Buying a house to be an awesome process but it can also be extremely difficult and very stressful if you don’t choose the right home. Below are 10 things Homeinspections123 wants you to keep in mind when looking at a home.
- Recognize a roof in need of repair
It’s probably a good idea to check the last known roofing installation for the roof system. The shingle type or roof covering type may have A lifespan of around 15 to 40 years. Don’t want to go into buying a house that has a bad roof because it can be extremely expensive to fix.
- Don’t judge a room by its color
When you go into a home you’re interested in you should note any type of damage as well as cracking or repairs that may have been made that will give you a better idea of the work that has been done or the problems that are soon to come. For example, if you see cracks above doorways or windows or cracks in the tile that may indicate structural change or movement. If you see drywall repair behind a bathroom that may indicate a leak in the wall. Areas and concealed locations could potentially hold further damage. - When it comes to older homes
When it comes to older homes as you can well imagine more maintenance and repairs may be needed. A lot of times just to bring the house of to code multiple recommendations will need to be made but are not always done. The building materials associated with an older home may have damage that hasn’t been taken care of. In some homes manufactured in 2006 or maybe 2008 that have not been remodeled will need system change-outs such as the AC system or the water heater system that typically have a lifespan of 12 years. Some building materials back in the day may contain lead or asbestos which was a common thing to find in the sixties to the eighties. Even some roofing materials or cast iron waste pipes may already have extensive damage. - Decide on your deal breakers
It is important for you to further evaluate what you can realistically handle when purchasing a property. If you buy a property with extensive damage and don’t have the knowledge or support a deal with these issues they can really turn into a major headache. - Plumbing: what lies beneath
Check underneath sinks to spot moisture damage or leaks. Drywall repair behind showers in the next room may indicate leaks within the wall. Areas and concealed locations could hold further damage or even mold. Check what kind of drainage system may be used and try to obtain as much information as possible. - Check out the land beforehand
You want to be sure your home is not susceptible to flooding or even fire damage. Be sure driveways are not shared and get as much information on the surrounding fencing as well. Checking for the proper positioning of the building is also important. - Smell the roses (and more)
Be sure to walk the property and note any strange smells or indications of cigarettes or drug use. Sewage smells can indicate larger issues and concealed locations that could potentially hold further damage. Some plumbing companies now offer cameras that you can send through the main train to note any disturbances, blockages or other damage. - Invest in a well-insulated house
You want to be extremely comfortable on your own home. You want to be sure that the attic space, as well as any gas associated pipes or even water pipes, are properly insulated. This can reduce heating and cooling costs and keep you comfortable in the summer and winter. Double-paned windows can also save you a lot of money in the future - Get your hands on everything
Be sure to run any system you possibly can. You want to be sure everything is fully functional such as the AC system, water heater, sinks and plumbing, toilets, bathtubs and showers, light fixtures, ceiling fans or any other system that you can turn on to tested for function. - Have a home inspection done
It is extremely important to have A home inspection done, be sure to check your inspector’s affiliated association, certifications, and other training. That inspector is your first defense to protect your investment and to find problems that you will not see. Your home inspector should have tools and software that will find issues and help you understand them properly. And remember to show up to your inspection and stay the whole time to see visual representations of the problems that were found
