Things to Look for When Buying a House

Things to Look for When Buying a HouseWhile you’ve probably decided how many bedrooms you want and maybe even if you’d like to have a patio, you probably haven’t thought about things like the sewer lines’ condition. However, there are some things like this that are really important to include on your checklist.

Healthy Bones

A home that has a solid foundation and a sturdy roof is great. However, you should know that even the smallest crack in the foundation or a few old shingles can quickly cost you a lot of money. You don’t want to ignore these issues because they could cause damage to your entire home – even its foundation. Additionally, make sure your electrical, sewer, and HVAC are all working well.

No Water Damage

Water is one of the worst things when it comes to damaging a home. It can easily destroy your entire home. Where this water is coming from can be challenging to find and difficult to correct. This is why you should watch for things like discolored rings on the ceiling, utility systems that are propped up a few inches off of the floor, and a musty odor.

Reasonable Renovations

Remember that things like ugly carpet and wild paint jobs are easy to fix. You may also consider a kitchen remodel, but make sure you add it to the cost of buying the home. This can easily average around $20,000 or higher. So, before making an offer on a house, make sure you consider any necessary renovations that will need to be made.

Windows That Easily Open

Unlike a kitchen remodel, replacing all the windows in a home is very expensive. While the original windows may look great while they’re there, if they’re painted shut or they aren’t airtight, you’ll pay more for your utilities. It’s also important to understand that windows that don’t easily open are an early sign that there’s problems with the home’s foundation.

Nothing Hazardous to Your Health

Not only do older homes have a lot of charm, they can also have a lot of mold, asbestos, radon, and lead paint. You want to look for these major issues when you’re buying a home. Unfortunately, a home inspection won’t necessarily find these things without a professional test. You can test for lead paint yourself though. Make sure you’re aware of these things before you write an offer so you can have the seller fix it for you.

A Clean Bill of “Health” with the Insurance Company

Have the sellers provide you with a C.L.U.E. (a Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange) so that you’re aware of any claims that have been filed against the home within the last 5 years. Knowing what the home has been through will tell you a lot about what you can expect. Keep in mind that too many claims will cause your insurance rate to increase.

If you find a home that you really like but you feel that it’s sorely in need of a kitchen remodel, don’t write it off your list. Hybrid Construction LLC has helped many people turn a home they like into a home of their dreams. Buy the home and give them a call so you can be living in your dream home too.

Picture Credit: paulbr75