Items to Check Before Buying a Home

Whether you’re buying your first home or you’re a seasoned pro in the real estate process, there are certain items you should always make sure are in good repair before you settle on a home. This due diligence will help save you from costly and frustrating repairs in the long run. During the mortgage process, make sure your home inspector doesn’t miss anything important before your family moves in. Remember, not all inspections are covered in the standard inspection, so you may need to hire your own inspector.

1. Moisture in the Basement

If you are considering a home with a basement, make sure that it’s completely dry. Flooding can lead to dangerous mold problems. Diligently check for any signs of leaking, rotting wood in basement beams, cracks in the foundation, or a moldy or musty smell. Don’t forget to inspect the crawlspace, too. Since basements are underground, they are prone to flooding, so whether the home is new or old it’s still important to check the basement.

2. Check the Windows

Since windows are expensive to repair, make sure the ones in the home will last for awhile if you haven’t budgeted for this replacement. Make sure each window in the house opens and closes easily, doesn’t stick, and doesn’t have an unusual draft. Keep in mind that older or thin windows will allow for more air to come and go, which means you may pay more to keep your home heated or cooled.

3. Look at the Roof

While a new roof can last up to 25 years, it can be a costly repair. When you’re looking at the house, keep an eye out for cracks, holes, curled or broken shingles, and any other signs of disrepair. If the roof does need immediate replacement, be sure that you either negotiate the home price accordingly or have a separate budget set aside for such a repair.

4. Foundation Issues

Not only should you have a professional check for cracks and other issues with the foundation, but a separate professional should be checking the whole foundation and home for evidence of damage from insects like carpenter ants and termites. If the house is infested, it can be very difficult and expensive to fix.

5. Plumbing System

Run every faucet in the house to make sure the water that comes out is strong, clear, and free of taste or odor. Check under the sinks for any broken pipes, leaks, or other signs of damage. Look for telltale water spots on floors and ceilings. A leaking pipe might not be expensive to fix, but any damage to wood or mildew or mold is harder to repair.

6. Electrical Wiring Defects

Electrical wiring in a home can generally last quite a while. However, if the home is older or has been added to onto over the years, the current electrical wiring may not support as many appliances that you want to have in use at the same time. You’ll also want to check for damages to electrical wiring. Pests like rats and mice can chew through electrical wiring, which can be dangerous. According to a professional from Powerhouse Electric, home electrical wiring should be inspected if there are any signs of damage.

7. Heating and Air Conditioning

Regardless of what type of heating and air conditioning systems exist in your new home, make sure that they work. Run each in turn at a temperature that you’d commonly use and confirm that the home will get hot enough or cool enough depending on the season.

While buying a home can be daunting, crossing the Ts and dotting the Is before you move in will save you from expensive surprises in your first few years of home ownership.