5 Things You Should Be Aware of When Buying a New Home
When you are buying your first home, it is an exciting time, but there are several things that you should be aware of. Some problems with the home might not be readily apparent, and some may not matter as much, but they can play a big part in your decision.
How Old is the Roof?
It is essential to know what condition the roof is in and have it professionally inspected before you make an offer. An inspector will look at the home’s rooftop, gutters, and eaves to make sure there are no cracks, loose shingles, or other problems. Also, he will look inside the home’s attic to determine if the roof is structurally sound. If there is a small problem such as loose shingles or a broken gutter, then it is easy to have these problems repaired. However, when the roof has major problems, it can require a lot of money to fix it. The age of the roof will also play into its condition.
What Condition is the Plumbing In?
You can inspect many water pipes and plumbing fixtures on your own before buying a home to determine if the materials are degrading. Bring along a flashlight to look at floors, ceilings, and drywall to see any water stains that indicate that a pipe is leaking. Turn on the water in the kitchen and bathroom fixtures to notice any problems such as loud noises in the pipes or discolored water. If the water pressure isn’t normal, then this can indicate that there is a pipe leaking in a hidden location. You don’t want to buy a home that requires a total pipe replacement.
How Safe is Your Home?
New homebuyers are rarely concerned about home security, but in today’s world, this is something that you absolutely should be thinking about. There are several things to consider about security when you are buying a home, including having strong doors and windows. You will want to have a home that has new locks and exterior lighting to deter potential thieves. You should also look into the crime statistics of the neighborhood. Even with a strong security system, living in a place with a lot of crime is not a good idea.
Is the Foundation Solid?
If a home’s foundation is crumbling, then it can affect the structural integrity of the entire building. A building’s foundation can degrade after many years from normal wear and tear or poor moisture drainage. Additional foundation problems occur after landslides or earthquakes. If a home is slanting because the foundation is degrading, then the building’s other components will begin to crack and degrade.
You Can Change Things
Just because a home looks one way doesn’t mean that it has to stay that way. Don’t be put off by the paint job or the carpeting. These are things that you can fix. Painting a new home can be a great bonding activity for your new family, and it can help you feel like this is your home. Consider letting your children choose the colors or theme for their room.
Buying a home is exciting, but you should make sure that you have all the facts to make the right decision. Don’t be swayed by the unimportant things, but don’t forget to check for problems that could cost you a lot of money in the long run.
