
Take some time to inspect the windows and doors. Check if the frames are crooked, and then give the windows and doors a tug to see if they open and close easily. In case you have a problem with opening and closing them, then there might be a problem with the foundation, or they weren’t installed properly.
Service men from AFS General Contracting agree that installing new windows and doors can be very costly. Therefore, you need to be extra vigilant with this to avoid incurring unseen costs in the future.
Bottom Line
When inspecting a soon-to-be, take all the time that you need to inspect it. Although hiring a home inspector can assist you to detect most of these issues, always be attentive when visiting that open house. Some of these things will help you not to waste your valuable time on a home that’s not worth your money.
