Buying a home is an exciting venture, but can come with some pitfalls. To avoid unexpected expenses, you need to perform some basic tasks to ensure that the house is in good condition before you agree to buy.
Here are some tips to help you know what to look for when buying a home:
1. A Roof in Poor Repair
Before you head inside the home, take a look at the roof. If you spot any holes or signs of damage, you need to find out how much a repair is likely to cost you before you agree to buy. The ideal scenario is a new roof, which is more likely to be in a good condition.
2. Structural Quality
When you get inside, ignore aesthetic details like paintwork and furniture and focus on the structure of the home. Look for any red flags, such as cracks in foundation walls, which could be a sign of structural weakness. Sloping floors can also be a sign of a structural problem. Before you buy, you should employ a professional home inspector to check the structure of the home for you.
3. Bad Smells
Bad smells can be a sign of sewage or gas leaks, or they could result from mold growing in damp corners of the home. If the home you are looking around smells bad, you need to investigate the source of the smell before you buy.
4. Insulation
A poorly-insulated home can cost a fortune to keep warm. Check the windows: are they double-paned? Look for insulation in the attic and check for drafts around the doors and windows.
5. Heating and Cooling Systems
Test the heating and cooling systems to ensure they work well. Replacing or repairing these systems can be expensive, so it pays to check them before you purchase a property.
6. Risks Affecting the Local Area
Take the time to find out about the area the home is located in. Is it vulnerable to flooding, wildfires or other natural disasters? What is the local crime rate? The more you know about the area, the better you can prepare for unexpected situations.
