Things you Might Forget to Check when Buying a Home

When it comes to buying a home, it can be hard to get wrapped up in the initial tour. Everything looks so well-kept and new; it’s hard to look past any of it for potential problems. However, sellers will often fail to disclose subtle problems that can eventually turn into disasters. There are multiple things that you might forget to check when buying a home. It’s easy to remember the major items from inspections such as roof condition and major wood decay, but often you’ll forget to look into smaller problems.

The Kitchen

The kitchen might meet your standards in terms of utility and charm, but take a moment to consider the fact that it is one of the most expensive rooms in a house to remodel. A kitchen remodel can cost up to $20,000, and it’s not all that uncommon of a scenario. Pay attention to the age of the appliances, the quality of the counters (are they solid surface or laminate?), and more. Be sure to check under floor rugs for damages to laminate or tile floors.

The Shower(s)

Before you leave the bathroom during your tour, take a moment to inspect the shower for leaks or any signs of mold. A leak can be indicative of a major problem going on underneath the home, and mold is extremely dangerous for your health. Make sure to take a look at these things before signing any papers. Turn the shower off and on to make sure it runs properly with a good amount of pressure. If you  notice a problem, but are still interested in the home, it’s a good idea to have a plumber with experience examine the plumbing.

The Heating System

It’s great if a house has a strong heating system, but if it is likely to fetch you frequent repairs or costly utility bills, it probably isn’t worth the hassle. Older heating systems are typically more expensive to maintain and run; watch out for this, and be sure to speak with the owner about their experience with it. Owners may try to only give you the positives, so if they are willing to show you, you could ask to see previous gas and utility bills to determine how much the system costs to run.

The Windows

Windows can give a home life and light, but they can be the source of many of your troubles down the line if they are weak or poorly insulated. Windows are often part of the culprit behind high power bills due to not keeping heat/cold out efficiently, and depending on their mechanisms, they can be difficult to clean. Pay close attention to the windows when touring the home. Although it can be expensive to replace windows, it is often worth it if they are poorly insulated and ready to be replaced anyway.

The Air Conditioning Unit

Lastly, don’t make the mistake of looking over the air conditioning solution in the home. If the home is cooled via a central AC unit, make sure that it is newer in condition and that it is designed to save energy. It might also be wise to take caution if the home is cooled completely with window air conditioners or other methods. These types of homes are usually not worth that type of financial hit.

Buying a home can be both an exciting and stressful time. Don’t get too caught up with the aesthetics of a home until you have examined each detail the home has to offer. If you pay close attention, you’re sure to end up with the home of your dreams!